Subsidies and Special Conditions - Social Security Disability Insurance
Subsidies and Special Conditions - Social Security Disability Insurance
A subsidy is support provided by an employer that may result in a beneficiary receiving more pay than the actual value of his/her work. A beneficiary who receives extra assistance, a reduced production rate, frequent breaks, or fewer job duties than co-workers in a similar job may qualify for a subsidy.
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What are they?
A subsidy is support provided by an employer that may result in a beneficiary receiving more pay than the actual value of his/her work. A beneficiary who receives extra assistance, a reduced production rate, frequent breaks, or fewer job duties than co-workers in a similar job may qualify for a subsidy.
A special condition is a type of subsidy. Special conditions exist when a worker receives support or services from someone other than the employer, potentially subsidizing the worker’s ability to perform SGA. State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, community rehabilitation agency, or another service provider could provide special conditions. A beneficiary who utilizes a job coach may qualify as having a “special condition”.
How do they work?
In the SSDI program, when Social Security is determining whether someone is earning above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), they will consider the value of a person’s work rather than actual gross earnings when subsidies or special conditions are present.
Social Security may ask a beneficiary’s employer to help verify if there is a subsidy. Beneficiaries can also be proactive and request that subsidies and special conditions be considered. DOR counselors can also help by providing documentation to support the subsidies claimed.
Why are they important?
When SSDI beneficiaries are working and earning above SGA, they may not be eligible to receive an SSDI check. However, if they have subsidies or special conditions Social Security will count less of their gross earnings. This may bring their countable income below SGA which means they will continue to receive an SSDI check.
Need help with this information?
DRC WIPA Intake phone number: 888-768-7058
Ticket to Work Helpline: 866-968-7842
This factsheet is funded through a Social Security cooperative agreement. Although Social Security reviewed this document for accuracy, it does not constitute an official Social Security communication. We publish this factsheet at U.S. taxpayer expense.