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A Work Incentives Planning and
Assistance (WIPA) project is a federally-funded initiative
to educate and assist individuals with disabilities, and
those who support them, to understand the benefits and risks
of going back to work, and/or increasing their work income.
The goal of the project is to assist individuals to have a
better quality of life and contribute to their communities
as working citizens. There is no cost to consumers for this
service.
How can this project help me?
This project is for people
with disabilities who receive either Supplemental Security
Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
or both. By understanding the Work Incentives programs of
Social Security, you may be able to go back to work and
protect your benefits. If you are already working, you may
be able to earn more money and keep benefits. There is also
a possibility that you may no longer need to rely on Social
Security to live.
How does the project work?
A trained and certified
Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) will sit down
with you and gather information that can help you know what
your options are for working. The CWIC will help you to
understand any risk involved and let you decide what you
want to do. The CWIC will ask about your work history,
disability and other related information
Can I work and still keep my
Medicaid and Medicare benefits?
Social Security has started
“Work Incentives” that let you keep Medicaid and Medicare
benefits while you work. The Community Work Incentives
Coordinator will explain how you can do this.
Why would I want to do anything
different?
By going to work and no longer
needing Social Security, you can have more control over your
life.
For advocacy assistance with
return to work issues, including accessing needed services,
supports, and accommodations, contact:
Michigan Protection and Advocacy Services, Inc.
Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security
(PABSS) Program
1 (800) 292-5896
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