KATS Network

Blind Work Expenses

Social Security Administration

Overview:

Administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA), the blind work expenses program is a work incentive program for persons who are blind that receive SSI and/or SSDI benefits. The program permits a person who is blind to exclude earned income which is used to meet the expenses of working. The expenses need not be related to blindness. Examples include the portion of a person’s earnings used to pay income taxes, social security taxes, union dues, meals consumed during work hours, transportation costs, or guide dog expenses. (This list is not all inclusive.) A blind person could earn up to $1350 a month in 2004 before your earnings affect your benefits. The income level for blind workers changes each year to reflect changes in general wage levels. These same blind work expenses can be deducted, under certain circumstances, from earned income to determine an SSI beneficiary’s countable earned income. Thus, the cost of many AT devices and services required for employment can be paid for by employment earnings that would otherwise have reduced the disabled person’s SSDI or SSI benefits.

Eligibility Requirements:

Person must be determined blind by SSA
Person must meet all of the eligibility requirements for SSI or SSDI with the exception of income and/or resources
If SSI is not received because of excess income or resources, deducting blind work expenses may help an individual to qualify for SSI.
Blind work expenses are deductible for substantial gainful activity (SGA) and SSI payment purposes when:
- the expenses are directly related to enabling an individual to work,
- the cost is paid by the person that is blind and is not reimbursable by another source such as Medicare, Medicaid, private insurance, etc., and
- the expense is reasonable (e.g., it represents the standard charge for the item or service in the person's community).

AT Services Provided/Covered:

No AT services are provided/covered

AT Devices Provided/Covered:

Vision/Hearing Equipment
Speech Communication
Learning, Cognition and Developmental
Mobility, Seating and Positioning
Daily Living
Environmental Adaptations
Vehicle Modifications
Computers and Related
Recreation, Sports and Leisure Equipment

Application Process:

Contact the SSA office at (800) 772-1213 to discuss and develop your work plans and blind work expenses exclusions. Ask to speak with an employee who is knowledgeable about SSA work incentives.
The Social Security Administration field office determines whether expenses may be deducted from earnings. In making this determination, the field office may:
- Request the beneficiary or the representative to verify the need for the work-related expense (by telephone or in writing); and
- Ask a beneficiary or representative if the person is paying for the item/ service and to submit proof(s).

Contact Information:

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Toll Free: (800) 772-1213
Website: http://ssa.gov

Additional Information:

The cost of work related expenses, items and services that a person needs to work are deducted from gross earnings, even if these items and services are also needed for non-work activities. The deductions can be made only if the cost of the item or service is paid by the person with the disability, and the person has not been, and will not be reimbursed for the expense.

You can access the most recent edition of the Social Security Red Book at: http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook

Bridges & Potholes:

Bridges

Because the person is essentially paying for the AT with his or her own money, he or she will own the AT device(s).

Potholes

The AT must enable the person to perform a job, get to a job or maintain employment.

S	M	T	W	T	F	S
			1	2	3	4
5	6	7	8	9	10	11
12	13	14	15	16	17	18
19	20	21	22	23	24	25
26	27	28	29	30

“Disability Solutions through Technology”

Site Navigation