Being on SSDI and VISTA participation

[OnSSDI]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[sandyclaus]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

Just based upon your title, I'll take a random stab at this.

I'm assuming that by "VISTA" participation, you are referring to being a VISTA/AmeriCorps volunteer? Having been one in the past, I know that they don't pay you a salary per se, but they do pay you a stipend.

The rules for SSDI are clear. ANY income you earn that can be used towards food and housing is considered income for the purpose of considering your SSDI eligibility. That means whatever stipend you earn is considered income, and counts towards your income limits. If the VISTA stipend puts you over the eligibility limit, then you may end up losing your benefits.

Of course, you are welcome to supplement with more information to help us answer your question.

 

[TheGeekess]

Just based upon your title, I'll take a random stab at this.

I'm assuming that by "VISTA" participation, you are referring to being a VISTA/AmeriCorps volunteer? Having been one in the past, I know that they don't pay you a salary per se, but they do pay you a stipend.

The rules for SSDI are clear. ANY income you earn that can be used towards food and housing is considered income for the purpose of considering your SSDI eligibility. That means whatever stipend you earn is considered income, and counts towards your income limits. If the VISTA stipend puts you over the eligibility limit, then you may end up losing your benefits.

Of course, you are welcome to supplement with more information to help us answer your question.

SSDI is NOT needs-based.

SSI IS needs-based.

 

[OHRoadwarrior]

I question how you can be a VISTA member and disabled to badly to work.

 

[sandyclaus]

SSDI is NOT needs-based.

SSI IS needs-based.

My bad. I get those two confused all the time.

 

[Onderzoek]

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500830610

Americorps payments to volunteers (stipends) are excluded from income even for SSI.

 

[sandyclaus]

https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0500830610

Americorps payments to volunteers (stipends) are excluded from income even for SSI.

Yes, with this exception:
Payments are not excluded if the CNCS determines that their value, adjusted to reflect the hours served, is equivalent to or greater than the minimum wage in effect under the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 or the minimum wage under the applicable State law, whichever is greater. The current Federal minimum wage is $7.25/hour.