The state Senate recently approved legislation that would help increase the earning potential of workers with disabilities.
Senate Bill 890 would create a new classification called Workers with Job Success. The classification would be similar to the Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD) program.
The program allows people with disabilities to earn a living while receiving benefits.
“Current MAWD eligibility criteria in terms of income is set at no more than 250 percent of the Federal poverty level, or roughly $32,000,” state Sen. Bob Mensch (R-Montgomery County), who authored the bill, said. “My bill will have the new category for these workers to start at 250 percent and end at 600 percent or a little more than $75,000 annually. My legislation will hopefully encourage these individuals to work to their full potential and reassure them that this decision will not place their deserved benefits in jeopardy.”
MAWD’s income limits pressure people not to advance their careers or pursue better jobs out of fear they will lose their benefits, Mensch said.
Workers with Job Success would increase income limits and allow for increased savings limits in exchange for paying for a percentage of their benefits.
The bill moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.