Human Development Center

West South Central Workforce Planning and Assistance

Subsidy and Special Conditions

SSA considers the existence of a subsidy and/or special conditions when making an SGA decision. SSA uses only earnings that represent the real value of the work a beneficiary performs to decide if the work is at the SGA level.

A "subsidy" is support provided by an employer that may result in the beneficiary receiving more pay than the actual value of the services performed.

"Special conditions" refers to support provided by someone other than the employer, for example, a vocational rehabilitation agency. As a result of this support, the beneficiary may be receiving more pay than the actual value of the services performed.

"Special conditions" refers to support provided by someone other than the employer, for example, a vocational rehabilitation agency. As a result of this support, the beneficiary may be receiving more pay than the actual value of the services performed.

A subsidy or special condition may exist if:

  • The beneficiary receives more supervision than other workers doing the same or a similar job for the same pay; or
  • The beneficiary has fewer or simpler tasks to complete than other workers doing the same job for the same pay; or
  • The beneficiary has a job coach or mentor who helps him or her perform some of the work.
  • If the employer and/or other involved parties cannot or will not set the real value of the work, SSA will decide the value of the work.

Your eligibility for SSI will continue for as long as you meet the basic eligibility requirements and the income and resource tests. SSA will continue to figure your SSI payment amount in the same way as before. If your state provides Medicaid to persons on SSI, you will continue to be eligible for Medicaid.

For a complete explanation go to SSA Online and view the Redbook section or contact your local Benefits Planner by calling 1-866-YOURTICKET (1-866-968-7842).

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