The Social Security Administration has released the 2011 edition of the Red Book, a reference tool that provides a wealth of information about employment support provisions (work incentives) from SSA. The Red Book covers information that is intended to support people with disabilities to enter, re-enter and stay in the workforce by protecting eligibility for cash payments and health care.
SSA expects the Red Book to be used primarily by educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals, and counselors who serve persons with disabilities, although they also expect that applicants and beneficiaries will use it as a self-help guide.
According to the SSA Red Book website, here’s what’s new for 2011:
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount for individuals with disabilities, other than blindness, is $1,000 for 2011. The amount is unchanged from 2010.
The SGA amount for individuals who are blind is $1,640 for 2011. The amount is unchanged from 2010.
The monthly earnings amount that we use to determine if a month counts for the Trial Work Period (TWP) is $720 for 2011. The amount is unchanged from 2010.
For 2011, the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Benefit Rates (FBR) are $674 for an eligible individual and $1,011 for an eligible couple. The amounts are unchanged from 2010.
For 2011, the income amounts that will have no effect on eligibility or benefits for SSI beneficiaries who are students are unchanged from 2010. For 2011, the monthly amount is $1,640 and the yearly maximum is $6,600.
For 2011, the monthly Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance Base Premium is $450.00, and the 45 percent Reduced Premiums is $248.00. The Part B Supplemental Medical Insurance monthly Base Premium is $115.40.
The 2011 Red Book, including the Spanish language version, is available online at www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook.