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Train the Trainer

Train the Trainer. Training Objectives. Motivate consumers towards a more productive and independent living Use the DB101 to support consumers to makes plans to work, and plan a transition to self-sufficiency (employment) Implement DB101 into everyday practices

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Train the Trainer

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  1. Train the Trainer

  2. Training Objectives • Motivate consumers towards a more productive and independent living • Use the DB101 to support consumers to makes plans to work, and plan a transition to self-sufficiency (employment) • Implement DB101 into everyday practices • Increase measurable, program- and consumer-desired outcomes through DB101 tools and information • Utilize DB101 Partner’s tab for resources and data collection • Provide DB101 technical assistance and training to peers/colleagues • Not to learn to be Work Incentive Consultants! 2

  3. Competencies • Engage in motivational messaging to promote employment • Discuss in general terms the impact of working on benefits • Introduce DB101 and encourage the consumer to access it • Dispel myths about what happens to specific benefits • Point out articles that are helpful to consumers needs • Gather basic information and identify types of benefits • Know when to use and how to interpret DB101 calculations • Know when to refer to a Work Incentive Coordinator • Provide DB101 technical assistance and training to peers/colleagues through the WIIN Network of Trainers – This is a Train-the-Trainer Session • Not to learn to be Work Incentive Consultants! 3

  4. By empowering people through a shared, unified, accurate message, we can assist people who have disabilities make informed decisions and explore employment options that lead them out poverty to a more financial stable life. • Technical assistance and support for a DB101 users • Monthly Train-the-Trainer sessions for service providers • Network coordination of trained DB101 trainers to peer organizations for training • Input and maintenance Subject Matter Expert of AZ DB101 • Technical assistance and support to facilitate system (cultural) change of employment and financial well being for people who have disabilities

  5. Who are We 5

  6. We believe that the opportunity to fully participate in the political, economic and social life of our own community is a basic human right. The existence of a disability which inhibits personal function is not, in itself, a reason to deny those rights. Independent Living Philosophy

  7. Ability360 Programs • Information & Referral • Independent Living Skills Instruction • Living Well with a Disability • Socialization Through Recreation • Home Modification • Community Life Options • ADA Services • Transition • Reintegration from Nursing Homes • Early Intervention to People Newly Disabled • Empowering Youth in Transition

  8. Ability360 Programs • Peer Support / Peer Mentorship • General Volunteers • Individual & Systems Advocacy • Work Incentives Planning and Assistance • Benefits 2 Work • Theatre360 • This is My Life • Ability360 Employment Services • Ability360 Sports & Fitness Center • Home Care Services (HCS)

  9. Pinal-Gila County Office 1419 N. Arizona Blvd. Coolidge, AZ 85128 520.316.4300 Pima County Office 1001 N. Alvernon Way Tucson, Arizona 85711 520.561.8861 • Mesa Office • 1580 N. Fiesta Blvd. Suite 101, Gilbert, AZ 85233   • 480.655.9750 • Glendale Office • 6829 N. 57th Ave. • Glendale, AZ 85301 • 602.424.4100 Main Office Ability360 Center 5025 E. Washington St. Ste. 200 Phoenix, AZ 85034 602.256.2245 Locations

  10. DB101One Support Tool for All

  11. DB101 Empowers • With little to no knowledge, a person can start their own process. No need to be an expert. • DB101 can help answer consumers questions. • DB101 gives permission to take control of the process and provides information in gradual layers as individuals need it. • Information provides a sense of control that enhances outcomes. 11 11

  12. DB101 is more than just benefits! • Key Programs and Eligibilities • Articles Related to Different Significant Life Changes • Independent Living • Programs Supporting Work • Housing • Asset Building • ACA Questions and Resources • Links To Resources, Organizations, Services and Programs • And Much More www.az.db101.org

  13. DB101 User Experience • Easy to navigate • Information provided in layers in easy-to-read articles • User friendly work and benefits calculators • “Next Steps” access to local, state, and national resources • Click on definitions and question boxes throughout the site • Useful Search and Site Map leads to desired section • PáginasenEspañol • Linkage and reference throughout to Need More Help:

  14. DB101 and Youths • The Youth and Benefits section have several articles to assist in understanding benefits as well as: • Getting a Job • Creating the Perfect Transition Plan • Key Programs and Eligibilities • Age-18 Redetermination • Independent Living • Higher Education • Parents Focus Section • And Much More

  15. Support Staff Those who help individuals who have disabilities with getting or coordinating services • Don’t tell people they will lose benefits if they go to work. • Benefits can be used as a bridge to work. • Work incentives are available to help you transition to work and self-sufficiency. • In general, people who have disabilities don’t need to worry about losing healthcare coverage if they go to work. • Understand the basics and encourage the use of DB101 for information and contact resources. 15

  16. Support Staff Message of Encouragement • People who have disabilities can and do work. • Cash benefits from Social Security do not have to be a lifetime thing. • It for the short term • Work incentives can be used to become more self-sufficient through employment • The interaction of public benefits and work is complicated. • Many resources out there to help your situation • There are avenues to continuing your healthcare coverage if you work. • You should take a look at DB101. 16

  17. Direct Staff Service professionals whoprovide direct or coordinate employment-based services • Need to have a more in depth knowledge of work incentives and benefits. • They should be able to review the results of a calculator session and be able to explain it to the consumer/family. • Should use DB101 along with the consumer, either through person-to-person or shadowing them through the tool. • Incorporate DB101 into the employment planning process and add results pages to the employment plan. • Should know when to refer a consumer directly to the Benefits 2 Work Arizona program. 17

  18. Direct Staff Message to Dispelling Myths Supplemental Security Income: • The SSI cash amount is determined by a formula. • You always have more money if you work. • SSI Medicaid continues as long as you get any SSI. • If you work your way off SSI, you can still buy into Medicaid through AHCCCS Freedom to Work. 18

  19. Direct Staff Message to Dispelling Myths Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): • You either get a check or you don’t based on earnings and what “phase” of work you are in. The rules are different at each phase. • Even if the check stops because of earnings, you have several years you can get back onto benefits without going through the whole application process again. • Medicare continues as long as you get a check and continues even after that for many years. • You can get AHCCCS Freedom to Work (Medicaid) to wrap around that Medicare coverage or replace when it stops 19

  20. Code Word: Employment Power to Empower

  21. More than Employment • Empowerment • Community Inclusion • Increase Self-Worth • Moving out of poverty • Creating a better life • Opportunity to Dream

  22. Employment Equals Opportunity • Jobs are about belonging to something larger than our own situation, and our family’s situation. • Even when a job does not work out there are more winners than losers - the consumer; their family; benefit programs; and the community. • A “failed” job is a learning opportunity and experience. • Moving out of poverty is about creating a better life. 22 22

  23. Social Security Basics

  24. Social Security DisabilityDefinition Child Under 18 • A child under 18 is considered disabled if the child has a physical or mental impairment which: • Causes severe functional limitations, and • Has lasted or can be expected to last for at least 12 months, or • Can be expected to lead to death • There is a disability redetermination at age 18.

  25. Social Security DisabilityDefinition Over 18 - the definition changes • According to Social Security, a person over 18 is considered disabled if the person has a physical or mental impairment which: • Prevents the person from any Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) - earning a certain amount of money, and that • Has lasted or can be expected to last for at least 12 months, or • Can be expected to result in death Ticket to Work & Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999

  26. Receiving SSI benefits?Supplemental Security IncomeTitle XVI

  27. SSDI & SSIDifferent Programs - Different Rules Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Title XVI Means Tested • Amount of cash benefit is based on financial need and details of living situation. • The SSI cash amount is determined by a formula. • SSI Medicaid continues as long as SSI eligible. • Always have more money by going to work. • Based on financial need. • Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) of $771 (individual) is maximum payment amount and $1,157 (couple). • $2,000 resource limit($3,000 for couples) • Medicaid (AHCCCS) * 2019 figures. SSI 27

  28. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Means Tested = Benefits Based on Need • Program provides cash benefits to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. • $771 is maximum payment amount ($1,157 couple). • Medicaid (AHCCCS) • Amount of cash benefit is based on financial need and details of living situation. * 2019 figures. SSI 28

  29. SSI Work Incentives • Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) • Blind Work Expenses • Income Exclusions: General $20 & Earned $65 • $2 for $1 Reduction • Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) • Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) • Expedited Reinstatement • Medical Coverage when working: • 1619(b) • Medicaid Buy-In/AHCCCS Freedom To Work SSI 29

  30. SSI and The Formula • SSI uses a formula and as unearned and earned income increase, the SSI check is decrease. • Start with gross monthly wages • Subtract General Exclusion ($20) • Subtract Earned Income Exclusion ($65) • Subtract Impairment Related Work Expenses • Remainder divided by 2 (2 for1 Reduction) • Equals total “Countable Earnings” • Subtract Countable Earnings from SSI cash benefit • Equals new SSI check amount SSI 30

  31. SSI: Healthcare and Work • If the SSI check goes to $0 due to earnings, an individual still qualifies for free Medicaid through 1619(b) • No premium • Higher medical expenses may change the annual gross limit Medicaid Buy-in (if above annual gross limit) • AHCCCS Freedom to Work • Must be working • Maximum monthly premium is $35. SSI 31

  32. Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) • Allows an SSI recipient to set aside income or resources to achieve a specific work goal. • Income used for expenses will not effect SSI benefits • May be used by SSDI beneficiaries if they qualify for SSI Work Goal Examples: • obtaining education/vocational training • starting a business • assistive technology SSI 32

  33. Student Earned Income Exclusion • Allows SSI recipients that are under 22 and attending school at least half-time to work without decreasing their SSI benefit. • Up to $1,870 each month with an annual cap of $7,550 Attending school half-time: • In college at least 8 hours a week • In grades 7-12 at least 12 hours a week • In (some) training classes 12-15 hours a week SSI * 2019 figures.

  34. Receiving SSDI benefits?Social Security Disability InsuranceTitle II

  35. SSDI & SSIDifferent Programs - Different Rules Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)Social Insurance • Either get a check or don’t based on earnings and what “phase” of work. • The rules are different at each phase. • Can get back on benefits without reapplying if check stops due to earnings. • Medicare continues as long as a check and even after that for many years. • Based on an individual’s work history & amount paid into the system. • Deceased or retired parent’s or spouse work history. • Childhood Disability Beneficiary (age 18) • Medicare . SSDI 35

  36. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) • Benefits are based on an individual’s or insured workers work history. • Payments vary according to the amount paid into the system. • 24-month Qualifying Period for Medicare SSDI 36

  37. SSDI Work Incentives • 9-Month Trial Work Period (TWP) • Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) • Subsidies • 36-Month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) • Medicare Extension • Expedited Reinstatement • Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS)* SSDI 37

  38. Trial Work Period (TWP) • Nine trial work months occurring within a rolling five-year window when you can work and continue to get your full SSDI benefit. • Do not need to be consecutive. • Triggered by earnings over $880 gross a month. • Full SSDI check continues. * 2019 figures. SSDI 38

  39. Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) • After Trial Work Period, SSA will use SGA to determine if a beneficiary continue to be receive SSDI cash benefits. • SGA threshold “countable” earned income of $1,220 or more ($2,040 or more who are legally blind). • SGA is not just a number! • There are other factors to consider. * 2019 figures. SSDI 39

  40. Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE) • Documented expenses paid for by the individual for disability-related items necessary for work can be reduced from countable monthly income. • Verified by receipts and approved by Social Security Examples: • Medication (cost/co-payment) • Assistive Technology • Durable Medical Equipment • Some transportation costs • Dr. Appointments SSI 40

  41. Blind Work Expense(BWE) • Individuals who are blind as defined by SSA can deduct items not directly related to their blindness. Examples: • Transportation • Uniforms • Professional licenses • Guide Dog expenses • Readers & Drivers • Various trainings • Taxes SSI 41

  42. Wage Subsidy & Special Conditions • On the job support received or special conditions given by an employer or by a third party • May result in pay that is higher than the actual value of the service performed • Apply after Trial Work Period Examples: • job coaching services • extra supervision • lower productivity • fewer assigned work tasks SSDI 42

  43. Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) • 36 month period after Trial Work Period • Continue to get your SSDI cash benefits during months “countable” earnings are less than a certain amount (SGA) • If “countable” earnings are more than that amount (SGA), you will not receive your SSDI cash benefits • Still in eligibility status • If earnings drop, your SSDI cash benefits can restart • Medicare continues during the EPE SSDI 43

  44. Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) • SSDI and SSI Beneficiaries who stop working due to their medical condition may restart benefits without reapplication. • Must continue to meet the medical definition of disability and not be earning over SGA. • May receive benefits for up to 6 months during re-determination. • Available for up to 5 years after your benefits end. Both SSI & SSDI 44

  45. Healthcare and Returning to Work:SSDI and Medicare • Medicare coverage continues for at least 93 months (7 years and 9 months) after Trial Work Period ends. • SSA continues to pay for Part A (Hospitalization) premium. • Beneficiary is responsible for Part B (Health care) premium. • Subsidy programs are available to assist with premiums. • If working, a beneficiary can purchase Medicaid coverage – AHCCCS Freedom to Work. SSDI 45

  46. AHCCCS Freedom to Work (FTW) Medicaid Buy-in • Provides health coverage to working people with disabilities who may not otherwise eligible for AHCCCS Eligibility: • U.S. citizen or qualifying noncitizen • Aged 16 – 64 • Determined blind or disabled • Working • Making up to $5,143 per month (equals approx. $61,716 annually) • Monthly premium of $35 or less * 2019 figures. Both SSI & SSDI 46

  47. SGA Impact on Benefit Check Countable earnings above SGA * = No benefit check SGA Threshold - $1,220 Non-Blind/$2,240 Blind Countable earnings below SGA * = Benefit check *After deductions for IRWEs and subsidies * 2019 figures. SSDI 47

  48. Social Security is Confusing AZ DB101 is the Answer! Arizona Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) is a user-friendly online tool that helps work through the myths and confusion of Social Security benefits, healthcare, employment, and more. • Provides online tools and services • Ease fears • Empower people and their families • Assist in making informed decisions that will lead to a more financially productive life www.az.db101.org Arizona DB101 is maintained by Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration.

  49. Benefits Planning Tips • Reporting Requirements • Report income to Social Security by the 10th of the next month. • Report ALL changes to SSA! • Income and other life changes that can affect benefits • Notice of Action • Read all letters from Social Security. Most actions need to take place within ten (10) days. • You may have a right to appeal decisions. Both SSI & SSDI 49

  50. Work Incentives Work Incentive Planning & Assistance (WIPA) Work incentive services throughout Arizona Benefits 2 Work Arizona is an program of Ability360 supporting Social Security beneficiaries who have disabilities in their transition to work. 1-866-304- WORK (9675) 50

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