We hope you enjoy many gifts this holiday season. And remember, sometimes the best gifts don’t come in packages. Just in case, it’s a good idea to learn how gifts are viewed by Social Security for the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) programs. Let’s start with the easy one: SSDI. Gifts do not affect SSDI …
Continued Medicaid Eligibility While Working: Section 1619(b)
If you could keep your Medicaid coverage AND earn enough money to get off of SSI, would you? Many people would, but don’t even know it’s even a possibility. I have good news for you! Continued Medicaid Eligibility, or Section 1619(b), is a work incentive that allows people to keep their Medicaid even if their earnings are so high that …
Free Writing Assistance with Your Job Search
Free, One-On-One Help for Madison Area Residents Sometimes the hardest part of getting a job is getting started. Summarizing your entire work and life experiences in a single resume and cover letter can be daunting. And navigating the web, asking people you know for help, on top of reading and filling out forms and applications, can be downright scary. Did …
Your DVR Case Closed. It May Be Time for Ticket to Work!
If you have a disability and an employment goal, the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) can provide services to help you prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. In many cases, once you get a job and maintain that job for 90 days, your DVR case closes successfully. But what happens next? When you receive your DVR case closure letter, …
Get a New or Better Job: Step One: Identify Interests
People often think the first step in a job search is writing a resume, but that isn’t true for everyone. Before diving into a job search, it’s important to consider the types of jobs that you are interested in and the skills you most enjoy using. If you haven’t been interested in or passionate about your past jobs, it probably …
Work from Home: Career Exploration Tips
Work from home jobs are appealing to many people, including to those with disabilities. Not only does it eliminate transportation barriers, but it saves money in gas, vehicle maintenance, and clothing. A common question asked of ERI’s employment specialists is “How can I get a job that I can do at home?” Work from home job opportunities have increased dramatically …
Unknown Assets and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries occasionally learn they own a countable asset they weren’t aware of. For example, a beneficiary may discover that a relative had purchased stock for them and it has a cash value. In this type of situation, Social Security first determines if the SSI beneficiary has: If so, the asset is a countable resource for SSI, …
Free Tax Preparation Services
If you’re like a lot of people, you may have waited until now to start thinking about doing your taxes… and may be wondering how you’re going to get them filed by April 15th. Don’t panic — we have good news! You may be able to get free help to prepare your taxes. My Free Taxes is a safe, online …
Ask Ben: How Do I Use SSA’s Online Service?
Yodel-ay-he-hoo! I’m here in the Swiss Alps, learning to yodel and enjoying the beautiful mountains. Did you know herders use yodeling to call their stock, and that the sound of a yodel can travel between Alpine villages? I’ll give my voice a rest and answer a question from Dua about how to get in touch with Social Security. And I …
Social Security, Benefits and Taxes
Benefits Specialists normally do not assist clients with their taxes unless they are qualified tax preparers. However, they should have a general knowledge of how Social Security benefits may affect a person’s taxes and what credits may be available to their consumers. Title XVI and Title II Benefits are Treated Differently All Title XVI (Supplemental Security Insurance or SSI) payments …