NCCI Blog: February 2018

Monday, February 26, 2018

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Work Incentives Workshop

Presenter: Norman L. Karp, Certified Benefits Specialist

When: Wednesday April 18th and 25th, 10:30am - 12 Noon.

Where:

North Country Center for Independence

80 Sharron Ave

Plattsburgh, NY 12901

For more information or to register contact Norman Karp at:

Phone: (518) 563-9058, ext. 110 or (518) 354-0198

E-mail: norman@ncci-online.com

Seats are limited, so reserve your spot today!!!

Are you (or someone you know) receiving Social Security disability benefits and interested in exploring your work options?

Do you have questions about work like these ...

• Can I work and still keep my Social Security benefits?

• Can I work and keep my healthcare benefits?

• Who can help me understand how working will affect my benefits?

What are the advantages of you going back to work?

• More money! More money! More money!

• Becoming more self-sufficient

• Meeting new people

Social Security makes this possible with work incentives, such as:

• Impairment Related Work Expenses or Blind Work Expenses

• Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS Plan)

• Student Earned Income Exclusions

• Continued Medicaid Coverage (1619 B)

• Trial Work Period Months and Substantial Gainful Activity

• Expedited Reinstatement

• Extended Period of Eligibility and Extended Medicare Coverage

So, if you or someone you know wants to work but isn’t sure how to get started, this Work Incentives Workshop is the place to be!!!

Sunday, February 25, 2018

New Medicare Cards

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that they will begin mailing new Medicare cards to all people with Medicare in the near future.

Sample image of new Medicare cards

Instead of a Social Security Number, the new card will have a Medicare Number that’s unique to each person with Medicare. The new card will help protect identities and keep personal information more secure. Medicare coverage and benefits will stay the same.

Medicare will automatically mail new cards at no cost to the address on file at Social Security. So if you are on Medicare, it’s important to make sure your address is up-to-date. An address can be updated easily by signing in to or creating a “my Social Security account”.

As beneficiaries begin to receive cards, keep in mind these 3 important tips:

1. Destroy your old Medicare card right away.

2. Use your new card. Doctors, other health care providers, and plans approved by Medicare know that Medicare is replacing the old cards. They are ready to accept your new card when you need care.

3. Beware of people contacting you about your new Medicare card and asking you for your Medicare Number, personal information, or to pay a fee for your new card. Treat your Medicare Number like you treat your Social Security or credit card numbers. Remember, Medicare will never contact you uninvited to ask for your personal information.

For more information on the new Medicare cards, click here to visit the Medicare website.

This notice comes to us from Virginia Commonwealth University’s National Training and Data Center, which coordinates information programs on disability-related benefits, including Social Security Work Incentives.

For more information on benefits applications, planning, and assistance, contact Norman Karp, Benefits Specialist at the North Country Center for Independence, 518-563-9058, Ext. 110, or send an email to norman@ncci-online.com

Saturday, February 17, 2018

By The Numbers: Independent Living in New York State

The flyer below is from the New York Association on Independent Living … providing an overview of disability in New York State, and the work of Independent Living Centers throughout New York. Click each graphic to see a larger version ...

What Are Independent Living Centers (ILCs)? ILCs are community-based nonprofits run by, and for, people with disabilities. We provide vital advocacy, services, and supports to individuals so that they can live fully independent, integrated lives in their community. Why are ILCs essential? ILCs serve individuals of all ages and with all types of disabilities. In 2016, the State’s network of Independent Living Centers provided direct services to over 100,000 people with disabilities, family members, and other non-disabled individuals. ILCs serve any and all people with disabilities 43% physical disability 25% mental health disability 23% cognitive disability 9% sensory disability Approximately 25% of the individuals with disabilities served by ILCs report more than one type of disability. ILCs SAVE the state money by helping people live in the community! ILCs are incredibly cost effective, saving millions of New York State taxpayer dollars each year as a result of reducing and preventing institutionalization. Since 2001, New York’s ILCs have prevented 31,585 individuals from being institutionalized. Assisted 5,342 individuals transition from a segregated institutional setting back to the community. The Work of ILCs to transition and divert people with disabilities from institutional placement has saved the state more than $2 billion since 2001. How this translates? For every State dollar invested in ILCs, ILC transition activities save the State more than $9 in institutionalization costs. ILC funding has been stagnant for the last decade. ILC funding is not keeping pace with costs, much less inflation. ILCs have had to lay off staff — many of who have disabilities — and cut services. An additional $5 million in crucial funding would allow centers to keep providing vital services and address unmet needs — and continue to save the state money.

It’s been 27 years since the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, yet people with disabilities are still falling behind in major core indicators compared to their non-disabled peers. ILCs help to address this disparity on the individual, local, and state level. Employment New Yorkers with disabilities still face major disparities in employment compared to their non-disabled peers. 78% of working age people without disabilities are employed. 33% of working age individuals with disabilities have jobs. Only 21% of working age individuals with disabilities work full-time. Income For New York State households that do not include working-age people with disabilities, median household income is $73,800, it is only $41,700 when a working age member of the household has a disability. Poverty About 12% of working-age New Yorkers without disabilities live in poverty, whereas 30% of working-age New Yorkers with disabilities fall below the poverty line. ILC services address these disparities and assist individuals to live fully independent and empowered lives. Most frequently delivered direct services: 6,931 Vocational 6,931 Personal Assistance 8,092 Housing Assistance 8,245 Peer Counseling 17,939 Benefits Counseling 17,939 Advocacy 10,665 Independent Living Skills 8,543 Assistive Technology All ILC data from NYS Education Department, ACCES-VR; all disability status data from Cornell University. ILCs Create Community Change! ILCs address disparities by advocating locally and with the State to remove systemic barriers, making communities more inclusive and accessible for all. - ILCs advocate for affordable and accessible housing! Advocacy from the ILC network has led to the creation of invaluable programs that help people with disabilities live independently in their community, including the Access to Home home modification program and the Olmstead Housing Subsidy program. - ILCs advocate for accessible transportation! All Amtrak stations north of Albany are now accessible, thanks to a campaign by ILC advocates. In New York City, ILCs played a key role in the landmark decision to make 50% of all yellow taxis accessible by 2020. - ILCs advocate to increase integrated employment options! Most recently, ILCs successfully advocated for the State’s Employment First Initiative, which makes integrated employment with appropriate supports and services a priority. New York Association on Independent Living 155 Washington Avenue, Suite 208, Albany, NY 12210 518-465-4650 phone - 518-465-4625 fax - info@ilny.org www.ilny.org

Saturday, February 10, 2018

YouTube Videos Week, Day 5

This week, (February 5-9, 20188), we are sharing two disability-related YouTube videos each day. The idea is for more people to actually see these terrific videos, but also to remind everyone that YouTube is a great place to find amazing disability-related stories and ideas. These and other videos will also be added to a “Must-See Videos” playlist at the NCCI YouTube Channel.

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