Written by: The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Team
A common misconception we often hear from professionals, families/guardians, and even beneficiaries themselves is that work is not an option for people with disabilities who are approved for Social Security. However, Social Security disability beneficiaries can work and receive their benefits! The Social Security Administration (SSA) has many work incentives to enable individuals to work and continue to be eligible for the cash payments and healthcare they need to cover their basic needs. Besides additional income to cover expenses, beneficiaries access a variety of benefits from working – building community and social networks outside of their homes, obtaining greater independence, and developing skills for future jobs.
Consider this hypothetical but typical situation: Theo has received a Social Security disability benefit for the past 5 years. They are interested in exploring employment opportunities, but they are concerned about starting a job and immediately losing their benefits. Theo is especially concerned about their health insurance, as Theo has a variety of disabilities that require regular interactions with their medical providers, medications, and assistive devices. Who can Theo connect with for help in navigating their questions about work and their benefits?
This is where we come in!
Disability Rights Iowa (DRI) provides benefits planning through the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) project. WIPA is a grant-funded program from SSA. DRI WIPA provides individualized benefits planning to beneficiaries who are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), SSDI-related Medicare, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a state SSI payment, or SSI-related Medicaid based on disability and:
Are working,
- Have a job offer pending,
- Are actively interviewing for jobs,
- Had an interview in the past 30 days,
- Have a job interview scheduled in the next 2 weeks,
- Are a veteran, OR
- Are aged 14-25 (even if not actively pursuing work).
The program aims to improve employment outcomes and increase economic self-sufficiency for Social Security disability beneficiaries through their understanding of how employment can be an option for them. DRI’s WIPA project is staffed with Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs) who are certified to provide benefits counseling to SSA disability beneficiaries in all 99 counties of Iowa and 34 counties of northwest Illinois. With 40 years of combined experience working with individuals with disabilities, the WIPA team brings varied and wide-ranging expertise in support of their clients’ employment journeys toward financial independence.
The DRI WIPA team has greatly appreciated our partnership with UpLift – The Central Iowa Basic Income Pilot. Our work to educate Social Security disability beneficiaries on what happens with their benefits when they pursue employment encompasses any public benefits the individual receives. Whether the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, veterans’ benefits, or any other needs-based programs, the DRI WIPA team is prepared to analyze the impact of work earnings on these crucial resources. Through a contract with UpLift, we have been able to utilize our expertise in the different public benefits to inform UpLift participants on how the cash payments will affect their eligibility and receipt of any benefits. Our collaborative efforts have continued through the development of a publication to help the public and other entities working towards reducing poverty better understand the barriers preventing Iowans from meeting their basic needs and avoiding the benefits cliff. The DRI WIPA team, and DRI as an agency, look forward to continuing our partnership with UpLift.
Individuals interested in learning more about DRI’s WIPA project can contact DRI WIPA at (515) 278-2502 Relay 711 or the Ticket to Work (TTW) Help Line at (866) 968-7842 (Voice) / (866) 833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. TTW representatives provide general information about how work affects Social Security benefits, evaluate an individual’s eligibility for WIPA services, and provide a direct referral to DRI WIPA staff.
Disability Rights Iowa is an independent, non-profit agency, which serves as the designated protection and advocacy system for people with disabilities in the State of Iowa, pursuant to federal mandates. The agency’s mission is to protect and advocate for the human and legal rights of Iowans with disabilities. For more information about DRI, including the agency’s upcoming 40th-anniversary celebration later this year, please visit our website at https://disabilityrightsiowa.org/ or contact us at (515) 278-2505 Relay 711.
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