As if protesting, the lawnmower sputtered while Marty awkwardly urged it forward with his right arm. It lurched to the left like it had a mind of its own. Righting the stubborn equipment, he thought about how something so simple, which he had done without thinking only one month earlier, could be so challenging now. If mowing the lawn was this frustrating, would he be able to figure out how to do the things he enjoyed without his left arm? The prospect of adjusting to the amputation was daunting, and Marty quickly realized that spending too much time thinking about this would not help. It had been less than three weeks since he lost his arm to cancer, and as a person who worked with his hands, he might have succumbed to feelings of anger or sadness. Instead, Marty focused on his front lawn like a warrior determined to conquer an enemy.
Builder 1.0
Marty was a self-employed contractor and carpenter, who specialized in building new homes for many years. Having the ability to turn other people’s dreams into reality brought him great satisfaction. The energetic father had been making a good living as a contractor, when a rare form of cancer threatened his life.
“In December of 2006, I was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer that has a high rate of recurrence. It travels through the muscles and bones; and it came back a couple of times, even after treatment.” he recalls. “In 2007, they amputated my arm. I had been making my living with my hands before; and basically I guess I had to reinvent myself.”
Marty received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) while he went through several rounds of cancer treatment and focused on regaining his health. Many people in this situation might have given in to feelings of hopelessness. But it never occurred to Marty. He clung to activity. Making things has always been a source of fulfillment for him.
“I never felt like I couldn’t go on. But that period after the amputation was one of my lowest points,” he recalls. “I was frustrated because I felt completely useless and didn’t know what direction to go in.”
Limb Loss Resource Center
The National Limb Loss Resource Center is the nation’s leading source of information about limb loss and limb differences. The Center provides comprehensive information and resources free of charge to people with limb loss and their families, friends and healthcare professionals.
The support of those who have experienced the journey of limb loss can play a vital role in helping people resume participation in life. The Amputee Coalition, a non-profit organization based in Manassas, VA, offers support groups, as well as one-on-one conversation with a certified peer visitor to help in the recovery process. For more information, visit www.amputee-coalition.org.
“I needed to focus on new challenges,” he recalls. “I felt like I needed something to grab a hold of… something to challenge me mentally and physically… to be useful. I built homes for people. I created things…and I needed that feeling again…” “I still have a hard time giving up completely doing the hands-on portion of building work, because I enjoyed that so much. When you do it for 20 years it becomes a part of you. But you never really think about how adaptable you can be until you face an extreme situation. I guess adaptation comes from necessity,” he observed.
As Marty saw his project through completion, he felt better emotionally and physically, and faced his future with renewed confidence. He felt ready to explore employment, so when information about a “Ticket to Work” arrived in the mail from Social Security, he paid attention.
Ticket to Work and Work Incentives
Social Security’s Ticket to Work program supports career development for people with disabilities who are ready for employment. Adults age 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits qualify. Through the Ticket to Work program, service providers known as Employment Networks (ENs) offer a range of free support services to help people prepare for, find, or maintain employment. Some ENs serve people with a specific type of disability; others offer certain types of services. The program is voluntary, and set up to help people progress toward financial independence.
Continuation of Healthcare Coverage for People with Disabilities Who Work
Several Work Incentives allow SSI and SSDI recipients who work to continue receiving Medicare or Medicaid coverage, even after they no longer receive cash benefits.
Continuation of Medicare Coverage for SSDI Beneficiaries:
Most people with disabilities who work will continue to receive at least 93 consecutive months of Hospital Insurance (Part A); Supplemental Medical Insurance (Part B), if enrolled; and Prescription Drug coverage (Part D), if enrolled, after the 9-month Trial Work Period (TWP). You do not pay a premium for Part A. Although cash benefits may cease due to work, you have the assurance of continued health insurance. (93 months is 7 years and 9 months.).To qualify, you must have a disability, already have Medicare and be working at Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA).
Medicare for Persons with Disabilities Who Work (SSDI only):
If your Medicare stopped due to work, you continue to have a disabling impairment, and you are under age 65, you can buy continued Medicare coverage. If you have limited resources, you may be eligible for state assistance under various Medicare Savings Programs. Your state Health and Human Services agency makes the determination about whether you qualify for this help.
Medicaid While Working (Section 1619b) for SSI Beneficiaries:
After you return to work, your Medicaid coverage can continue, even if your earnings become too high to receive SSI payments. To qualify, you must meet all eligibility rules (including the resources test), need Medicaid in order to work, and have gross earned income that is insufficient to replace SSI, Medicaid and any publicly funded attendant care. For more detailed information about these Work Incentives, read the Redbook at www.ssa.gov/ redbook, or call the Ticket to Work Help Line to find a provider that can help you.
The next thing Marty needed was help understanding the risks and rewards connected with full-time employment. With help from a trained professional known as a benefits counselor at CRS, Marty learned about Social Security rules called Work Incentives. Work Incentives make it easier for adults with disabilities to explore work and still receive Medicare or Medicaid and some cash benefits from Social Security. Marty was able to test his ability to work during a nine month Trial Work Period (TWP), while still receiving full cash benefits. After his TWP ended, a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) began. During the EPE, most people with a disabling impairment get benefits for months in which they earn less than $1,090 (Social Security’s definition of “Substantial Gainful Activity” amount in 2015). Marty was relieved to learn he was not going to suddenly lose his Medicare or Medicaid coverage and SSDI benefits when he returned to work. He would have time to determine how full-time employment would work for him.
Restoration: Outlook
It didn’t take long for employers to recognize the value in Marty’s passion, work ethic and talent. He was offered a job at Legere Restorations in the spring of 2013, where he is Lead Estimator and Project Manager. He manages multiple building and restoration projects, spending his day helping customers make the homes and businesses they envision come to life.
