What does the department consider as income when determining if I qualify for the HWD program?
When determining if you qualify for HWD, we must use a net income standard (220% FPL), which after the deductions described below, is the same as the gross income standard (450% FPL), if you are no longer receiving unearned income. Federal regulations require use of a net income standard. See examples below for determining net income.* We do not count the following amounts as part of your income before comparing it to the 220% FPL limit: • $20 from unearned income, e.g., Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefit, Veterans benefit and pension • $65 and the remainder of earned income • Impairment-related work expenses (IRWE), e.g., expenses that allow you to work • Other amounts excluded by federal statute Note: Your financial worker must approve an IRWE before we may deduct it from your income. An IRWE is a service you pay for that Medicaid does not cover, e.g., payment for vehicle modification to accommodate your disability (plus installation, maintenance, and associated repa
