Transcript Making Work Pay

Making Work Pay
Part 4: Asset Development Webinar Series
Elizabeth Jennings
National Disability Institute
March 6, 2012
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Today’s Agenda
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Welcome and Introductions
Overview of SSA’s Definition of Disability
Overview of SSDI
Overview of SSI
The Interplay of Asset Development Strategies with SSA
Benefits
When to consider Benefits and Asset Development
Connecting and working with Community Work Incentive
Coordinators
Contact Information
Questions
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
2
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Objectives
As a result of this webinar, Counselors will better
understand:
• The basics of SSDI and SSI
• How to assist clients in thinking about how to use their
work incentives.
• The interplay of SSA disability benefits and asset
building.
• How to work in partnership with a CWIC.
• Considering benefits at key points in the rehabilitation
process.
• Why this information matters and how it can place clients
on the pathway to financial stability.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
4
National Disability Institute
A national research and development organization with the
mission to promote income preservation and asset
development for persons with disabilities and to build a
better economic future for Americans with disabilities.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
5
Disability and Poverty
• People with disabilities are more likely to be unemployed
and to live in poverty than any other single demographic
group in the United States today.
• Public benefit programs for people with disabilities,
especially Supplemental Security Income (SSI), are not
aimed at increasing assets and independence for people
with disabilities.
 More so then any other population on a fixed income,
services and policies do not hold the expectation of
economic self-sufficiency.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
6
Overview of SSA’s
Definition of Disability
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
7
Overview
• The Social Security Administration has two programs to
support individuals with disabilities with an inability to work at
a substantial level.
 Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
 Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Many people with disabilities who receive SSDI and/or SSI,
want to work or return to work but are unsure what will happen
to their benefits when they do.
• Both SSDI and SSI have special work incentives available that
make it possible for individuals to test their ability to work and
continue to receive some or all of their cash and health
benefits.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
8
SSA Eligibility
Individuals must prove 2 things to be eligible for SSDI
or SSI:
1.
Prove that they have a documented medical disability that
will last 12 months or longer or result in death.
2. Meet SSA’s definition of disability:
The inability to engage in Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA,
which is paid work) by reason of any documented medical
impairment (physical or mental) that will lasts 12 months or
longer and/or result in death.
Individuals who are blind do not have to prove that they are
unable to work. They only have to prove that they meet
SSA’s level of blindness.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
9
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
SGA is a basic test used by SSA to establish disability
status
• SGA is the performance of significant mental and/or
physical duties for profit.
• It is usually determined to be gross earnings (before
taxes) of an amount of money that is set January 1 of
each calendar year based on the National Average
Wage Index.
• To meet this test a person must not be working, or if
working, earning less than the SGA level amount.
• 2012 SGA for non-blind individuals = $1010/month
• 2012 SGA for blind individuals = $1690/month
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
10
Overview of SSDI
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
11
What is SSDI?
• SSDI is a Title II Benefit.
• SSDI benefits are based on a person’s work history
looking at length of time and amount of money earned in
F.I.C.A.. SSDI check amount will vary from person to
person.
• DAC –Disabled Adult Children
• Disability Prior to Age 22 & Never Legally Married
• Insufficient FICA or higher parent amount
• Parent is deceased, disabled or retired
• Possible continuation of Medicaid
• Medical Insurance – MEDICARE
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
12
Important to Note
•
•
•
•
5 Month Waiting Period for cash benefits
24 months waiting period for Medicare
No Asset limit
Individual must have 12 months consecutive-initial
eligibility
• SSDI is obsessed with SGA
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
13
SSDI Work Incentives and
Wages
These are the list of programs under SSDI called Work
Incentives:
 Trial Work Period = $720/Month 2012
 Extended Period of Eligibility
 Extended Medicare Coverage
 Impairment Related Work Expenses
 Section 301
 Special Condition/Subsidies
 Expedited Reinstatement
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
14
Trial Work Period (TWP)
• 9-month period, within 60 months, in which a person on
SSDI can work and earn any amount of money without
the earnings affecting their SSDI eligibility
• Each month an SSDI recipient earns more than $720
counts as one month of the TWP (indicated 2012
amount)
• These months do NOT need to be consecutive
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
15
Extended Period of Eligibility
(EPE)
• A period of extended eligibility that starts with the month
after the TWP ends and continues for the next 36
months.
• Months that countable earned income is less than the
SGA level they receive their full SSDI check.
• Months that countable earned income is more than the
SGA level they do not receive a SSDI cash benefit.
• When countable wages first exceed the SGA level
(cessation month), Social Security will plan to stop the
benefits - but will allow the person to receive a check for
that month and for 2 more months as a “grace period”
before stopping checks altogether
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
16
Impairment Related Work
Expenses (IRWEs)
An IRWE exists when:
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•
•
The individual with a disability pays for the item or
service
The item or service is related to the person’s condition
The person would not be able to work if s/he did not
spend the money and receive the item or service
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
17
Subsidies
A Subsidy Exists When the Employer:
 Willingly pays more in wages than the value of services
performed (Employer Subsidy); or
 Receives full value only because some agency provides
extra services to the employee (sometimes called
Special Considerations)
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
18
Extended Medicare Eligibility
(effective 10/1/00)
•
An SSDI beneficiary is entitled to continued Medicare
coverage after the trial work period and for up to an
additional 93 months following the ninth trial work
month.
•
During this entire period, hospital coverage is automatic
and cost-free. outpatient coverage continues to be
optional and subject to premium payment
($99.90/month in 2012 for all enrollees)
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
19
Options for Returning to Rolls
• Re-Application
• Expedited Reinstatement (EXR)
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
20
Ticket to Work
A voluntary program for people with disabilities who want to
work. Ticket provides:
• Greater Choice through an Increased Network of
Vocational Service Providers (Employment Networks)
• Protection from Continuing Disability Reviews
• Long-term support
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
21
Section 301
Section 301 allows individuals who improve medically and are no
longer considered medically eligible through a CDR
(Continuing Disability Review) to continue receiving a cash
benefit if:
• Participating in an approved vocational rehabilitation program (public
or private) at the time the eligibility ceases; or
• Continued benefit payments to students age 18 to 21 who medically
recover, or whose disability is determined to have ended as a result
of age 18 re-determination, while participating in an individual
education program. (Effective July 2005)
• It is determined by SSA, with the aid of information from the
vocational program that the vocational program will likely increase
the permanent independence and self-sufficiency of the individual.
• Medicare and Medicaid and any State supplements also would
continue under Section 301
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
22
Overview of SSI
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
23
23
Savings and Supplemental
Security Income
SSI is provided to individuals who:
1. Meet SSA’s definition of disability
and
2. Have income under $698 ($1,048 for eligible couples)
and
3. Assets under $2000 ($3000 for eligible couples)
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
24
24
Savings and the SSI Asset Limit
SSI excludes some assets:
• Your home, vehicle, goods you use for self-support, etc.
 http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-resources.htm
• Properly established Trusts
 http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-trusts.htm
• Individual Development Accounts
 http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-individualdevelopment.htm
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
25
What is SSI?
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a Title XVI
program.
• SSI is the payer of last resort.
• An individual must prove that they are financially eligible
for SSI.
 Monthly income less than $698/month
 Assets less than $2000
 Eligible couple = $1048/month and $3000 assets
• Federal Benefit Rate Maximum: 2012 equals $698 per
month.
• Medical Insurance - Medicaid
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
26
Federal Benefit Rate (FBR)
• Not everyone receives the full benefit amount
• The rate of pay an individual is eligible for is based on:
 Family composition (i.e. Living alone, with others, etc.)
 Marital status
 Deeming of income
 Type of housing (i.e. congregate care)
 In-Kind support and maintenance
• State Supplements – Some states offer supplemental
payments to individuals eligible to receive SSI.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
27
SSI: Income At-A-Glance
• Income: Anything received in cash or in kind that can
be used to meet needs for food or shelter.
• Two Types of Income: Earned Income and Unearned
Income
 Earned Income: Typically, gross wages - salaries,
commissions, bonuses, self-employment;
sheltered workshop earnings.
 Unearned Income: All income that is not earned
income. Unearned income is counted when it is
actually or constructively received.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
28
SSI: Resources At-A-Glance
Resources: Cash or other liquid assets or real or
personal property that an individual owns and could
convert to cash which can be used to provide for
food or shelter.
• The general rule is that an item received in a month is
income and, unless spent, becomes a resource in the
following month.
• General resource limit in 2012 is $2,000 for an individual,
$3,000 for an eligible couple (Note: This rate was
established on 1/1/89).
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
29
SSI Work Incentives and Wages
SSI Work Incentives enhance economics and can
protect Medicaid
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Student Earned Income Exclusion
Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE)
Blind Work Expense
Plan For Achieving Self-Support (PASS)
Property Essential for Self-Support (PESS)
1619a
1619b
Section 301
Special Condition/Subsidies
Expedited Reinstatement
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
30
SSI Work Incentives and Wages
Sample of a SSI wage
Formula:
$1185 Gross Wages
-20 GIE
 Sam
-65 EIE
ple
Before
of
a
$1100÷2 =
Wor
SSI
k…
$550 Countable Wages
wag
Before Work…
Monthly Income =$698 SSI
After Work ….
Monthly Income =
$1185 Wages
+$148 SSI
$1333
But wait…..
Are you worried the
individual earned over
SGA
Monthl
e
$698 2012 FBR Form y
Inco
ula:
-550 Countable Wages me =
$118
$148 SSI Cash Benefit
$698
5
SSI
gross
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Wag Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
31
Student Earned Income
Exclusion (SEIE)
• Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) - The SEIE
allows an individual who is under age 22 and regularly
attending school to have earnings excluded from income
as shown below:
• For Year 2012, Monthly Exclusion is $1,700
Maximum exclusion for calendar year is $6,840
• Effective 4/01/05 To qualify for this exclusion, an
individual must be:
 under age 22; and
 a student regularly attending school per SI 00501.020D.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
32
Impairment Related Work
Expenses (IRWE)
• IRWE reduces gross income due to disability-related out
of pocket expenses that allow a person to earn income,
even if those items or services are needed for non-work
activities.
 The expenses must be directly related to supporting
the disability
 Cost must be paid out of person’s pocket and not
covered by other funding sources
 Expense must be paid in a month wages are earned
 Expense must be reasonable
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
33
Plan to Achieve Self-Support
(PASS)
• The purpose of PASS is to allow SSI recipients to set
aside income and/or resources to be used to assist in
achieving specific work goals.
 A PASS can be used to assist in the costs of
education, starting a business or purchasing support
services that will result in the reduction / cessation of
benefits.
• By utilizing PASS, an SSI recipient’s can help to off-set
the costs associated with the return to gainful
employment by reducing countable income and
potentially increasing the amount of SSI cash benefits
due.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
34
Plan For Achieving Self-Support
(PASS)
The PASS plan must:
• Have a specific work goal
• Have a specific time frame for reaching the goal
• Show what money and any other contributions will be used to reach
the work goal
• Show how any money set aside in savings will be kept separate
from other funds
• Show how the money and resources will be saved and, later, spent
• Be submitted in writing and approved by Social Security’s PASS
Cadre
• Include a Business Plan if the PASS is for self-employment
• Be reviewed periodically to assure compliance
• Increase an individual’s ability to be self-supporting by decreasing
the amount they receive in cash benefits from Social Security
www.passonline.org
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
35
SSI & Section 1619(b) Medicaid
Protects Medicaid when SSI Cash Benefits is Zero:
• The person must lose eligibility for SSI cash benefits due
to excess earnings
• Person must be otherwise eligible for SSI
• Person must need Medicaid to Work
• Earnings must be below State’s Earned Income
Threshold:
www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/1619b.htm#threshold
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
36
Options for Returning to Rolls
• Re-Application
• Expedited Reinstatement (EXR)
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
37
Ticket to Work
A voluntary program for people with disabilities who want to
work. Ticket provides:
• Greater Choice through an Increased Network of
Vocational Service Providers (Employment Networks)
• Protection from Continuing Disability Reviews
• Long-term support
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
38
Section 301
Section 301 allows individuals who improve medically and are no
longer considered medically eligible through a CDR (Continuing
Disability Review) to continue receiving a cash benefit if:
• Participating in an approved vocational rehabilitation program (public
or private) at the time the eligibility ceases; or
• Continued benefit payments to students age 18 to 21 who medically
recover, or whose disability is determined to have ended as a result
of age 18 re-determination, while participating in an individual
education program. (Effective July 2005)
• It is determined by SSA, with the aid of information from the
vocational program that the vocational program will likely increase
the permanent independence and self-sufficiency of the individual.
• Medicare and Medicaid and any State supplements also would
continue under Section 301
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
39
The Interplay of Asset
Development Strategies with
SSA Benefits
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
40
Financial Literacy
• Wonderful starting point
• No harm opportunity
• Understanding one’s budget can help determine
employment goals
• Easily accessible
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
41
Work Incentives to Increase
Income
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Student Earned Income Exclusion (SSI)
Impairment Related Work Expense (SSDI and SSI)
Blind Work Expense (SSI)
PASS (SSI)
1619b (SSI)
Subsidy and Special Conditions (SSDI)
Medicaid Buy-In (vary by state)
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
42
Work Incentives to Increase
Resources
• PASS (SSI)
• PESS (SSI)
• Medicaid Buy-In (vary by state)
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
43
Medicaid Buy-In
• Medicaid Buy-In programs allow states to expand
Medicaid coverage to workers with disabilities who are
not typically eligible for Medicaid due to their
income/assets.
• States design their Medicaid Buy-In program (within
certain parameters) to meet their State’s unique needs,
resources, and objectives.
• To be eligible for the Buy-In program, an individual must
have a disability (as defined by the Social Security
Administration), have earned income, and meet any
other financial eligibility requirements established by their
state.
Check with Your State Medicaid office to learn more about Buy-In
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
44
Earned Income Tax Credit &
Benefits
• PL 111-312, Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance
Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act of 2010, Sec. 728
• Passed by Congress in December 2010
• Greatly simplifies and standardizes the rules on how tax
refunds are treated in determining the eligibility for public
benefit programs.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
45
Legislation provides for:
Income
• Excludes any federal tax refund from counting as income
in determining eligibility, or the amount of benefit, for any
federally funded benefit program. Includes state and
local programs partially funded by federal dollars.
Resource
• Refunds that are saved by the filer do not count against
the resource limits of any federally funded public benefit
for 12 months after the refund is received.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
46
Implementation of New
Legislation
• Tax refunds can include benefits from the EITC, CTC,
other tax credits, or a refund.
• New rules are effective for 2010 through 2012, the period
covered by the legislation.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
47
IDA and Public Benefits
• Assets accrued in an IDA established using TANF or
AFIA money can not, under Federal regulations,
negatively impact an individual’s eligibility for federal
programs. The individual’s contributions, matching
contributions, and interest can not be considered as an
asset when determining eligibility or benefit levels for
federal benefit programs like Social Security, Medicaid
and Food Stamps.
Assets for Independence Act, Section 415, codified at 42
U.S.C. 604 note and Social Security Act, Section
404(h)(4), codified at 42 U.S.C. 604(h)
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
48
SSI and qualified IDAs
• SSI does not count the individual’s contributions,
matching contributions, and interest as a resource.
• SSI also excludes the individuals contribution from their
countable earned income.
http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-individualdevelopment.htm
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
49
HUD Programs
• HUD offers many (over 25) programs to support
individuals in transitioning to work.
www.huduser.org/publications/pdf/w2w.pdf
• Programs vary by Public Housing Authority (PHA)
• Important to Note: Earned Income Disregard
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
50
HUD Earned Income Disregard
• First 12 Months of Employment =
100 Percent disregard of New Wages
• Second 12 Months of Employment
50 Percent disregard of New Wages
www.nls.org/ssassi/hud-earned-income.pdf
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
51
Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Two significant financial benefits to the FSS program
are:
• Rent is unaffected by earned income until at such time
that the family’s income equals or exceeds 80% of the
median area income
• PHAs will deposit funds into as FSS account for each
participating family
• When the FSS is completed, the family will be given the
full amount in the escrow account
• No limits on amount of money that may be accumulated
Content developed by Cornell University, Employment and Disability Institute
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
52
When To Consider Benefits And
Asset Development
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
53
When To Consider Benefits And
Asset Development
• Benefits and asset development should be an ongoing
thread that is evident throughout the process.
• SSA has provided a sense of financial stability.
 Letting go of SSA is more easily palatable with a plan
for financial stability
• To start, change the approach to IEP development to
consider longer term objectives to advance economic
self-sufficiency
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
54
When Discussing Employment
How do you go about seeking employment?
Do you consider……
1. your talents and abilities?
2. your budget?
3. the cost of going to work?
4. benefits offered?
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
55
Considerations
Are you making the same considerations for the individuals
you serve or are short term needs dominating the
process?
1. Staying under SGA
2. Transportation
3. Immediate job opportunity
These are valid concerns. But they are short-term
decisions.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
56
56
When to Consider Benefits
Key points in the timeline:
• When a job offer is made
• When an individuals receives their paycheck
• When an individual reaches the end of the Trial Work
Period
• When an individual works at SGA
• When a Work Incentive is used
• When an individual on SSI experiences zero cash benefit
• When an individual enters Extended Medicare
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
57
When to Consider Assets
Key points in the timeline:
• When a job offer is made
• When an individuals receives their paycheck
• During tax time
• When a Work Incentive is used
• When a decrease in cash benefits is imminent
• When an individual becomes eligible for their State
Medicaid Buy-In
• Before you close a person’s case
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
58
You are a Motivator…
• It is essential that you believe that every individual has
the potential to move towards financial stability.
• Start the conversation. Don’t assume that another touch
point is discussing financial literacy, budgeting or
thinking about a financial future with your client.
• Fear is a bad decision maker. It is important to
encourage individuals to get the right information about
their benefits before making limiting decisions.
• Don’t let your own insecurity about your finances deter
you from making connections for those you serve.
Don’t underestimate your power to create change
through encouragement.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
59
Connecting and Working with
Community Work Incentive
Coordinators (CWICs)
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
60
Work Incentives Planning
Assistance Program (WIPA)
• The Work Incentives Planning Assistance Program is a
grant funded program sponsored by the Social Security
Administration
• Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWIC) receive
training approved by SSA, and are certified under this
program to provide accurate advisement to Social
Security beneficiaries
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
61
Intention of WIPA Program
• To assist people who want to know how work will affect
benefits
• To learn about Work Incentives through SSA
• To learn about additional resources available to assist in
the return to work
• Referrals to other resources
List of Providers https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/oesp/providers.nsf/bystate
Fact Sheet http://www.socialsecurity.gov/work/wipafactsheet.html
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Working with CWICs
• Communicate, communicate, communicate.
• Support good record keeping
• Refer back when necessary
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Communicate, Communicate,
Communicate
• Connect with your local CWIC to explore ways to work
together
 Who to refer
 When to refer
 Where to refer
• Discuss how you will receive the information provided to the
individual post-benefits planning
• Ask if the CWIC will identify ways you can support the process
• Don’t be afraid not to be the expert AND don’t be afraid to
become one!!
 VCU National Training Center
http://www.vcu-ntc.org/index.cfm
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Support Good Record Keeping
Support the individual and their identified employment
supports to:
• Open SSA mail immediately
• Keep EVERYTHING SSA sends
• Make copies of EVERYTHING sent to SSA
• Report new work activity to the local SSA Office
• Provide wage data to SSA regularly by providing a copy
of pay check stubs
 Wage data may be FAXED, hand delivered, or mailed
 Be sure to write your S.S. # on pay check stubs, and your
name if not already printed on check stubs
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
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Protection and Advocacy of
Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS)
Protects the rights of beneficiaries of SSDI and SSI
• Check out any complaint against an employment network or
other service provider helping an individual return to work
• Give information and advice about vocational rehabilitation
and employment
• Explain SSA’s work incentives
• Provide consultation and legal representation to protect the
rights of any one wanting to return to work
• Assist with problems concerning work plans under the Ticket
to Work Program
http://www.ssa.gov/work/PandA.html
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Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
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Comments & Questions
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Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
67
Contact Information
Elizabeth Jennings
Program Associate
National Disability Institute
Email: [email protected]
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
68
Upcoming Webinars
TACE Asset Development Webinar series
• April 3
Building a Better Financial Future
Jackie Wilks-Weathers & Richard Keeling
• May 8
Connection Between Financial Stability and Job
Retention
Mike O’Brien
To learn more or to register:
http://tacesoutheast.org/network/ax/training/webinars_asset
_building.php
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
69
Education Credits
CRCC Credit - (2.0)
Approved by Commission on Rehabilitation Counselor
Certification (CRCC)
• By Friday March 16, participants must score 80% or
better on a online Post Test and submit an online
CRCC Request Form via the MyTACE Portal.
My TACE Portal: TACEsoutheast.org/myportal
**For CRCC credit, you must reside in the 8 U.S. Southeast states served by the TACE
Region IV [AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN]. If beyond TACE Region IV, you may apply for
CEU credit.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
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THANK YOU!
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
71
Southeast TACE (Region IV)
Toll-free: (866) 518-7750 [voice/tty]
Fax: (404) 541-9002
Web: TACEsoutheast.org
My TACE Portal: TACEsoutheast.org/myportal
Email: [email protected]
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Disclaimer
This presentation was developed by the
Southeast TACE Center: Region IV ©2012 with funds
from the U.S. Department of Education, Rehabilitation
Services Administration (RSA) under the priority of
Technical Assistance and Continuing Education Projects
(TACE) – Grant #H264A080021. However, the contents of
this presentation do not necessarily represent the policy of
the RSA and you should not assume endorsement by the
Federal Government [34 CFR 75.620 (b)].
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Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012
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Copyright Information
This work is the property of the Southeast TACE
Region IV
Permission is granted for this material to be shared for
non-commercial, educational purposes, provided that
this copyright statement appears on the reproduced
materials and notice is given that the copying is by
permission of the authors. To disseminate otherwise or
to republish requires written permission from the authors.
TACE Center: Region IV, a project of the Burton Blatt Institute.
Funded by RSA Grant # H264A080021. © 2012