Ask me your benefits questions…
Hi, I’m Ben,
I invite you to join me in my travels around the world where I combine my love of exotic locations with my passion for benefits counseling for people with disabilities. I’m keen to keep my Wisconsin connections by being involved with the WDBN and that’s why I will be checking my blog and answering your benefits questions as much as my travels allow.
Email your questions to me at askben@eri-wi.org.
Hi Ben!
I had a question recently about State-Only 1619(b) and assets. In getting the answer I was told State-Only 1619(b) works “just like federal 1619(b)” yet I am unclear exactly how that works as well. So, my question is this: If a person is receiving Medicaid under 1619(b) and goes over $2,000 in assets one month but then is back under $2,000 3 months later can that person go back onto 1619(b)?
Thanks for all your help, Ben! Enjoy whatever destination you find yourself in next!
Hi Ben,
I have a follow-up question to the presentation John Benbow did at the last WDBN meeting. If a person is using a Student Earned Income Exclusion, should they avoid using the telephone reporting system?
Stephanie,
Social Security’s SSI Automated Telephone Wage Reporting system (SSITWR) does have certain technical limitations, but a recipient having the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) work incentive can still use the new telephone system.
On the other hand, if a recipient has Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) or a Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS) work incentives reporting via phone is an exclusion. Someone with multiple employers in a month is also an exclusion.
For clarification or more details, contact your local Social Security office.
Ben
I am working with a couple who are planning to get married in August. They are both working and are both in 1619(b) status. He also receives an SSDI payment on his own record of $618.00. She is earning around $1450 per month and he is earning around $450 per month.
They want to know what affect marriage will have on their benefits.
I am thinking that they would both be able to stay in 1619(b) status so that wouldn’t change. Is that right? If he stopped working though he would lose 1619(b) but she would still keep it since she is working right? If she stopped working, they would both be eligible for a small SSI payment and Medicaid.
They would have the $3,000 asset limit as opposed to the $2,000. Am I on the right track? Am I missing any important things?
Thanks for your assistance!