If you work while receiving disability benefits, Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) can help you keep more of your benefits. Here's how this valuable work incentive works.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What IRWE means
- What expenses qualify
- How IRWE affects your benefits
- How to claim IRWE deductions
1. What IRWE Means
Definition: IRWE are costs you pay out-of-pocket for items or services you need because of your disability in order to work.
The key requirements:
- Related to your disability
- Necessary for you to work
- Paid by you (not employer or insurance)
- Not reimbursed by any other source
Why it matters:
- IRWE reduces your countable earnings
- Can keep you under SGA on SSDI
- Can increase your SSI payment
- Lets you work more while keeping benefits
2. What Expenses Qualify
Medical expenses:
- Prescription medications
- Doctor visits
- Medical equipment
- Attendant care services
Transportation:
- Modified vehicle costs
- Specialized transportation
- Service animal-related travel
- Higher transportation costs due to disability
Assistive technology:
- Wheelchairs or mobility devices
- Hearing aids
- Communication devices
- Adaptive computer equipment
Work-related modifications:
- Job coaching
- Work-related training
- Special work equipment
- Prosthetics or orthotics
Personal care:
- Attendant care during work
- Help with dressing, eating, or personal needs
- Costs directly related to working
Examples of qualifying IRWE:
- Wheelchair maintenance ($50/month)
- Attendant care before/during work ($400/month)
- Specialized transportation to work ($200/month)
- Prescription medication for work-related symptoms ($100/month)
Important: The expense must be directly related to your disability AND necessary for you to work. Regular expenses everyone has (like normal transportation) don't qualify.
3. How IRWE Affects Your Benefits
For SSDI:
- IRWE is deducted from gross earnings
- Helps determine if you're performing SGA
- Could keep you under $1,550/month SGA limit
- Lets you work more without losing benefits
SSDI example:
- You earn $1,700/month (over SGA)
- IRWE of $300/month
- Countable earnings: $1,400/month (under SGA)
- You can keep full SSDI
For SSI:
- IRWE deducted from earned income
- After the $65 + $20 exclusions
- Before the 1-for-2 reduction
- Results in higher SSI payment
SSI example:
- You earn $800/month
- IRWE of $200/month
- Reduces countable income by $200
- Higher SSI payment
4. How to Claim IRWE Deductions
Documentation needed:
- Receipts for all expenses
- Proof of payment
- Medical documentation linking expense to disability
- Explanation of why it's needed for work
Where to report:
- Include with your work reports to SSA
- Provide when reporting earnings
- Submit during any reviews
- Keep copies of everything
Tips for claiming:
- Keep detailed records
- Save all receipts
- Get doctor's statement if possible
- Report regularly (don't wait)
What SSA looks for:
- Clear connection to disability
- Necessary for work (not just convenient)
- Paid by you personally
- Reasonable cost
Common IRWE Situations
Example 1: Mobility impairment
- Wheelchair maintenance and repairs
- Accessible transportation costs above normal
- Attendant care for workplace needs
- Adaptive equipment for job duties
Example 2: Visual impairment
- Screen reader software
- Magnification devices
- Specialized training
- Service animal costs
Example 3: Mental health conditions
- Counseling/therapy costs
- Medications
- Job coaching
- Stress management services
Example 4: Hearing impairment
- Hearing aids and maintenance
- Interpreter services
- Visual alert systems
- Captioning services
What Doesn't Qualify
Not IRWE:
- Regular transportation costs everyone has
- General living expenses
- Items used equally for work and personal
- Expenses paid by others
- Items not related to your disability
- Things you'd buy anyway
How Purple Helps
- Categorize IRWE spending
- Keep clear records for SSA
- Track earnings and expenses together
- Easy access to transaction history
- Organize documentation