Noteboom The Law Firm

Employers Have Incentive to Hire SSI Recipients

If you receive Supplemental Security Income, you might still be looking for a job, just like many people these days. Despite the condition of the economy, you might be in luck if you seek employment, as there is some incentive for companies to hire recipients of SSI and other assistance programs.

According to the Herald Banner, the Work Opportunity Tax Credit program is a federal tax credit for companies that hire new employees from certain groups. The program was created in 2007. Fortunately, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act expanded it recently in an attempt to reduce the unemployment rate.

It mostly helps certain low-income groups, since employers can only receive the tax credit if they hire from a certain pool of workers. The low-income groups include those receiving SSI, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, or food stamps. Additionally, many veterans, ex-felons, and disconnected youth not currently in school are also eligible employees. The program has recently been renewed until August 31, 2011.

The program is such that the employer stands to benefit, as well. Employers can get a credit of $2,400 for each adult hire, $1,200 for every youth hire, $4,800 for each disabled veteran hire, and $9,000 for each new hire who receives long-term family assistance.

Specifically, those who work at least 120 hours but not more than 400 hours allow the employer to get a credit of 25 percent of the first year of wages. The employer can get a tax credit of 40 percent of the first year's wages for each employee working more than 400 hours. Clearly, the more money the workers make, the more the employers can make via tax credits.

If you receive SSI benefits and are interested in finding out how to get hired by employers through this program, contact your lawyer. You stand a better chance with this type of assistance than you do in the normal job search, and using every advantage is important.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida disability lawyers, LaVan & Neidenberg, represent over 5000 disability claimants. Our disability attorneys have experience with cross examining agency-appointed medical and vocational experts and take time when speaking with you about your disability claim. Call us today at 1-888-234-5758 for a FREE legal consultation. There is NO OBLIGATION to hire our firm and there are NO FEES unless one of our trained disability lawyers wins your case.