October 18 – Older Worker’s Employment Program
Question: I’m working with a person who is getting services through the Older Workers Employment Programs (https://www.doleta.gov/programs/factsht/pdf/older.pdf), authorized the Older Americans Act of 1965, title V. As part of this program they’ll work 20 hours per week, earning minimum wage for about a year. The beneficiary receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Are the earnings from this work experience excluded for SSDI and SSI purposes?
Answer: No. Money a person receives from this Older Workers Employment Program for any work activity is considered earned income for both SSI and title II disability benefits.
The law that authorized the Older Workers Employment Program requires that any earnings a participant receives should be excluded for the sake of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs. As a result, many people get confused and think this exclusion extends to Social Security related benefits. It does not.
Would you like to find out more about WIPA and your benefits? Contact your statewide WIPA Program-Project 20/20 if you have questions like our Daily Tips or want to learn more about working while receiving social security disability benefits. Call our North Augusta office at 803-279-9611 or the Ticket to Work Helpline at 1-866-968-7842. You can also complete a Contact Us or Self-referral Form.