Does the Trial Work earnings threshold (i.e., $720 in 2010) that qualifies an EN for the Phase 1 Milestones apply to blind beneficiaries?
Although the concept of Trial Work level earnings usually applies only to SSDI in terms of continued eligibility for cash benefits, the Ticket regulations use this level of earnings for both SSI and SSDI for the purposes of determining eligibility for Phase 1 Milestone payments. The Trial Work earnings threshold is subject to an annual adjustment. It is the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount that has an annual blind and non-blind amount. The non-blind SGA amount for 2010 is $1,000 and the blind amount is $1,640. For the purpose of determining Ticket payments, these SGA amounts are used the same for determining eligibility for Phase 2 Milestone payments for both SSI and SSDI beneficiaries. Question: If an EN pays Ticket Holders for completing a job development or job search curriculum and the pay exceeds the minimum income requirement for Phase 1 Milestones, does that count as work and qualify the EN for Milestone payments? Answer: Job development and job search training, paid or
