The White House & Domestic Policies

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Esquire Olegario D. Cantos VII received an outstanding and prestigious position while serving the United States Department of Justice in mid April of 2006. Mr. Cantos is now serving as the Associated Director on Disabilities, Domestic Policy Council, at The White House in Washington, DC. In an E-mail, Mr. Cantos expressed his heartfelt feelings stating, "I feel honored and privileged to serve the President." We now enter into a new world with Mr. Cantos as we celebrate his new position and provide detailed information from him as it becomes available. Our sincerest best wishes to Esquire Cantos.

From the Desk of...

Olegario D. Cantos VII, Esquire
Associate Director for Domestic Policy
The White House
Washington, DC 20502

June 13th, 2006

The Social Security "Red Book" 2006

I am pleased to inform you that the Social Security Administration has released the 2006 edition of what many people simply call the "Red Book," which is a summary guide to employment support for individuals with disabilities under the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplementary Security Income (SSI) programs. I strongly encourage you to get this information into the hands of every adult with a disability who currently receives benefits under these programs and who wishes either to join or rejoin the workforce. The Red Book contains useful information that will assist these folks in knowing how to go to or return to work in such a way that helps maximize economic self-sufficiency. This publication may be an empowering and invaluable tool to enable people with disabilities to enter the world of employment as part of their overall life approach of fulfilling career dreams and aspirations and striving to reach their greatest potential as they continually seek to enhance their own economic productivity. Here is what the Red Book contains:

INTRODUCTION

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2006
Amount Adjustments for 2006

RECENT & CURRENT ACTIVITIES

The Comprehensive Work Opportunity Initiative
Work Opportunity Demonstration Projects
Spotlight on Plans to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) and Medicaid While Working

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON WORK INCENTIVES

Area Work Incentive Coordinator (AWIC)
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) Cadre
How to Reach Social Security
Send Us Comments about the Red Book
Request Public Information Materials
Other Sources of Information
Benefits Planning, Assistance, and Outreach (BPAO) Programs
Protection and Advocacy
Employer Assistance Referral Network


BASIC SSDI AND SSI INFORMATION

What Are SSDI And SSI?
Are You Eligible?
When and How Do You File for Benefits?
What Records Do You Need?
How Do We Define Disability?
What if You Are Self-Employed?
How Do We Decide if You Are Disabled?
Who Decides if You Are Disabled?
What Are Your Responsibilities When You Work?
How Do We Figure Your Payment Amount?
Will You Get Health Insurance Coverage?
Will You Have to Wait For Benefits to Start?
When Will We Review Your Disability?
When Will Your Benefits Stop?
Can You Get Benefits Again if Your Benefits Ended Because of Work?


OVERVIEW OF EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

How Does Employment Support Help Individuals?

SSDI/SSI EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

Ticket to Work Program
Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE)
Subsidy And Special Conditions
Unincurred Business Expenses
Unsuccessful Work Attempt
Continued Payments under a Vocational Rehabilitation Program (aka Section 301)
Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)

SSDI EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

Trial Work Period (TWP)
Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
Continuation of Medicare Coverage
Medicare for Individuals with Disabilities Who Work

SSI EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTS

Earned Income Exclusion
Student Earned Income Exclusion
Property Essential to Self-Support
Special SSI Payments for Individuals Who Work - Section 1619(a)
Medicaid While Working - Section 1619(b)
State Threshold Amounts
Special Benefits for Individuals Eligible Under Section 1619 (a) or (b) Who Enter a Medical Treatment Facility
Reinstating Eligibility without a New Application

SPECIAL RULES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE BLIND

How SGA Is Applied Under SSDI to Individuals Who Are Blind
How SGA Is Not Applied Under SSI to Individuals Who Are Blind
Blind Work Expenses (BWE) Under SSI


EXAMPLE OF CONCURRENT BENEFITS AND EMPLOYMENT SUPPORT

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE BLIND

ADDITIONAL HELP WITH HEALTH CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES

Medicaid Protection for Working Individuals with Disabilities
Help with Medicare Part A Premiums

GLOSSARY 62

LIST OF ACRONYMS

ADDRESSES FOR SOCIAL SECURITY REGIONAL OFFICES

Online versions are available both in PDF and HTML formats. To view a copy online and to download it for your use, please visit this web page.

To reach the Social Security Administration by phone to obtain the Red Book, which is also available in alternative formats, you may call (800) 772-1213 [Voice] or (800) 325-0778 [TTY].

Enabling people with disabilities to contribute to the economic lives of their respective communities is a central component of the Bush Administration. Thank you in advance for passing this information to all those who may benefit from using it.

Olegario D. Cantos VII, Esq.
Associate Director for Domestic Policy
The White House
Washington, DC 20502

May 4th 2006

In support of the Office of Public Liaison, concerning The White House Internship Program, we encourage widespread distribution of the information below where members will find further details about this amazing opportunity. Please spread the word to those in your network.

THE WHITE HOUSE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
The White House Internship Program offers an excellent opportunity to serve our President and explore public service. We are seeking exceptional candidates to apply for this highly competitive program. In addition to normal office duties, interns attend weekly lectures, tours, and complete an intern service project. Interns may serve a term in the Fall, Spring or Summer. All candidates must be at least 18 years of age, hold United States citizenship, and be enrolled in a college or university. We hope you will explore our White House Intern Website for additional information.

To apply, read and complete the White House Intern Application. A strong application includes the following:

  • Sound Academic Credentials
  • History of Community Involvement and Leadership
  • Solid Verbal/Written Communication Skills
  • Demonstrated Interest in Public Service
Completed application materials must be submitted to Karen Race, Deputy Director and Intern Coordinator in the office of White House Personnel, prior to the following deadline:
  • Applications due October 13, 2006 for SPRING 2007 term - (January 9 to May 11, 2007)
Questions may be directed by contacting Karen Race by phone, (202) 456-5979 or by E-mail

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