Today Steve, his Voc Rehab counselor, his interpreter, and his boss had a “bull session” (another cow reference) about the possibility of making less money at work so he can keep his SSDI benefits during the Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) that I wrote about in a previous post. The boss agreed to have him work four days a week at a lower pay rate per hour. This was the best plan they could come up with and stay within company rules. Bossman still has to check with accounting and legal department to keep everyone honest.
The EPE is a three-year period and a lot can happen in three years. Steve may be on a better SSDI work incentive plan whereby he can work full time again and reduce his SSDI benefit. Or maybe the boss will think he’s doing such a good job, he will make the job worth losing the SSDI altogether. Or maybe Steve will find another job that pays him what he thinks he is worth (a lot).
I guess I should say how nice it is of the boss to work this out with Steve, but why wouldn’t he? He is getting an employee who will work almost full time at nearly half the hourly pay rate. He is making out like a bandit, I think. This is a win-win situation for him and for Steve. Then why do I have this odd feeling about it that I can’t explain?
The most important thing to me is that Steve is happy and working. It’s not that he has to work so I will be happy. It’s because I know how depressed he feels when he is not working. I also feel a little guilty because when we were married, I convinced him that he would have no problem finding a job in Utah. I had no idea how difficult it would be for him. Now he has this good job where hopefully he will learn and increase his skills, and where he is making some friends. He told me yesterday that they hired a new man who wants Steve to teach him how to fingerspell. He is thrilled anytime someone shows an interest in learning his language. It will make work more fun.
I know that people have been praying for us. It seems to be working, and I greatly appreciate it.
Filed under: SS and Disability
I’d think your unease with the arrangement is related to the nature of the ludicrous game of trying to make SSA’s “work incentives” really work for you. I’m rooting for our favorite bovine to make his billions and thumb his nose at “benefits” that lead people into such un-beneficial situations. Best wishes to you both–
MrsD