By Jessica A. Saio

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released new data highlighting that the number of employed individuals with disabilities has hit a record high. In 2023, 22.5% of individuals with disabilities had jobs, which is an increase from 2022. Since COVID-19, more job opportunities have emerged, and benefits such as workplace flexibility have directly helped advance the overall employment rate.

On March 21, 2024, the U.S. Department of Labor introduced a new resource aimed at increasing employment for individuals with disabilities. The Competitive Integrated Employment Transformation Hub is aimed at ensuring individuals with disabilities are paid competitive wages and have opportunities to work in inclusive environments. It is a tool to provide guidance, information, and practices for people, their families, and employers. These initiatives seek to promote integrated employment, economic security, and universal access to jobs.

When an individual with disabilities is employed, it is also important to understand how work earnings can affect certain government benefits that they may rely on. Government benefits at the federal and state levels have different eligibility requirements, including income and asset limits. These benefits can be jeopardized if too many hours are worked, too much money is earned each month, or there is too much money in one’s name, all of which could even lead to disqualification. Balancing working a job and receiving benefits can be challenging, but not impossible.

Our team at Littman Krooks LLP is dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities and their families with special needs planning. If you would like to learn more about protecting benefits and planning for you or a loved one, contact us today and schedule a consultation.