FAQ
Is there someone who can help advise me on what expenses I could count as a Blind Work Expense?
To learn more about blind work expenses and your specific situation, you can talk to a Community Work Incentive Coordinator, sometimes called a CWIC.
A Community Work Incentives Coordinator is also known as a certified benefits counselor. Their goal is to provide accurate and up to date work incentive and benefits information.
What if I submit something as a Blind Work Expense, and it gets denied?
It could a mistake or the SSA may need more information. You can file an appeal on the item that was not counted by using the SSA form Request for Reconsideration (SSA-561-U2).
The form is available on the SSA website: https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-561.html
I have heard of IRWE’s as a work expense. Is this the same thing?
An IRWE is an Impairment Related Work Expense. Both IRWEs and Blind Work Expenses help reduce your countable income, so you can earn a paycheck and retain some or all your SSI benefits. Blind Work Expenses cover more categories than IRWEs, so more things can be deducted.
IRWEs apply to people with any disability. Blind Work Expenses apply only to those who meet the statutory definition of blindness. Unlike IRWEs, Blind Work Expenses don’t have to be related to a disability at all – remember, you can even deduct the cost of your meals or childcare while working.
IRWEs are deducted before your income is halved while Blind Work Expenses are deducted after your income is halved.
If you meet the statutory definition of blindness, Blind Work Expenses are the better option for retaining maximum benefits while also earning a paycheck.
Can I also use the PASS program?
PASS stands for Plan to Achieve Self Support. Expenses that you have deducted as a PASS expense can not be counted again as a Blind Work Expense.
If a PASS does not cover the entire cost of the item or service, you may deduct the remainder as Blind Work Expense.
In Kentucky, how can I learn more?
To speak with someone who is Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) certified:
In Western Kentucky and Louisville, call: The Center for Accessible Living (502) 589-6620
In Eastern Kentucky and Lexington, call: Goodwill (866) 336-3316