Why is SSA so confusing?
No question about it, SSA disability rules are confusing. The rules for Social Security Disability beneficiaries who work are confusing for three (3) primary reasons. I hope that after reading this post you will have a good understanding of why the programs are confusing and know where you can go to get good information, resources, and advocacy about the SSA incentives and rules for beneficiaries who work. I hope you will also consider choosing to work.
Here are the three reasons why SSA Disability rules tend to be confusing.
1. Two programs with similar names & different rules.
2. Required to have one system that treats all beneficiaries the same regardless of disability type.
3. SSA does not always communicate well.
Two programs.
Social Security pays benefits under two different programs with very similar names SSI and SSDI. Both benefits can be paid to individuals with disabilities. Despite how similar the names are the programs are actually very different and authorized under different sections of the Social Security Act.
SSI - Social Security Income
SSDI - Social Security Disability Insurance
The two program have differnt rules for income, earnings resources and if dependents are elgible for benfits.
The two programs also have different incentives to encourage beneficiaries to return to work. I see a lot of cases where parents, teachers, PWD or other helping professionals compare situations or advise based on another beneficiary’s benefit. When this happens, the wrong rules are applied, or rules are mixed. This leads to overpayments, stress, financial difficulties as benefits are stopped unexpectedly, and a reluctance to try work again.
One system to consider diverse needs.
The second reason why the rules are confusing is necessary. SSA must have one set of rules that allows the agency to evaluate the productivity of each individual regardless of what type of disability they have. SSA also considers the disability related expenses necessary for many of us to work. The impact and associated work expenses for an individual with a sensory disability are likely very different than those for an individual with a mobility disability. The work rules take those unique variables into account when evaluating work.
Poor Communication
The final reason is the most unfortunate. SSA doesn’t always communicate well. I regularly hear stories from beneficiaries where they went to a local office or called the SSA’s toll free number and were given in formation that was confusing or not completely accurate. All staff in the field offices receive training on the disability programs and work incentives. You may now be wondering, “If the staff have training, why don’t they understand it better?” or “Why can’t they explain it better?”
Individuals with disabilities account for approximately 13% of all individuals who receive benefits under Title II of the Social Security Act. (SSA OASDI Beneficiaries by State and County 2019). Due to myths, misinformation, and fear; only a very small percentage of those beneficiaries try to return to work. Disability and work issues aren’t something they see on a regular basis. Those staff are in a similar position as someone who graduated college with a psychology degree trying to remember algebra. They had the class, they got a good grade, but since they don’t use the information; it gets forgotten or confused.
The staff who review your work and earnings are usually in the back of the house. Unfortunately, in larger offices, they have very large case loads and don’t always have time to talk with beneficiaries who “walk in” You can reach them via telephone and request an appointment via phone or in person.
Now, you are probably thinking “There’s no way I can figure this out on my own”. You don’t have to! SSA provides resources to help. All these resources are available to beneficiaries at no cost. Benefit Planning and Assistance services are available through the Ticket to Work Program. Benefits planning provides beneficiaries with accurate and individualized information about your benefits and how work will impact those benefits. Benefits planners can also serve as an advocate with SSA as you use the work incentives and transition from benefits to work.