Ticket to Work: 2007 Rules for SSDI, Social Security Disability Insurance

In 2007, only total earnings of $640 or more is considered a 'trail work' period. If a disabled worker earns less than $640 a month in income, (after expenses), or, if self-employed, (after expenses), then there is no need to report you income to Social Security. This is a different program than 'Free Vocational Rehabilitation for SSDI Recipients'.

The Ticket to Work is briefly mentioned in articles because the federal rules change every year. Although Medicare is a federal program, it is administered differently within each state. If fall below income limits, the state you live in pays for the premiums for your Medicare part A & B.

SSDI is not Supplemental Security Income, (SSI). To be eligible for SSI or SSDI, must be disabled. The difference between the two is that SSDI is funded by the Federal Insurance Contribution Act, (FICA), that is the automatic deduction on your paycheck. FICA income taxes taken out of your pay check is the amount calculated to find your monthly SSDI benefits. The subsistence income level is different for each state and if your SSDI monthly benefit amounts falls below that particular state's income floor, then SSI kicks in to bring that disabled person's income up from below calculated subsistence level.

This article is for people on SSDI only because SSI is different for each state. SSDI beneficiaries who receive more that the state's subsistence level may still get extra help with medical expenses. The Federal Poverty Level, (FPL), for an individual in 2007 is $851 per month or $10, 210 a year.

If a SSDI beneficiary, you have no need to report any earnings to SSA if earn less than $640 a month in 2007 or self-employed and less then $640, (after expenses). If you spend more than 80 hours in your own business then there is no need to report any earnings to Social Security.

You have nine trial months to use up, which can be discontinuous, within a 60-month period. During the nine-month trial work period, there are no limits on your earnings.

AFTER the nine month trial work period, able to work and still receive benefits for up to 36 months if income is under $900. In 2007, $900 a month is considered "substantial". Medicare Part A will continue for 93 months after the nine-month trail period, after that, must pay premiums. After benefits stop, have up to five years to restart immediately without refiling a new application. There is no waiting while original disability is being reviewed.

Work expenses related to work that a disabled person must purchase - including useful daily things such as a taxi, will be deducted from the monthly earnings before determining if still eligible for benefits.

There are a myriad of Medicare Savings Programs that a person would have to dedicate themselves in learning if wish to find if eligible. Since each individual state administers each program uniquely, must go to your state office for any further information. The following definitions will help acquire entitlements that you may be eligible.

Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs) up to 100% FPL
Specified Low-income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs) up to 120% FPL
Qualified Individual (QI) up to 135% FPL
Qualified Disabled and Working Individual (QDWI) up to 200% FPL.
Medicare Part D Low-income Full Subsidy up to 135% FPL
Medicare Part D Partial Subsidy up to 150% FPL

Rules for Part D will recognize larger family units than Medicare Savings Programs.

The Social security website is hard to navigate, and takes to long to find the information with the search engine provided. For easier access to information that is not general and gets right to the point then go to medicareadvocacy.org

There are special rules for blind workers whose eligibility is calculated higher. Ask for "If you are Blind or have Low Vision - How We Can Help", publication number 05-10052 from Social Security.