Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 6, 1990 TAG: 9006060157
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: B-3 EDITION: STATE
SOURCE: By PAUL DELLINGER SOUTHWEST BUREAU
DATELINE: WYTHEVILLE LENGTH: Medium
"We want to dispel the myth that you can't draw Social Security disability . . . and work," said John Ward, operations supervisor at the Wytheville Social Security office.
"We do have a number of incentives now . . . to encourage people to get back into the work force."
In 1988, legislation increased how long Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries might be re-entitled to cash payments while working. As of April 1, 1988, eligibility to continue getting payments was extended for Supplemental Security Income blind recipients whose condition improves to the point they are no longer disabled, if they are in an approved state vocational rehabilitation program at the time.
In late 1989, Congress passed legislation allowing disabled people who lose Medicare because of work to "buy" it back if the worker was still disabled. The first month of coverage under this new rule will be July.
People who lost Medicare before Dec. 1, 1989, must apply no later than June 30 to start Medicare again this year. Coverage would start July 1.
More than 50 people attended the session at Wytheville Community College, which also included presentations on Virginia Department of Rehabilitative Services programs such as training, employer incentives and job coaches, and those of the Mount Rogers Mental Health and Mental Retardation Services Board.
Mount Rogers services include the Wytheville Clubhouse, where people with disabilities are able to work at jobs such as lawn-mowing, leaf-raking and specific contract jobs with area industries.
Ward urged people who want to find out if they can work and not lose Social Security eligibility to call the Social Security Administration toll-free number (1-800-234-5772) for further information.
by CNB