By Helen Stevens

On September 14, the Metro Chapter held a seminar on Social Security at the NFB of Minnesota headquarters.  Approximately 25 people attended, many of whom were new to the NFB.  Chapter President Rob Hobson gave a welcome and introduction, and NFB of Minnesota President Jennifer Dunnam spoke briefly about the NFB and its purpose and activities.  Cindy Lien, a member of the NFB of Minnesota and retired Social Security Claims Representative, and two employees of the Minnesota Work Incentives Connection gave the main presentations.  The seminar lasted for almost two hours, and covered a variety of topics related to Social Security and employment.  A summary of the content presented at the seminar follows.

Two programs exist through which blind people can obtain income from the government: Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance.  The two programs have different eligibility requirements, and different rules governing how additional income affects the benefit amount.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) serves people with few financial assets.  An individual must have less than $2,000, and a couple less than $3,000, in assets to qualify.  While a home does not count toward this limit, any investments and savings do.  A person who receives SSI can receive up to $710 from the federal government in monthly support, along with additional state benefits.  The exact amount of income depends on a person's living situation, as well as any additional income the person earns.

Working always increases the monthly income of a blind person on SSI.  The first $65 earned per month does not affect SSI at all.  After this point, each two dollars earned results in the loss of one dollar of SSI.  A wide range of deductions can decrease the amount of income that counts against the SSI payment.  Potential deductions may include, but are not limited to, transportation expenses, guide dog expenses, uniform costs, taxes paid, union dues, and meal expenses while at work.  One should always discuss income and expenses in detail with a Social Security representative to see what can affect benefits.  A recipient must report all income to the Social Security Administration, and should always keep pay stubs and receipts for anything claimed as a deduction.  A decrease in benefits as a result of income will be reflected in the SSI payment two months later.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program for people who have worked in the past.  The amount of SSDI a person receives is based on his or her previous income while working and the amount of taxes paid into the system.  Unlike other disabilities, a blind person's eligibility is determined by how much he or she has worked, regardless of how long ago the work occurred.  Assets are not taken into account when determining SSDI eligibility; a person may have unlimited savings.  A person's income is taken into account.  At present, the earnings limit for blind individuals is $1,740 per month; this limit is higher for blind individuals as compared to those in other disability categories.

Unlike SSI, where income gradually affects how much support is received, SSDI income is lost entirely once the earnings limit is reached.  There are programs such as the "trial work period" that allow a person to earn more for up to a year without losing benefits, but one must check to see if this is a possibility based on work and income history.  As with SSI, certain expenses can be deducted to remain below the earnings limit.  The deductions possible are more limited than those available for SSI and must be employment expenses that a non-disabled worker would not need to pay such as expenses related to a guide dog, fees for reader services not covered by an employer, and access technology not provided by the employer.  One should discuss expenses with a Social Security representative to determine what might qualify.  Anyone receiving SSDI must report changes in income to Social Security, as well as hold on to pay stubs and receipts for work expenses.

For more information on Social Security, visit the Social Security Administration website at www.socialsecurity.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.  The Braille Monitor publishes updates on changes to Social Security, including updates on cost of living increases and any changes to earnings limits.  Both NFB of Minnesota and the Minnesota Work Incentives Connection can assist those who receive a notification from Social Security regarding an over-payment.  The National Federation of the Blind of Minnesota can be reached at 612-872-9363.  The Minnesota Work Incentives Connection can also meet with individuals to discuss specific circumstances, how income would be affected by a change in employment, and provide information on other state and county financial aid programs; they can be reached at 651-632-5113.