Myth 6: I Can't Afford to Work

I’m thinking about going to work but I don’t know how I will be able to afford the new expenses for clothes, transportation, meals, and additional hours of personal assistance services.You may need to pay for transportation to get to and from your job, or you may need to buy special tools or equipment. The following programs can help you with these and other costs.

Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWEs)

Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWEs) and Blind Work Expenses (BWEs) are disability-related expenses you pay for out of your own pocket, so that you can work. Some examples are assistive technology, specialized office equipment, and transportation expenses. You may be able to deduct these expenses when calculating your income so that your countable income is lower. And by lowering your countable income ,you may be able to get higher SSI benefits, or keep getting SSDI benefits when you are earning more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level (in 2024 the SGA limit is $1,550; $2,590 if you're blind). If you have questions about this, talk to a Work Incentive Consultant.

Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)

If you get SSI and/or SSDI benefits and have a specific work goal, you may be eligible for the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program. This program allows you to save money from your earnings and/or your SSDI benefits to pay for expenses related to your work goal. While using a PASS, you will continue getting SSI benefits to pay for your living expenses. PASS funds have to be kept separate and you have to keep records of your PASS expenses.

Social Security employs special staffers called the PASS Cadre to help you set up and understand your PASS. For more information, read DB101's PASS article or talk to a Work Incentive Consultant.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)

In some situations, Vocational Rehabilitation can help pay for the costs of assistive technology, tools, and equipment related to your new job. VR can help you and your employer to figure out which services you need, regardless of who is paying for the service. If you are not working, you and a VR counselor can develop a plan to help you reach your work goals. If you are already working, you and a VR counselor can develop a plan to help you keep that work. To read more about VR services and locate an office in your area where you can apply, click here.