Social Security disability beneficiaries have a team of service providers to help them be successful in entering or re-entering the workforce. Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) projects and Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) organizations are two members of that team that can provide help and advice when it’s needed.
What are WIPA and PABSS? How Can They Help You?
WIPA projects are community-based organizations that are authorized by Social Security to provide free benefits counseling to disability beneficiaries to help them make informed choices about work and financial independence. Each WIPA project has certified Community Work Incentives Counselors (CWICs) who provide one-on-one counseling about benefits and the effect of work on those benefits.
The goal of the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program is to enable beneficiaries with disabilities to receive accurate information and use that information to make a successful transition to work.
Each certified CWIC counselor will:
- provide in-depth counseling about benefits and the effect of work on those benefits.
- conduct outreach efforts to beneficiaries of SSI and SSDI (and their families) who are potentially eligible to participate in federal or state Work Incentives programs; and
- work in cooperation with federal, state and private agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve SSI and SSDI beneficiaries with disabilities.
PABSS organizations are responsible for protecting the legal rights of Social Security disability beneficiaries who want to work. PABSS provides information, advocacy, legal representation and other services. If you think you may have been discriminated against because of your disability, a PABSS representative will be able to help you discuss your options.
The PABSS program, serves Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries with disabilities who want to work by helping to remove barriers to employment.
Services offered by the PABSS include but are not limited to:
- Securing services from community agencies, including Employment Networks providing services under the Ticket to Work program.
- Helping people who are entitled to benefits understand Work Incentives and issues with their disability benefits.
- Protecting beneficiaries’ rights regarding conditions of employment.
- Helping beneficiaries understand and protect their employment rights, responsibilities and reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act and other applicable laws.
- Protecting rights to transportation.
- Protecting access to housing assistance; and
- Obtaining vocational rehabilitation and employment related services and supports.
Mission Possible has certified Community Work Incentives Counselors on staff to assist you. Call us with questions or for more information 888-359-2366.
~Tina
Resource links used for this bog: https://www.ssa.gov/work/WIPA.html#:~:text=The%20goal%20of%20the%20Work,a%20successful%20transition%20to%20work.
https://choosework.ssa.gov/blog-archive/blog-post?post_id=273
https://www.ssa.gov/work/protectionadvocacy.html?tl=0%2C1%2C2
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