Everyone needs income to survive. Dave is no different. He works 20 hours a week, but also depends on several government benefits that provide additional income. These benefits have changed as his situation has evolved.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
One lovely summer evening when Dave was still a young child, maybe 8 years old or so, I had a meeting about benefits for people with disabilities on my calendar. I really didn’t want to go. But I forced myself because I knew I might learn something useful. It was a good choice (Dave would say that I “chose wisely”). What I discovered that evening was that, even at his young age, Dave was eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In fact, he was eligible at birth!
Dave began receiving about $400 per month when he was still living at home. Once he moved into his own apartment, his benefits increased (but not by much). That is why the Housing Voucher, which pays part of his rent, is such a vital component of his independence.
But beware. SSI has strict income limits. A person receiving SSI may not have over $2000 in resources, though they don’t count things like the house the person lives in. Watching Dave’s bank account closely to make sure he didn’t exceed that limit was a constant stressor.
Also, with SSI comes the responsibility to report Dave’s income to the Social Security Agency each month. Individuals like Dave, with limited ability to manage their own finances, can have a Representative Payee manage their benefits. I serve that role for Dave.
On that lovely summer night, I also learned that Dave was eligible for Medicaid (Medical Assistance). Medicaid pays for his health insurance, but also other things that are critical for his ability to live independently. I’ll say more about the role of Medicaid in my post on Independent Living.
Social Security
Dave no longer receives SSI. After working at Goodwill for 6 years or so, he had accrued enough “work credits” to qualify for Social Security Disability (SSDI). SSDI benefits replaced the SSI he was receiving. In addition to work credits, eligibility for SSDI is based on his disability and his wages. To keep SSDI, his wages must be less than $3,822 per month (in 2024).
If he were to earn more than the limit, he would lose SSDI. However, as I understand the program, it can be reinstated rather quickly if he becomes eligible again. But I seriously doubt that Dave will ever earn more than the limit. On the other hand, I admit to frequently underestimating him!
Along with SSDI came Medicare, which covers his health insurance. However, he continues to receive Medicaid as well. That is, he is “dual eligible.”
But there is more. Dave began receiving Social Security Retirement income when his father retired a few years ago. When a parent of a child with a disability retires, the child is eligible for about 50% of the retirement benefits that the parent receives at full retirement age. If both parents are retired, the child receives the higher of the two amounts. When the parent is deceased, the child receives 75% of the retirement benefits.
A child with a disability receives this income as long as they are unable to earn more than the limit for “substantial gainful activity,” which is $1550 per month in 2024. That isn’t likely for Dave. But if he goes over the limit and loses the benefit, it can be reinstated without much difficulty.
In summary, Dave’s income is currently a combination of his wages, Social Security Disability, and Social Security Retirement benefits. He is in good shape financially. But, maintaining his independence requires additional supports, which I’ve outlined in my post on Independent Living.