WHAT’S NEW IN 2009?
Automatic Adjustments Effective January 1, 2009
Demonstration Projects Update
Current Events
Automatic Adjustments Effective January 1, 2009
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
For individuals with disabilities other than blindness, we increased the earnings that indicate SGA from $940 to $980 per month in 2009.
For individuals who are blind, we increased the earnings that indicate SGA from $1,570 to $1,640 per month in 2009. Details on SGA are found in our chapter, OVERVIEW OF OUR DISABILITY PROGRAMS.
Trial Work Period (TWP) Months
We increased the amount of earnings that we use to determine if a month counts as a TWP month from $670 to $700 per month in 2009. Details on the TWP are found in our chapter, SSDI ONLY EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS.
Federal Benefit Rate (FBR)
For 2009, we increased the SSI Federal Benefit Rates from $637 to $674 per month for an eligible individual and from $956 to $1,011 per month for an eligible couple.
Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)
For 2009, the amount of earnings that will have no effect on eligibility or benefits for SSI beneficiaries who are students has increased from $6,240 a year to $6,600 a year. The amount of earnings that we can exclude each month, until we have excluded the maximum for the year, has increased from $1,550 to $1,640 a month. Details on the SEIE are found in our chapter, SSI ONLY EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS.
Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance
For 2009, the monthly Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance base premium is $443, and the 45% reduced premium is $244.
Medicare Part B Supplemental Medical Insurance
For 2009, the Part B Supplemental Medical Insurance monthly base premium is $96.40. This amount is unchanged from 2008. Details on Medicare for Individuals with Disabilities Who Work are found in our chapter, SSDI ONLY EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS.
Medicaid While Working
For 2009, we increased the Medicaid While Working State Threshold Amounts for disabled individuals. We use yearly State threshold amounts to decide if earnings are high enough to replace SSI and Medicaid benefits. The 2009 amounts for each State are listed in our chapter, SSI ONLY EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS.
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Demonstration Projects Update
SSA conducts numerous research and demonstration projects to study ways to improve services to our current and future beneficiaries. These projects can lead to ways to better serve individuals with disabilities, as well as potentially changing program rules to allow for better coordination among other federal and state programs.
Accelerated Benefits
The Accelerated Benefits demonstration project will provide immediate health benefits and employment supports when appropriate to certain newly entitled SSDI beneficiaries. Under current law, most SSDI beneficiaries must wait 24 months after cash benefits begin before they become eligible for Medicare. Thus, many have no health insurance and limited access to medical care during a period of time when access to those resources might help improve their medical condition. By accelerating benefits and receiving treatment earlier, beneficiaries may improve their ability to remain at work or the probability of returning to work. Phase I of the project began in October 2007 in New York, Phoenix, Minneapolis and Houston. Participation has now expanded to more than 50 locations nationwide.
National Benefit Offset
The National Benefit Offset demonstration project (also known as the $1 for $2 Benefit Offset) will test the effects of allowing SSDI beneficiaries to work without total loss of benefits. Participants in this project will have their monthly benefits reduced one dollar for every two dollars of earnings above a specified level. In August 2005, SSA initiated a pilot in Connecticut, Utah, Wisconsin and Vermont. Information gained from the four-state project will help guide the national demonstration project. Participant enrollment is scheduled to begin in Fiscal Year 2010.
Mental Health Treatment Study
The Mental Health Treatment Study will test the impact of increasing access to medical treatment and employment supports for SSDI beneficiaries with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia or affective disorder. The primary outcomes for the study focus on medical recovery, functioning, and ultimately, a return to employment. The project will provide outpatient treatment and/or employment services. Enrollment of participants started in October 2006 and a final report is anticipated in February 2011.
Youth Transition Demonstration (YTD)
The Youth Transition demonstration project was designed to further the President’s New Freedom Initiative goal of increasing employment of individuals with disabilities. The YTD focuses on youths ages 14-25 who receive SSI, SSDI, or childhood disability benefits, or who are at heightened risk of becoming eligible for such benefits. Currently there are seven states where the project is being funded by SSA: California, Colorado, Florida, Maryland, Mississippi, New York, and West Virginia. The project has developed service delivery systems and partnerships with Federal, State, and local entities to assist youth with disabilities to successfully transition from school, which may include post-secondary education, to employment and economic self-sufficiency.
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Current Events
To keep up with the latest developments and get information about local contacts,
visit our Internet web site at: www.socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch. This site provides information on major activities such as our demonstration projects as well as work incentive policies and other relevant resources. You can also sign up to get e-mail notices when updates are posted.
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