This program for people with disabilities covers the benefit options available through the Social Security Administration’s work incentive programs.
What is Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA)?
The WIPA Program is funded by the Social Security Administration. The goal of this program is to enable beneficiaries with disabilities to make informed choices about work, and to support working beneficiaries to make a successful transition to self-sufficiency.
How can WIPA help me?
This program for people with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) enhances awareness and understanding of the effect of work on benefits, public health insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid, and any other benefits received (i.e. SNAP, HUD, Unemployment Insurance, Veteran’s Benefits, etc.).
A trained Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) provides in-depth, individualized counseling about benefits and various work incentives available through the Social Security Administration which enables beneficiaries to make informed choices regarding potential work activities and plans for achieving greater self-sufficiency.
The CWIC can help to answer questions such as:
• What will happen to my SSDI/SSI check if I go to work?
• How will employment affect my Medicare/Medicaid?
• Will I still be eligible for other federal, state, local benefits if I choose to work?
• How do I report my income to the Social Security Administration?
Who is eligible?
An individual must meet the following requirements in order to be a candidate for WIPA:
• Already receiving (or approved to receive) Social Security benefits based on disability
• At least 14 years of age but not yet full retirement age
• Currently employed, actively seeking employment, or considering employment
This program is grant based and there is no fee for service. The Abilities, Inc. WIPA Program serves eligible individuals in Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Westchester Counties.
How can I learn more?
For general information, or to determine if you qualify for WIPA services, you can contact the Ticket to Work Helpline at 1-866-968-7842, or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). The hours of the Helpline are Monday – Friday from 8:00am – 8:00pm.
This document is funded through a Social Security cooperative agreement. Although Social Security reviewed this document for accuracy, it does not constitute an official Social Security communication.
