Individuals who receive Social Security Disability Benefits have questions when returning to work.  How will employment affect my Medicaid and Medicare?  What will happen to my SSA check?  What is a work incentive?  What is the Ticket to Work program?  A Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) can assist with these questions by providing individuals with an understanding of the impact work will have on their benefits and health care.  The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages two programs that provide benefits based on disability or blindness. These programs are the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program and the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.  Both SSDI and SSI programs share many concepts and terms, however, there are also many very important differences in the rules affecting eligibility and benefits payments.  A CWIC is a valuable resource in assisting the beneficiary through this journey and will explore how best to utilize the various work incentives available to the individual.

Work incentives are employment-support provisions intended to assist the beneficiary in their efforts to become as self-sufficient as possible through work.   Work Incentives are SSA rules that:

·         Make it possible for people with disabilities receiving SSDI and/or SSI to explore work options and still receive benefits until they reach their work goals. 

·         Help beneficiaries remove barriers to work by offering support services.

·         Provide a safety net to assist beneficiaries in finding meaningful employment and succeeding in the workplace.

A Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC):                                                                             

·         Is trained and certified in providing information and planning services about work and how work incentives may apply. 

·         Can answer questions about how part-time, full-time, or seasonal work would affect benefits. 

·         Can discuss individual employment goals, assist in identifying possible barriers to reaching those goals, and help find the resources or services to overcome those barriers. 

·         Can provide a detailed benefits analysis and summary to the individual.

·         Provides information which allows the individual to make informed decisions about employment.

The Benefits Planning and Work Incentives Assistance program at Stand Among Friends is a valuable resource to individuals receiving Social Security Disability Benefits who are returning to work.

For further information on these programs contact Brina Tosta, (561)-440-0786