Chapter 9 of 128.0% of exam

Community Resources and Partnerships

This domain covers Social Security programs and work incentives, advocacy programs, one-stop partnerships, and counseling clients on how work affects benefits. Dollar thresholds change every year, so learn the rules and look up the current figures.

SSDI and SSI basics

The two programs have different eligibility bases and different work incentives, which is the source of many distractors. Clients frequently receive both, which complicates benefits counseling. The trial work period and extended period of eligibility belong to SSDI only. Current monthly thresholds are published by SSA each year.

Eligibility basis
SSDI depends on work history; SSI is needs-based on income and resources.
SSA program pages
Trial work period
SSDI only: 9 service months, not necessarily consecutive, within a rolling 60-month period.
20 CFR 404.1592; SSA TWP page
Extended period of eligibility
A 36-month re-entitlement period follows the trial work period; benefits can restart without a new application.
SSA Red Book

Work incentives

Work incentives let clients try work without losing needed support. Several apply only to SSI or only to SSDI. Benefits counseling helps clients see that working usually increases total income. Items often ask which incentive fits a described situation.

Earned income exclusion
SSI disregards $65 of earnings plus one-half of the rest, after any unused $20 general exclusion.
SSA Red Book
PASS
SSI income set aside for an approved work goal is not counted.
20 CFR 416.1180
IRWE
Out-of-pocket costs of impairment-related items and services needed to work are deducted when judging SGA.
20 CFR 404.1576
Section 1619
1619(a) continues SSI cash at SGA-level earnings; 1619(b) continues Medicaid when earnings end cash payments.
SSA Red Book

Partners and advocacy

Clients reach services through several doors, and some programs exist specifically to help clients challenge decisions. The one-stop system under WIOA links VR with other workforce programs. The Client Assistance Program helps clients who disagree with VR decisions. Employment Networks are an alternative to state VR for Ticket holders.

Ticket to Work
Disability beneficiaries aged 18 to 64 may assign a ticket to one Employment Network or VR agency at a time.
20 CFR 411.125; 411.140
Client Assistance Program
Advises and advocates for VR clients and applicants.
34 CFR 370.1
One-stop intake
A common intake application at a one-stop center requesting VR services counts as a VR application.
34 CFR 361.41(b)(2)

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