Many people with a disability want to work, earn more, or start a career. But, one of the biggest obstacles is the fear that doing so will lead to a loss of income or needed public benefits, like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. Now, incentives are available that make it possible to earn more while keeping needed benefits.
What does a Work Incentive Benefits Specialist do?
Many different decisions can be made with help from a Work Incentive Benefits Specialist. These include deciding...
- to work;
- to increase work and earnings;
- to get the training or resources needed for a new career;
- to hold off on such changes for the time being.
It is important to understand the effects of these decisions. “Knowledge is power” and knowledge about benefits and available work incentives gives people with disabilities the power to make good choices about work and their future.
What kind of services are provided?
Work Incentives Benefits Specialists can assist people with disabilities who are considering work, working, or experiencing life changes. Services may be just in time, ongoing, and for the short-term or long-term. Some of the services available include:
- Support with communicating with various agencies such as Social Security or Human Services.
- Benefits Summary & Analysis – a written report summarizing an individual's current benefit and employment situation.
- Ongoing support when there are changes with income, insurance, or household situation.
- Plan development for benefits.
When should I contact a Benefits Specialist about my work situation?
Contact a Benefits Specialist about your work situation when:
- considering working for the first time.
- considering increasing earnings.
- considering re-entering the workforce.
- developing a career plan.
- actively job seeking.
- having problems with current benefits.
Work Incentive Benefits Specialists cannot change or get around program rules. But they can help to solve current problems and avoid future problems by communicating with the various benefits programs and agencies such as Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, County Economic Support, Housing Assistance, Energy Assistance, etc.
How to find a Work Incentive Benefit Specialist
Ask your local Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) counselor, school transition counselor, or case manager about connecting with a Work Incentive Benefits Specialist.
For general information about work incentives, contact the Ticket to Work Help Line:
1-866-968-7842
1-866-833-2967 TTY