The
Primary objective of the WIPA initiative is to assist SSA beneficiaries with
transitioning from dependence on public benefits to paid employment and
greater economic self-sufficiency. this represents a paradigm shift in which
CWICs form an integral part of the vocational services system instead of
merely providing a peripheral benefits counseling service. To actively
promote employment outcomes, CWICs must have a solid understanding of SSA's
Ticket to work program and various other work incentives, as well as the
full array of vocational services available to individuals with
disabilities. While CWICs must also be able to help beneficiaries understand
the potential impact of certain employment outcomes on their benefits, they
must also be proficient at connecting beneficiaries with the specific
services and supports needed to obtain and maintain paid employment.
National
research has consistently demonstrated that many SSA disability
beneficiaries hesitate to participate in returning to work efforts due to
fear that paid employment will cause loss of critical cash benefits and
health insurance. in most cases, this fear is unjustified as the SSA
disability programs include many work incentives designed to encourage and
facilitate employment. work incentives planning and assistance services
provided by CWICs offer the single most effective method for communicating
correct information to help beneficiaries overcome these fears.
The 102 Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) projects across
the U.S. and the U.S. territories work with SSA beneficiaries with
disabilities on job placement, benefits planning, and career development.
By working with a WIPA, SSA beneficiaries will be better equipped to make
informed choices about work. Each WIPA is staffed with Community Work
Incentive Coordinators (CWICs) to:
- provide work incentives planning and assistance;
- help beneficiaries and their families determine eligibility for
Federal or State work incentives programs;
- refer beneficiaries with disabilities to appropriate Employment
Networks or State VR agencies based on individual needs and impairment
types;
- provide general information about potential employer-based or
federally subsidized health benefits coverage available to beneficiaries
once they enter the workforce; and
- inform beneficiaries with disabilities of further protection and
advocacy services available to them.
WIPAs are authorized to serve all SSA beneficiaries with disabilities,
including transition-to-work aged youth, providing benefits planning and
assistance services on request and as resources permit.
