Case Study
Jerry Barnes:
- Age 41
- Lives with brother and brother's two children
- Awarded Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in 1990 based on severe back injury suffered as a construction worker
- SSDI monthly check = $620 (assume same amount throughout exercise)
- In 1997, began treatment for depression; has continued to see mental health counselor one time per month through the present
- States that he likes working with his hands, loves construction work, but would be willing to learn a new trade if, at some time, he's unable to continue this work.
- Presents himself well; would probably be good at anything that involved working with the public (i.e. doing estimates, working in a lumber company, tool company, etc.)
- Needs to continue seeing his doctor, therapist, taking meds, and monitoring back pain regularly. Also needs to continue having health insurance on an uninterrupted basis.
First Attempt at Return to Work; Relapse
- 1993... returns to work part-time in lighter construction work
- 1/93 through 6/93, earns $600 gross per month
- In late 1993, Jerry re-injures back and must stop working
- Does not work during remainder of 1993, nor does he work during 1994-97 period
- In early 1998, he begins attending mental health counseling sessions, suffering from severe depression
Work Activity 1998 to 2005
Note: Please assume that Jerry does not have any impairment work expenses or subsidies during the periods in question.
1998:
- Works 10/98 through 12/98 ... gross earnings of $650 per month
1999:
- Works 1/99 through 12/99 ... gross earnings of $680 per month
2000:
- Works 1/00 through 12/00 ... gross earnings of $720 per month
2001:
- Works 1/01 through 4/01 ... gross earnings of $720 per month
- Late 4/01, he is laid off
- 5/01 through 10/01 ... does not work; eligible for unemployment insurance benefits of $90 per week
- 11/01 through 12/01 ... gross earnings of $1,000 per month
2002:
- 1/02 through 12/02 ... gross earnings of $1,000 per month
2003:
- New Year's Day ... Jerry aggravates his back taking down Christmas tree; is flat on his back for several days.
- 1/03 through 12/03 ... does not work, receives no wages
Note: Please assume 2004 SGA/TWP amounts for the following periods.
2004:
- Jerry returns to work on lighter schedule
- 1/04 through 12/04 ... gross earnings of $500 per month
2005:
- 1/05 through 12/05 ... gross earnings of $1,000 per month
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Practice Quiz
Jerry's First Trial Work Period (TWP)
Question 1:
When was Jerry's first TWP month since he went on SSDI?
Answer:
October 1998 was his first work month. However, the
months before 10/98 fell off when counting the nine TWP months worked
within the rolling 60-month period.
Question 2:
List Jerry's TWP months within the current 60-month rolling window?
Answer:
October 1998 - June 1999
Jerry's First Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
Question 1:
When did Jerry's EPE begin?
Answer:
July 1999
Question 2:
When did Jerry's EPE end?
Answer:
June 2002