The Social Security Administration has recently announced an outreach development campaign to bring access and information to eligible individuals in underserved communities to apply for Supplemental Security Income.  Since the pandemic, resources and information have shifted online, including government applications that would typically take place in person at the Social Security Administration Office. Kilolo Kijakazi, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, explained in the announcement that due to this shift, the Social Security Administration saw a steep decline in SSI applications, specifically …

Both programs prohibit payments to most prisoners. Social Security will suspend your Social Security benefits if you are confined to a jail, prison, or other penal institution for more than 30 continuous days due to a criminal conviction. Although you cannot get monthly Social Security benefits while you are confined, the SSA will continue to pay benefits to your dependent spouse or children if they remain eligible.If you get SSI, the SSA will stop your payments after you are imprisoned for a …

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA) each have disability programs.  It is possible to receive disability benefits from both; however, the criteria for receiving disability benefits through Social Security are different from the criteria for receiving disability benefits from the VA, and you must file separate applications.  For example, the VA may pay benefits for partial disability, but SSA pays disability benefits only to people with impairments so severe they prevent any substantial gainful activity (SGA).  You may …

If you receive social security benefits, you may have heard of WISE (Work Incentives Seminar Events) webinars. These are free webinars that go over various topics that are beneficial to social security beneficiaries. They cover a wide range of subjects. Last month’s topic was Ticket to Work and the Path to Employment. You can register for this month’s WISE webinar here: https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise/ArchivedWISE is known to be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month. If you miss a webinar, you …

The Ticket To Work program’s primary goal is to support Social Security Beneficiaries, also know as ticket holders, to become financially self-sufficient. Once achieved, recipients are no longer dependent on benefits.The Ticket to Work Program gives SSDI recipients a safety net to work without losing their benefits. Beneficiaries can keep their benefits while working towards gainful employment during a 9-month trial work period. In 2021, your earnings must be over $940 each month for it to be considered a trial …

The anticipation of rejoining the workforce can be frightening. You may be concerned that you will not be able to keep up with your coworkers or that your disability won’t allow you to perform in a way that shows you are excelling at the position.It is essential to take a chance and see what you are capable of accomplishing. You may surprise yourself!The best part of beginning the Trial Work Period is getting on the track to becoming self-sufficient. You …