[Rehab] SSA Work Incentives Programs

[Dick Davis]

Dear Listers:



Of late, I have seen a lot of discussion on the Jobs Listserv about Social
Security earnings limits and whether or not it is worth risking one’s SSI
and SSDI benefits in order to go to work.  Lots of people have been burned
with bad advice, including one of our listers who may have turned down a
job offer because of false advice from a claims representative.



Since false advice seems to be a hallmark of SSA claims reps, they
developed local work incentive programs around 20 years ago.  And of
course, they do a poor job of advertising the availability of this valuable
service that everyone wants and needs.



Basically, these people are trained and licensed by SSA to advise people
with disabilities about the implications of returning to work on their
disability benefits.  After much digging, I found a site that has a link to
SSA work incentives contractors in your location.  It doesn’t look like all
that much, but here it is:



https://choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp/result?option=directSearch



You want to check the box for “Benefits Counseling WIPA” and put in your
zip code.  That will give you a list of private sector providers under the
Ticket to Work plan, some of which will have the boxes for “Benefits
Counseling” checked.  I would appreciate if some of you who have a bit more
time on your hands would explore this option and get back to me with
suggestions about how we can make it more user friendly for blind people.
Use my email: ddavis at blindinc.org



Thanks,

Dick Davis, Chair

NFB Employment Committee