A Message to Youth:
You are the generation of tomorrow with hope and dreams for your life. There are many opportunities and resources available to help you to achieve your goals. Make a plan, don't limit your vision to what people think of you, and be your own advocate!
While you are still attending school and thereafter, volunteerism can help you to gain important work skills, experiences and form lasting relationships. Work experiences, both paid and voluntary, have been recognized as important steps for preparing youth including those with disabilities, for adulthood. Take advantage of these opportunities!
You (and/or your family) may be fearful of the impact working/volunteering will have on your social security disability benefits and healthcare. There are incentives to help you transition to working with minimal effect on your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and other benefits.
Do you know you can work and earn money up to a certain amount with No Change to your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) check? The Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) will allow you to earn up to $2,290 per month up to a calendar year maximum of $9,230 and still receive your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) check if you are under age 22 and regularly attending school (for the year 2024). These figures are subject to change each year.
Transitioning Youth Information:
Student Earned Income Exclusion 2024 Fact Sheet
Subsidies or Special Conditions 2024 Fact Sheet
Transition from School to Work Benefits Fact Sheet
Resources:
Vanderbilt University - Tennessee Employment Pathways Project