Using Social Security Incentives to Pay for Transportation
These Social Security Work Incentives can be used to help offset the costs of transportation.
Blind Work Expenses (BWE)
A person who is blind can deduct the full cost of expenses related to work, including transportation. In essence, they will receive full reimbursement for transportation expenses.
IRWE (Impairment Related Work Expense)
Individuals who receive Social Security disability benefits � Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) � can use an Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE) to help offset the cost of assistive technology or work accommodation.
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IRWE's have no time limit.
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For people on SSI, an IRWE will cover only half the cost of an expense. The rest of the expense will have to be paid by the individual. However, for individuals on SSDI, transportation expenses may reduce an individual's income below the substantial gainful activity limit of $740 [2001 figure] (this level is higher for individuals who are blind) and allowing them to maintain their SSDI check.
Transportation expenses for which an IRWE can be used
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The cost of structural or operational modifications to a vehicle which the person needs in order to drive to work, even if the vehicle is also used for non-work purposes.
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The cost of driver assistance or taxicabs where such special transportation is not generally required by unimpaired individuals in the community.
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Mileage expenses for an approved vehicle at a rate determined by the Social Security Administration. Only travel related to employment can be reimbursed.
Transportation expenses for which an IRWE cannot be used
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The cost of a vehicle, whether modified or not.
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The cost of a modification to a vehicle that is not directly related to the impairment or critical to the operation of the vehicle (e.g. paint or decor preferences).
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The cost of travel necessary to obtain medical items or services.
Note: This information is directly from documents provided by Social Security. These are just examples and guidelines. Ideas on how PASS's and IRWE's can be used for transportation expenses should not be limited to the examples given here.
PASS (Plan for Achieving Self Support)
Individuals receiving SSI can use a Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS) to offset the entire cost of assistive technology, equipment, or accommodations. PASS's require an application process and typically take approximately 30 to 60 days to be approved. While PASS's are complicated, PASS Cadres (experts on the PASS program) are available to help. PASS's can only be used by people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). However, PASS's can sometimes be used to qualify individuals for SSI by reducing the income that Social Security "counts".
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PASS's are time-limited. Although there is no specific time limit on PASS's, they are typically approved in 18-month increments, and subject to regular review.
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PASS's reimburse the individual for the entire expense.
Transportation expenses for which a PASS can be used
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Hire of private or commercial carriers
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Lease, rental, or purchase of a private vehicle plus registration fees and cost of insurance premiums
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Public transportation and common carriers (private transportation companies which run regularly scheduled service available to the general public)
For additional information on PASS, IRWE, or BWE, contact your local Social Security office.
Local Social Security Offices
Providence Office, 380 Westminster Street, Providence, RI
(800) 772-1213; (401) 528-4501; (401) 273-6648 TTY
Newport Office, 130 Bellevue Avenue, Newport, RI
(800) 772-1213; (401) 849-3487; (401) 849-0057 TTY
Pawtucket Office, 55 Broad St., Pawtucket, RI
(800) 772-1213; (401) 724-9611; (401) 729-1896 TTY
Warwick Office, 3s0 Quaker Lane, Warwick, RI
(800) 772-1213; (401) 822-1463; (401) 823-0453 TTY
Woonsocket Office, 2168 Diamond Hill Road, Woonsocket, RI
(800) 772-1213; (401) 766-8423; (401) 765-1620 TTY
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