| WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999 --> AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT |
WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT
The Ticket To Work And self-sufficiency Program
Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability beneficiaries will receive a "Ticket" they may use to obtain vocational rehabilitation (VR), employment or other support services from an approved provider of their choice. The Ticket program is voluntary.
Expanded Availability Of Health Care Services
The law includes several enhancements to Medicaid and Medicare. States will have the option to provide Medicaid coverage to more people age's 16-64 disabilities that work. And States will have the option using special criteria to permit working individuals to buy in to Medicaid.
The law also extends Medicare coverage for people with disabilities who return to work. It extends Part A premium-free coverage for 4 1/2 years beyond the current limit for Social Security disability beneficiaries who return to work.
Expedited Reinstatement Of Benefits
When a person's Social Security or Supplemental Security Income disability benefits have ended because of earnings from work, he or she would be able to request reinstatement of benefits. Beneficiaries must be unable to work because of their medical condition. They must file the request for reinstatement with Social Security within 60 months from the month of their termination.
While Social Security is making a new determination, beneficiaries may receive up to six months of provisional benefits, including Medicare and Medicaid, as appropriate. If Social Security decides that the medical condition no longer prevents the individual from working, the provisional benefits paid would not be considered an overpayment.
Continuing Disability Reviews
Social Security cannot initiate a continuing disability medical review while a Social Security or SSI disability beneficiary is using a ticket. Cash benefits may be subject to termination if earnings are substantial.
Work Incentives Outreach Program
The law directs Social Security to establish a community-based work incentive planning and assistance program for the purpose of disseminating accurate information related to work incentives. Social Security will establish a program of grants, cooperative agreements or contracts to provide benefits planning and assistance, including the availability of protection and advocacy services, and outreach. The law also directs Social Security to establish a corps of work incentives specialists within Social Security.
For additional information:
Contact
the local Social Security Office or call the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213.
Pamphlets
and other written materials will be available at local Social Security offices.
Information about the Ticket program also will be available from many other private
and government organizations that help people with disabilities.
Uatpat.org - The Utah Assistive Technology Program is designed to help you know what assistive technology is available, how to get funding for assistive technology, and to provide you with links and resources.