[misc.handicap] SSI & Small business

Schelia.Lahti.@hnews.fidonet.org f8.n10.z1 (Schelia Lahti 911/302) (01/05/90)

Index Number: 6101

Derk, concerning your question about how much you can make,when i was
on SSI i was told i could only make $75.00 a month and still recieve
it,I DON'T THINK YOU SHOULD FORGET THE BUSNESS THO, GOOD LUCK, TYPE
BACK LATER 
                        Schelia Lahti

 # Origin: 012 The Hawk's Nest - LaQuinta, CA 210 (8:911/302.0)

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Joe.Chamberlain@f302.n141.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain) (01/05/90)

Index Number: 6113

 D> From: Derk@cup.portal.com (Derk)
 D> Message-ID: <9234@bunker.UUCP>
 D> Index Number: 5922

 D> I am willing to take a cut in SSI in hopes of increased income 
 D> from the business but how much of a cut will it be?  how much can 
 D> I earn before SSI stops?  should I forget the business and try to 
 D> be paid under the table?

If you demonstrate that you are employable, either by yourself or
others, then you no longer will qualify for SSI.  I *think* that maybe
you have a five month trail period.

Your best bet is to call Social Security and asked your questions
using a fake name.  Then decide what to do.  It is unfortunate but
many handicapped individuals settle for earning a living by getting
paid under the table.
                                -=joe=-

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Ron.Rothenberg@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.org (Ron Rothenberg) (01/05/90)

Index Number: 6143

 D> want go INC. so we can advertise and get a business phone and 
 D> not worry and hiding from the IRS and phone co.

Hi Derk, I know this is not the question you asked, but you may not
want to Inc., unless you're making a large amount of money or doing
things that have a large amount of liabliity, you may want to be a sole
propietorship or partnership.  It's worth sitting down with a CPA to
figure this out.  You don't need to INC. to advertise or get a phone,
just file the proper forms with the town or county, depending on where
you live.  

-rsr-

... There is no fate that can not be surmounted by scorn - A. Camus 

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Tom.Baughman@f13.n119.z1.fidonet.org (Tom Baughman) (01/05/90)

Index Number: 6148

 > Derk, concerning your question about how much you can make,when
 > i was
 > on SSI i was told i could only make $75.00 a month and still
 > recieve it,
 
Actually, it is much more complicated than that.  If you make $75.00, 
then money that you earn after that is deducted from your entitlement 
on a $1 for $2 baisis.  That is, for evey two dollars that you earn, 
one dollar is deducted from your SSI check.  But there are other things 
that may affect how Social Security looks at earned income.  For instance, 
if you need a car to become self-sufficient and you work, then it is 
possible that no earned income will be deducted from your SSI if you 
are putting it aside for the purchase of a car.  If you have to pay 
for certain services inorder to maintain a job, then it is possible 
that one half the cost of those services will not be deducted from 
your SSI check.  There are other regulations that affect Medicaid. 
The system is more flexible than it was in the past, there are less 
disincentives to work. 

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Ann.Stalnaker@f14.n385.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Stalnaker) (01/10/90)

Index Number: 6178

Pardon me for butting in but I believe you could make the maximum which 
is $300 a month before they would start deducting $1 for every $2 a 
person earned.  That has since been increased to $500 (as of 1 Jan 
90).  But...then you were discussing SSI and it could be that SSDI 
works a bit different.  I'm not really sure.  It's really not a fair 
system because I feel more disABLED persons would take a part time 
job if their SSI or SSDI was not affected and besides who could live 
on $300 a month or even $500 a month?
 

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Robert.Norstrand@f8.n10.z1.fidonet.org (Robert Norstrand) (01/12/90)

Index Number: 6220

AS> Pardon me for butting in but I believe you could make the maximum whic
AS> is $300 a month before they would start deducting $1 for every $2 a 
AS> person earned.  That has since been increased to $500 (as of 1 Jan 
AS> 90).  But...then you were discussing SSI and it could be that SSDI 
AS> works a bit different.  I'm not really sure.  It's really not a fair 
AS> system because I feel more disABLED persons would take a part time 
AS> job if their SSI or SSDI was not affected and besides who could live 
AS> on $300 a month or even $500 a month?
 
 
 
AS> ---
  
  
 
Ann, I'm a Quadraplegic (sp?) on SSDI (Social Seccurity Disability
Insurance) and I know I can't live on the $579 a month I get, thus I am
in a nursing home.  I tried to find a job through Voc Rehab (worked
with the Soc. Sec. office for a bit on a non-paid work experience
project) but no dice.  Now having problems with pressure sores which
make for limited sitting time.  When I was at the Soc. Sec. office SSI
recipients couldn't work at all withoutlosing ALL benefits.  The rules
may have changed since then, though.
 
                           Bob

 # Origin: The Magic RBBS, Lakeland, FL (813) 688-8151 (1:137/600) (8:925/10)

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Jerry.Pickup@p33.f1.n360.z1.fidonet.org (Jerry Pickup) (01/17/90)

Index Number: 6252

In a message to Ann Stalnaker <09 Jan 90 12:06:00> Robert Norstrand @ 925/10 wrote:

 RN> Ann, I'm a Quadraplegic (sp?) on SSDI (Social Seccurity Disability
 RN> Insurance) and I know I can't live on the $579 a month I get, thus I am
 RN> in a nursing home.  I tried to find a job through Voc Rehab (worked
 RN> with the Soc. Sec. office for a bit on a non-paid work experience
 RN> project) but no dice.  Now having problems with pressure sores which
 RN> make for limited sitting time.  When I was at the Soc. Sec. office SSI
 RN> recipients couldn't work at all withoutlosing ALL benefits.  The rules
 RN> may have changed since then, though.

 RN>                           Bob

Bob, I'm a quad too and was on SSDI until I got my job.  I received
$350 a month and paid $13 per month for a $400/month appartment.
Voc rehab paid for my attendant care and medicare took care of my
medical bills.  I didn't work so I had no regular transportation
expenses or special expenses associated with work.  I got a job
netting about $800 a month.  Lotta money, right?  Well, voc rehab
said goodbye to me right away because I was working now so I no
longer needed them, right?  Section 8 housing?  Don't qualify any
more.  I work now.  SSDI?  Nope, I'm no longer disabled.  I've
proved it by going back to work.  Transportation to/from work by
private cab company with lift vans $425/month.  Because I work I
need attendant care to get me up/ dressed/ groomed in the morning.
$200/month.  I was alot richer when I didn't work.

Welfare bums?  People who would rather collect SSDI and not bother
trying to get a job?  Not my style and I couldn't do it but I have
a new appreciation and understanding for those who do.  I'm too
poor to work!

                                    -Jerry

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Tom.Baughman@p0.f13.n119.z1.fidonet.org (Tom Baughman) (01/17/90)

Index Number: 6253

 > Tom, just saying hello. Was reading your message could you
 > tell me
 > more. When I ask if I could work, they told me what I couldn't
 > do not
 > what I could earn.
 
 
It would be best if you contacted your Social Security office and asked 
them to provide you with the guide lines.  If you are going to get 
additional training, then you would be eligible for a couple of programs 
that offer incentives in terms of keeping earned funds without loss 
of benefits.  This are the PASS and IRWE programs.  These programs 
are described in the Social Security Administrataion publication No. 
64-030, ICN 436900, October 1988, entitled A Summary Guide to Social 
Security and Supplemental Security Income Work Incentives for the Disabled 
and Blind.  I hope this is of some help.  Type to ya later! 

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Ann.Stalnaker@f14.n385.z1.fidonet.org (Ann Stalnaker) (01/17/90)

Index Number: 6297

Hi, Robert.  Yes, it is true that one cannot draw SSI when they start 
working full time but the SSDI program works a bit different.  You 
can draw SSDI for a year after you start working (if you make over 
$500 a month) which is what they consider a trial work period.  If 

your job doesn't work out, then your SSDI is not affected and will 
not be stopped.
 
I realize it is hard for some to work and I think the benefits should 
be for those who need it.  I have problems dealing with those who refuse 
to work when they can or refuse to take a job because it is not what 
they want.  Sometimes we have to do things we don't want to do until 
something better comes along.  Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying one 
should take a job that doesn't pay enough for them to live on.
 
If the ADA ever passes, I think we'll see some changes for the better. 
 I hope so.
 

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Joe.Chamberlain@f302.n141.z1.fidonet.org (Joe Chamberlain) (01/17/90)

Index Number: 6302

 SL> Just thought I'd jump into this conversation, I also fell more disabled
 SL> when I try to live by the systems rules, so for right now I draw only
 SL> SS and I work at least part time, I know some people can't work, and

        I know a girl in Florida who tried to work with her disability
and just could not earn enough to cover her expenses.  She had gone to
work on a trail basis and quit when it became evident that she wasn't
going to earn a living wage.
        It is unfortunate because she was earning good money but her
expenses because of her handicap were too much.  She needed morning
attendent care, special transportation, and numerours medical
supplies.
        Today, she collects her SS and earns an nice income under the
table doing bookkeeping at home for several small businesses.  One of
them bought her a computer system in return for services.  Another
pays her rent in exchange for services.  So she has found a way to be
productive and still live on social security.
                                -=joe=-

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Pat.Goltz@f3.n300.z1.fidonet.org (Pat Goltz) (01/17/90)

Index Number: 6306

There's something wrong with a system that makes it more expensive for a 
person to work than not to. I think that a person who works should only 
lose a total of $1 for every $2 he earns, in benefits, combined, and that 
taxes should be taken into account in determining this figure.
  Pat

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Robert.Mchale@f1045.n261.z1.fidonet.org (Robert Mchale) (01/19/90)

Index Number: 6335

There is a SSA program called P)lan to A)chieve S)elf S)upport that 
allows you to exclude your working income for up to 36 months. and
retain your Medical Insurance indefinitely.  The PASS ia years of
Congressional legislation that has until now been unused.
If Your local SSA office cannot give you the data you need(and many
cant cause they dont know what a PASS is) leave me a message and I
will send you an Info packet and give you some numbers.
A PASS is not for every disabled person who wants to work, but
perhaps you will find it helpful.
 
                                Sincerely,
 
                                Bob McHale
 
                                Peer Advocate for Disabled
                                Maryland

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Ron.Rothenberg@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.org (Ron Rothenberg) (02/02/90)

Index Number: 6556

 RR> I operate my business mostly from my bathtub (particularly in 
 RR> the summertime), using a cordless phone.  What sort of work 
 RR> would you like to do?
 RR> 

Hi Robert,

I reread my response this morning (after sending it of course) and
realize that it may be a bit curt and insensitive.  If it came across
that way, I'm sorry.  My serious point was that there are many types of
alternative employment that you can make for yourself, or with the help
of the employer.  I've molded a job that way for myself.  Just keep in
mind that not every job is 40 hours per week behind a desk.

What sort of work are you looking for?  What have you done in the past?
What do you like doing (not just at work)?

-rsr-
e

... Most Improved BBSer (1989) American Sighted BSers' Association. 

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Robert.Norstrand@f8.n10.z1.fidonet.org (Robert Norstrand) (02/10/90)

Index Number: 6632

RR> I operate my business mostly from my bathtub (particularly in the
RR> summertime), using a cordless phone.  What sort of work would you like
RR> to do?
 
RR> -rsr-
 
RR> ... The world is a vast temple dedicated to Discord. - Voltaire
 
 
Ron, I don't really know what options are open to me as I'm not that
good with the computer (I can load the programs and figure out how to
run them, but forget the technicaal stuff like programming) and other
things are rather difficult.  Could you give me any ideas?  (I tried
Amway, but the administrator woulldn't let the people who brought me my
orders onto the prooperty after they found out about it and banned the
employees from doing business with me.)  Am looking forward to a reply.

 # Origin: The Magic RBBS, Lakeland, FL (813) 688-8151 (1:137/600) (8:925/10)

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Robert.Norstrand@f8.n10.z1.fidonet.org (Robert Norstrand) (02/10/90)

Index Number: 6633

Curt, I have NEVER sold myself short (which is more than I can say for
other people, I've been sold short many times, once by my first wife). 
As I've stated in previous messages, I intend to check into Voc Rehab
again.  And as for the hunt-'n'-peck system, I use the same method but
can do it faster due to typing classes in high school.  And my arms are
limited to a large extent, also (biceps work fine, triceps are useless.
And my hands are of little help I mainly use my thumbss to type when
I'm up (both hands) and only one when in bed.

 # Origin: The Magic RBBS, Lakeland, FL (813) 688-8151 (1:137/600) (8:925/10)

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Ron.Rothenberg@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.org (Ron Rothenberg) (02/23/90)

Index Number: 6904

 GG> Ron, a most interesting message (re you finding out what you 
 GG> like to do and do the best). Maybe everyone graduating from HS 
 GG> should go thru the same thing. Even I am thinking of going thru 
 GG> it; maybe I should find out what I could/should do (for profit, 
 GG> otherwise I know quite well ...) after retirement. It is quite 
 GG> a ways yet, but it is never too early to prepare for it.

I took the tests when I got out of high school.  They said I would be
happiest as a printer, a funeral director or a builder.  I never tried
directing funerals, but I've dabbled with the other two.   I worked 10
years as a software developer.  For the first 6 years that made me very
happy.  For the last 2 years it made me very unhappy - - - people
change, professions change.  

I think it's more than the tests though, I think you need a very
perceptive vocational counselor like I had.  Most of the really
important insights came from him in the first 15 minutes.  The money I
paid him was money well spent.  Now I'm off doing work I love, work I
consider play and find immensely gratifying.  Work that may someday
soon even turn a profit.

My rabbi said to me when I was in college: Happiness is doing work you
love.  True happiness is doing work you love and getting paid lots of
money for it.  

It sounded kind of simple and silly then, but it took me 15 more years
to learn that for myself.

For those who can't afford or can't find an appropriate vocational
counselor, I suggest starting with taking the Myers-Briggs Personality
Inventory for some insight into your personality and your needs.   A
subset of the test is available in computerized form in the file
KIERSEY.ZIP on the VIBUG bulletin board and on BLINKTALK.  Have your
sysop FREQ it today!

-rsr-

... We are all in this together -- by ourselves.  - Lily Tomlin           

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