CESP Benefits Counseling 2

Question 1

A person with a disability receiving SSI begins working and earns $900/month. Which SSI work incentive allows them to exclude the first $65 of earned income plus half of the remainder?

Accepted Answer

Earned Income Exclusion

Answer

The SSI Earned Income Exclusion allows individuals to exclude the first $65 of earned income per month plus one-half of remaining earnings when calculating countable income.

Question 2

Under Medicare, what is the Trial Work Period (TWP) and how many months does it consist of?

Accepted Answer

A 9-month period (within a 60-month window) where SSDI beneficiaries can work without losing benefits

Answer

The Trial Work Period consists of 9 months (not necessarily consecutive) within a rolling 60-month window during which SSDI beneficiaries can test their ability to work without losing benefits.

Question 3

Which Medicaid work incentive allows individuals with disabilities earning above normal income limits to 'buy in' to Medicaid coverage by paying a premium?

Accepted Answer

Medicaid Buy-In (Employed Individuals with Disabilities)

Answer

Medicaid Buy-In programs, available in many states, allow working individuals with disabilities to pay a sliding-scale premium to maintain Medicaid coverage above the standard income limits.

Question 4

A CESP is helping someone set up a PASS plan. What is the PRIMARY purpose of a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)?

Accepted Answer

To allow SSI recipients to set aside income or resources for a vocational goal without affecting SSI eligibility

Answer

A PASS allows SSI recipients to set aside money or resources toward a specific vocational goal (such as education, training, or starting a business) without those funds counting against SSI income or resource limits.

Question 5

What is the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) for SSDI beneficiaries after completing their Trial Work Period?

Accepted Answer

36 months

Answer

The Extended Period of Eligibility is a 36-month period following the Trial Work Period during which SSDI benefits can be reinstated in any month earnings fall below Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).

(CESP) Certified Employment Support Professional Practice Test

(CESP) Certified Employment Support Professional Practice Test

CESP Benefits Counseling 2