What makes a good referral?
Someone who is receiving SSI and/or SSDI and wants to work but is worried about losing their benefits.
Watch Marjorie Longo, Manager of the Employment Network, describe what makes a good referral.
Download the Good Referral Guidelines. (pdf)
To be referred, an individual must:
- Be receiving SSI and/or SSDI
- Be between the ages of 18 and 64
- Want to work, increase work hours, or earn more money
- Be unsure of how work will affect:
- Cash benefits
- Medicare or Medicaid
- Housing benefits
- SNAP or other public benefits
- Have received letters from Social Security they don’t understand
- Be concerned about overpayments
- Need help reporting wages properly
- Have or want a PASS Plan
- Be ready to reduce reliance on benefits and move toward financial independence
- Live in the United States
What are earnings goals?
Individuals must have both short-term and long-term goals of reducing or eliminating cash benefits.
Short-Term Goal (6–18 months)
Earn over $1,210 gross per month
EXAMPLE
Working 18 hours/week
at $18/hour =
approximately $1,402 gross/month
Long-Term Goal (3–5 years)
Earn over $1,690 gross per month
EXAMPLE
Working 22 hours/week
at $18/hour =
approximately $1,714 gross/month
How do I make a referral?
Click on the "Make a Referral" button at the top of this page to access the EN Referral Packet and follow the instructions.

