Disability Terms and Definitions

Blind Work Expenses (SSI) If you are blind, when we determine your SSI eligibility and payment amount we do not count any earned income that you use to meet expenses in earning the income. Benefit Year The 52 consecutive weeks for which you are eligible to receive unemployment benefits. The benefit year begins on the day that you file for unemployment benefits. IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Section 1619(b) Status The special SSI recipient status for Medicaid purposes provided to working disabled or blind individuals when their earnings make them ineligible for regular or special cash payments. ADAAG ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities Benefit Percentage The benefit payable is usually determined as a percentage of the insured's pre-disability income up to an overall maximum benefit amount. Own Occupation (Own Occ) Under this definition, an insured will be considered disabled only if he or she is unable to perform the duties of his or her occupation. Social Security and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Monthly cash benefit administered by the federal Social Security Administration (SSA) to retired or disabled workers and their qualified dependents. Beneficiaries must be 62 years of age or older, or disabled, and have enough work "credits" to be qualified. Outcome Payment System The system providing a payments under the Ticket to Work program to an employment network for each month, up to a total of 60 months, during which Social Security disability benefits and Federal SSI cash benefits are not payable to a beneficiary because of the performance of substantial gainful activity (SGA) or by reason of earnings from work. Cost-of-living adjustments Each January, your benefits will increase automatically if the cost of living has gone up. For example, if the cost of living has increased by 2 percent, your benefits also will increase by 2 percent.

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	Did You Know?
	Disability Insurance Benefits is a coverage provided by the government If your Disability Insurance Benefits claim is approved, the monthly payment you will receive is set by your earnings (and Social Security tax payments) during your working career. There is no minimum rate. A person must prove that he or she became disabled while disability insurance coverage was in force or you are not entitled to Disability Insurance Benefits