How the New Minimum Wage may Squeeze the Disability Workforce

Next year the minimum wage is rising yet again in Florida. While this is viewed as a favorable development by the average person, an increase in minimum wage can have an adverse effect on employed members of the disability community.

Firstly, disabled individuals are often the "most recent" hires. Because of this, when corporations and businesses look to make the necessary cuts to accommodate wage hikes, the most recent hires are the first ones let go. This makes disabled employees a natural target when wages go up and the budget for salary / human resources needs to be adjusted.

Second, as wages rise "the math" changes. Members of the disability community must adjust hours to still remain within the bounds of income parameters and keep needed benefits, like SSI or SSDI or Medicaid. This is where a good benefits analysis provider can assist a client with work incentives to help them maintain employment. When starting employment something like 75% of clients will also receive a continuing disability review from Social Security or Medicaid that we can assist and prepare them to maintain the balance of employment and benefits.

Finally, as wages go up, human resources are replaced by technology. Technology replaces many of the entry-level jobs that members of the disabilitiy community can fulfill. For example, the need for cashiers, greeters, ticket takers, and sales associates disappears completely as technology that is cheaper and requires no benefits, replaces the human presence.

As a member of the disability community myself, I recently finished my own self employment case, and have first-hand experience with navigating the interviews and paperwork. I am now in a position to be able to help others that are in the same situation I was. If your clients or someone you care for needs assistance balancing work and benefits, contact me today for help making informed decisions moving forward.