Difference Between Blind Work Expenses and Impairment-Related Work Expenses

Working while receiving disability benefits can be an empowering step toward financial independence, but it also comes with a lot of questions. One of the most common questions SSI and SSDI beneficiaries ask is how to report their work-related expenses, and whether those expenses can help them keep more of their monthly benefits. 

Two major work incentive programs from the Social Security Administration (SSA): Blind Work Expenses (BWE) and Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE), are designed to make work more financially possible for people with disabilities. While both programs help reduce the amount of income the SSA counts against you, they have important differences that determine who qualifies and what expenses can be deducted. 

This article explains each program in detail, compares their benefits, and shows how they can help you return to work while maintaining the financial support you need. 

Understanding Work Incentives 

The SSA created work incentives to encourage people with disabilities to work without immediately losing their benefits. These incentives recognize that many people still face extra expenses connected to their disability or blindness, and these costs can make working more difficult. 

Both BWE and IRWE allow you to deduct certain work-related costs from your earnings when SSA calculates your benefit amount. This means that even if you earn more money by working, your SSI or SSDI payment may not be reduced as much as you expect. 

What Are Blind Work Expenses (BWE)? 

Blind Work Expenses (BWE) apply only to people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and are considered statutorily blind under SSA rules. 

To qualify as blind under SSA standards, SSA must approve you for SSI / SSDI benefits and determine that you are stautorily blind.  To be statutorily blind, SSA will review your medical records, and your records must show that your visual impairment to be at the following level: 

• Central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in the better eye with correction, or 
• A visual field limitation such that the widest diameter of the visual field subtends an angle no greater than 20 degrees. 

If you meet these requirements, the SSA allows you to exclude a wide range of work-related expenses from your earned income, even if those expenses are not directly related to your blindness. 

Common Examples of Blind Work Expenses 

• Transportation to and from work (gas, bus fare, or ride services) 
• Meals consumed during work hours 
• Guide dog expenses such as food, vet care, and grooming 
• Reader or interpreter services 
• Professional fees, union dues, or license renewals 
• Work uniforms, tools, or equipment 
• Federal, state, or local income taxes 
• Personal assistance services 

The key advantage of BWEs is flexibility. The SSA understands that individuals who are blind often face various costs associated with maintaining employment, and many of these expenses are not medical in nature. 

What Are Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE)? 

Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) apply to both SSI and SSDI beneficiaries who have any type of qualifying disability, not just blindness. 

To qualify for an IRWE deduction, the expense must: 

1. Be directly related to your disability, 
2. Be necessary for you to work, and 
3. Be paid out of your own pocket (not reimbursed by another program or insurance). 

These expenses reduce your countable income, which helps you keep more of your SSI payment or stay below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold for SSDI. 

Common Examples of Impairment-Related Work Expenses 

• Wheelchairs, braces, or specialized medical devices 
• Prescription drugs and copayments 
• Attendant care services during work hours 
• Medical supplies or prosthetics 
• Special transportation or vehicle modifications 
• Personal assistance for work-related tasks 
• Job coaching or vocational rehabilitation expenses 

IRWEs must have a clear connection to your impairment and your ability to perform job duties. 

Key Differences Between BWE and IRWE 

Although both programs serve a similar purpose, several distinctions determine which one applies to your situation and how much you can deduct. 

The key takeaway is that BWE offers more flexibility, while IRWE applies more broadly to various disabilities. 

How These Work Incentives Affect Your Benefits 

Both programs help reduce the amount of income that SSA counts when determining your benefit amount. The SSA calculates countable income by subtracting allowable deductions (like BWE or IRWE) from your total earnings. 

Here’s a simplified example: 

If you earn $1,600 per month and have $300 in qualifying BWEs, SSA counts only $1,300 of your income when calculating your SSI payment. 

Similarly, if you receive SSDI and have $400 in IRWE, that amount can be subtracted from your gross monthly earnings when determining whether your income exceeds the SGA limit. 

In both cases, these deductions can make a significant difference in maintaining benefits while working. 

Why Understanding the Difference Matters 

Knowing the difference between BWE and IRWE can help you: 

• Keep more of your benefits: By deducting allowable expenses, you reduce the impact of your earnings on your payments. 
• Avoid overpayments or reporting errors: Correctly categorizing your expenses ensures SSA records are accurate. 
• Plan a safe return to work: These programs let you test your ability to work without losing your safety net. 
• Access additional SSA programs: Combining BWE or IRWE with the Ticket to Work program can give you free career guidance, vocational training, and job placement assistance. 

Reporting Your Work Expenses 

To receive credit for these deductions, you must provide proof of your expenses. SSA may request: 

• Receipts, invoices, or canceled checks 
• Proof of payment such as bank statements 
• Written explanations describing how the expense relates to your work or impairment 

You can report these costs when you apply for benefits, during a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) session, or when you submit your monthly income reports. 

Keeping accurate and organized records ensures you get full credit for your expenses and helps prevent delays or denials. 

How We Can Help 

We understand that returning to work or maintaining benefits can be confusing. Our team helps individuals navigate programs like SSI, SSDI, Ticket to Work, IRWE, and BWE, ensuring you understand your rights and make the most of your benefits. 

We can guide you in: 

• Understanding which work incentive applies to your situation 
• Documenting and reporting work-related expenses correctly 
• Exploring employment opportunities without risking your benefits 

If you’re ready to work again, or if you need help applying for benefits, contact us now. 

In a Nutshell 

• Blind Work Expenses (BWE) and Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) both help you reduce countable income, allowing you to work and still receive benefits. 
• BWE applies only to SSI recipients who are statutorily blind and allows more flexible expense deductions. 
• IRWE applies to both SSI and SSDI recipients with any disability but requires a direct link between the expense and the impairment. 
• Proper documentation and reporting are essential to ensure your deductions are approved by SSA. 
• Programs like Ticket to Work and Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) can complement BWE and IRWE, giving you extra protection and opportunities. 

If you want to learn more about how Blind Work Expenses or Impairment-Related Work Expenses can help you keep your benefits while you work, contact us today.