Benefits Training and Consulting

School-to-Work Transition and

Social Security Benefit Programs

             Fall in Sturbridge, MA

 Workshop description

The workshop covers the questions parents ask.

For years the barrier to providing students valuable work experiences has been the fear, raised by families, of jeopardizing the young person's eligibility for Social Security benefits and related medical benefits.

Many special education professionals and other professionals involved in transition services are unable to explain Social Security's programs to families.  This workshop will provide the tools to provide correct information to students and family members.

This workshop focuses on 15 to 22 year old students and the benefit programs available to them.

Topics covered during the 6-hour presentation:

Part 1:  The Basics of the Social Security Programs

1. What does Social Security mean by "disability" for children and young adults (there is a difference).

2. What benefit programs are available to children and what programs are available for young adults.

3. How are benefits awarded and why do they change.

4. The age 18 redetermination process.

Part 2:  The Supplemental Security Program - Part I  (young adults)

1. Who can receive SSI.

2. The basic structure of the SSI program.

3. How the benefit amount is determined (retrospective payment process).

4. How much can a SSI recipient earn and still be eligible for Medicaid.

5. Avoiding the "In-Kind Support and Maintenance" reduction in benefit amount.

Part 3:  The Supplemental Security Program - Part II (children)

1. The difference between "eligible" and "ineligible" individuals.

2. Deeming of parent income and resources.

3. Determination of monthly eligibility and monthly benefit amount.

4. What does deeming not apply to a child's eligibility for SSI.

Part 4:  Title II benefits available to children and young adults.

1. Dependent and survivor benefits (auxiliary benefits).

2. Childhood Disability Benefits.

3. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

4. In-the-Care-of Benefits.

5. How wage affects entitlement to the above benefits.

Part 5:  The Work Incentives available to children and young adults.

1. Student Earned Income Exclusion

2. Plan to Achieve Self-Support

3. Blind Work Expenses

4. Impairment-related Work Expenses

5. Subsidies and Special Work Conditions.

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