2003 Red Book

• The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) amount for people with impairments other than blindness increased from $800 to $810.

• The SGA amount for people who are blind increased from $1,330 to $1,350.

• The monthly earnings amount that we use to determine if a month counts for the Trial Work Period increased from $570 to $580.

• The Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Benefit Rates increased from $552 to $564 for an eligible individual and from $829 to $846 for an eligible couple.

• The income amounts that will have no effect on eligibility or benefits for child SSI beneficiaries who are students have increased. The monthly amount increased from $1,340 to $1,370 and the yearly maximum increased from $5,410 to $5,520.

• The monthly Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance Base Premium is now $343, and the 45% Reduction Premium is now $189. The Part B Supplementary Medical Insurance monthly Base Premium is now $66.60.

A SUMMARY GUIDE TO EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT
FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES UNDER THE
SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY INSURANCE AND
SUPPLEMENTAL SECURITY INCOME PROGRAMS

A new, voluntary Social Security Administration Program for people with disabilities who want to work.

• Greater choice
  
• Expanded healthcare coverage
  
• Increased network of service providers

By 2004, all states and US territories will be involved, more than 9 million people will have learned about Ticket to Work and will make choices about entering the workplace. Contact us to learn about participating as an approved Employment Network provider.

For Ticket to Work Information:

Contact the SSA Program Manager, MAXIMUS:

Toll-Free: 1-866-YOURTICKET (1-866-968-7842)

Toll-Free TDD: 1-866-833-2967

Hours of Operation: 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. EST (M-F)

Website www.yourtickettowork.com

The Employer Assistance Referral Network (EARN) is a free national employment referral service sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, with additional support from the Social Security Administration.

EARN is designed to assist employers with recruitment and informational resources that will connect them to Employment Service Providers who have access to job-ready candidates in their community.

EARN works for Employment Service Providers and/or Employment Networks to:

• Increase Your Exposure in the Employer Community
• Expand Your Job Placement Opportunities

The enrollment process is simple. Once your organization is enrolled in EARN, you are eligible to receive job vacancy announcements from employers in your community who are also enrolled with EARN.

Learn more about how EARN will benefit both your organization and the job candidates with disabilities that you are looking to place.

Employers and organizations, contact EARN at:

Toll Free Hotline: 1-866-Earn Now or 1-866-327-6669 (V/TTY)
                              9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday - Friday

Web Site: http://www.EARNworks.com

TICKET TO HIRE, also a free national employment referral service, assists employers in hiring qualified workers with disabilities through the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work Program. We link employers to Employment Networks and State
Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies in their community that have job-ready candidates. (See page 11 for information on the Ticket to Work Program.)

Employment Networks and State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies

• Are automatically enrolled in TICKET TO HIRE. As a participating Employment Network with the Ticket to Work program, you are enrolled as an Employment Service Provider with TICKET TO HIRE.
  
  
• Will receive job postings for your service area.
  
  
• Receive additional job postings by contacting our partner, EARN, and enrolling with them also.

Employers, Employment Networks, and State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies, contact TICKET TO HIRE for additional information or to report changes (point of contact, address, etc.) at:

Toll Free Hotline: 1-866-TTW- HIRE, or 1-866-889-4473 (V/TTY)
                             11 a.m. - 7 p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday - Friday

E-mail Address: tickettohire@acs-inc.com

TICKET TO HIRE is sponsored by the Social Security Administration with additional support from the U.S. Department of Labor.

TICKET TO HIRE and EARN do not provide services directly to Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries. Beneficiaries and other individuals with disabilities must be receiving services from an Employment Service Provider, and be referred by that organization to an employer.

>>2003 RED BOOK