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UPDATED: JANUARY 2011

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INCOME SSI-RELATED BUDGETING METHODOLOGY

BLIND WORK EXPENSES

Description: For persons who are certified blind, work expenses include any expenses reasonably attributable to earning of income.

Policy: After applying the $65 plus one-half of the remainder earned income disregard, persons who are certified blind (See CATEGORICAL FACTORS BLINDNESS for categorical requirements) are entitled to a work expense disregard.

References: Dept. Reg.

360-4.6(a)(2)(xi)

ADMs

83 ADM-17

Interpretation: Certified blind A/Rs are entitled to a deduction from earned income for work expenses. Work expenses for blind A/Rs include mandatory deductions FICA, taxes, New York State Disability Insurance and lunch, transportation, union dues, uniforms, and other expenses. It includes expenses related to a guide dog, special visual aid equipment and other expenses necessary to maintain employment.

When to Verify: When a certified blind person declares that s/he is employed.

Verification: (a) Seeing bills or receipts for work-related expenses such as visual aid equipment or food for a guide dog;