Work incentives are special rules that let people with disabilities work and keep their benefits.
Impairment Related Work Expenses are expenses that you pay, that are related to a physical or mental impairment, and that you need to work. Some common examples are medications and supplements (co-pays for prescriptions, over the counter medications, or vitamins) and durable medical equipment or assistive technology. You can deduct the cost of the expense from your countable income, so that less of your income counts and you can keep more of your SSI check and have more money available every month.
If you are wondering if an expense will count as an Impairment Related Work Expenses, ask yourself these questions:
If you said yes to all 3, you have an Impairment Related Work Expense!
To report your Impairment Related Work Expense, you need receipts for the expense. Social Security may ask you questions about the expense, and you may need to explain how the expense relates to an impairment and helps you to work.
You can use this template or a similar one to report Impairment Related Work Expenses.
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To Do: Think about any expenses you have that may be related to a physical or mental impairment, including medications or supplements that you take regularly. Go through the 3 questions to find out if they qualify as an Impairment Related Work Expense. If they do, find your receipts and submit them to Social Security. If they are ongoing expenses, make a plan to submit receipts every month.
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