Future Amendments to ADA

On September 16, 2009, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to approve a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) [HTML] | [PDF] to conform its ADA regulations to the Amendments Act of 2008. The NPRM was published in the Federal Register on September 23, 2009. The Commission has also issued a question and answer guide on the NPRM. Below is a summary of the changes made by the Amendments Act, which became effective on January 1, 2009. You may continue to check this space for periodic updates.

http://www.eeoc.gov/ada/amendments_notice.html

Any questions may be directed to: rsi5@srt.com

WIPA and PABSS Pass!!!

Commissioner Astrue -

“I want to thank Congress and President Obama for the recent passage of the WIPA and PABSS Reauthorization Act of 2009. The bill extends funding authorization for the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) and the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) programs through fiscal year 2010.

There are currently 103 WIPA programs across the U.S. working with Social Security disability beneficiaries on job placement, benefits planning, and career development. With this vital support, beneficiaries are better equipped to make informed choices about work. The PABSS program provides much-needed advocacy services that help beneficiaries navigate through an often-confusing web of Employment Networks, Social Security rules, legal issues, and employment issues. I anticipate a continuing need and increased demand for both WIPA and PABSS services, and the extension of funding allows the opportunity to further evaluate these important programs.”

For more information about these programs and the Ticket to Work program, please see www.socialsecurity.gov/work.

Any questions may be directed to: rsi5@srt.com

Changes to Medicare Part D Extra Help May Expand Eligibility

The Social Security Administration is asking partners to help spread the word about changes in the law beginning January 1, 2010, that could make more people eligible for “extra help” in paying for premiums and out-of-pocket expenses under Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage. The two most significant changes are that life insurance policies will no longer count as a resource, and income assistance received from someone else for household expenses (food, mortgage, rent, heating fuel or gas, electricity, water, and property taxes) will no longer count. A webinar on the changes will be held September 15, 2009, at 2 pm Eastern. RSVP for the webinar at http://www.ssa.gov/survey/mipparsvpsurvey.htm

For more information about Social Security work incentives, refer to the 2009 Red Book found at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/. The Red Book is a general reference tool and self-help guide designed to provide a working knowledge of these provisions. If you have any questions, please call the Social Security Administration toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local SSA office. The Social Security Administration has a very comprehensive and user-friendly web site with extensive information, publications, and forms available. In addition to the main website, specific sections are dedicated to disability issues.

You may find earlier versions of work incentive emails on the www.nebraskatickettowork.org website.

Any questions may be directed to: rsi5@srt.com

SSI: Reporting Your Wages Just Got Easier

Telephone Wage Report

Beneficiaries, deemors and representative payees reporting a change in wages can report their monthly wages to SSA by telephone. These instructions explain what beneficiaries, deemors, and representative payees need to do in order to use the SSA phone system to report monthly wages.

Beneficiaries, deemors and representative payees who would rather not report wages by telephone can use traditional reporting methods such as mailing or bringing paystubs into their local Social Security office. Monthly telephone reporters who experience technical difficulties should contact their local field office for assistance.

When you should call to report wages

You should call to report wages during the first six (6) days of the month. You can choose which of the six days to call. But, you will not be able to report wages using the special 800 number after the sixth day of the month.

Things you need to have before you to report wages by telephone

• The Social Security number of the person who is reporting wages (the caller)

• The Social Security number of the wage earner

• The TOTAL amount of gross wages for the wage earner. Gross wages are the amount of pay before taxes and other deductions.

• The Social Security number of the person who is eligible to receive SSI benefits

• The caller’s name as it appears on their Social Security card

Who is the Wage Earner?

A wage earner is the person who is working and receiving wages or payment for working. You are the wage earner if you are working and you are reporting your own wages. If you are calling to report someone else’s wages, then the wage earner is the person whose wages you are reporting wages.

Call 1-866-772-0953 and make your report.

Any questions may be directed to: rsi5@srt.com