FAQ@DLL
IRWE:
Work Incentive
of the Month
by DLL Staff and Work Incentives Connection
I’ve heard people
mention the term “IRWE.” What is that?
A: IRWE stands for Impairment
Related Work Expense, which is one of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s)
work incentives for people with disabilities.
If you receive Social
Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and have completed your Trial
Work Period, you are usually ineligible for a check if you earn
more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level ($900 per
month in 2007). With an approved IRWE, SSA doesn’t
count earnings you use to pay for certain expenses, allowing your
benefits to continue, even though you are earning more than the SGA
level.
If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), your check is
gradually reduced as your earnings increase. The amount of an approved
IRWE is deducted from the earnings SSA counts, giving you a higher
SSI check than you would otherwise receive.
What types of expenses qualify as IRWE?
A: Examples of IRWE include: adaptive equipment, vehicle modifications,
personal care attendant costs, service animal costs, out-of-pocket
medical expenses, and some transportation expenses. To be approved
by SSA, the expense must be:
• related to a serious medical condition;
• needed in order to work;
• paid for out of your own pocket;
• not reimbursable by any other source; and
• approved by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Where can I get more information?
A: Contact the Minnesota
Work Incentives Connection at 651-632-5113 or toll-free at 1-800-976-6728;
TTY: 651-632-5110 or MN Relay – 711.
The Work Incentives Connection can clarify the effect work will have
on your benefits, uncovering new choices and opportunities for you
to be more in charge of your life. In addition to giving you detailed
information about IRWE, the Connection can tell you about other work
incentives that may apply to your situation. ![]()
If you have questions
about community resources, please call DLL at 1-866-333-2466. DLL
provides free, disability-related information and assistance for
Minnesotans. Disability Linkage Line does not endorse any particular
web site or provider. They assume no responsibility for transactions
between the readers of this article and listed organizations.
