Major Features of SSI SSI is a strictly means tested income supplementation program for people who are blind or disabled and poor, or over age 65 and poor . This rate only applies to an unmarried person who lives alone. SSI payments are reduced when other income is received. The formulas on how much will be lost are complicated and vary from individual to individual. Basically, a person loses one dollar in SSI for every two dollars of gross earned income.
Unearned income is deducted dollar for dollar.
IRWE's and BWE's differ in the scope of expenses they cover and in the benefit rate. The application of IRWE's or BWE's allows the deduction, from countable income, the cost of AT if it is used for or needed for work. She lives in a state that does not have a supplement. A single man purchases a van equipped with a wheelchair lift, automatic lockdown system, raised roof, and hand controls. He decides to deduct the balance as an IRWE pro-rated over one year.