Work Incentive Planning Assistance - Promoting Employment and Financial Self Sufficiency Among SSA Beneficiaries

April 23, 2009

More than 500,000 working aged persons with disabilities in Pennsylvania are eligible for income support from the Social Security Administration (SSA). Despite having a severe disability and other barriers to employment, many SSA beneficiaries are interested and capable of working. A report commissioned through the PA Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG) indicated that the majority of the state’s beneficiaries want to work (PA Department of Public Welfare - MAWD Evaluation, Morrison Informatics, January 2005). 

SSA has established the “Work Incentives Planning & Assistance” (WIPA) to emphasize work and maximizing financial self-sufficiency by using work incentives. The WIPA service is available to SSA beneficiaries, age 14-64, with a priority to those who are working or actively involved in career development. The model is community based for ease of access by beneficiaries, and includes follow-up to reinforce utilization of work incentives and proper benefit management (i.e. reporting earnings). Targeted delivery of individualized work incentive and benefits counseling provides an essential foundation to complement efforts by SSA beneficiaries to seek and maintain employment. In PA, SSA has contracted with AHEDD, Goodwill-PASSABCO, and Disability Rights Network to establish a regional network of Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWIC). Community Work Incentive Coordinators are certified by SSA through an intensive training program. In April 2008, AHEDD expanded the work incentive counseling program through a 3 year grant from The Pew Charitable Trusts, specifically providing a Work Incentive Coordinator to serve transition aged beneficiaries (16-24) in the SE Region. The WIPA collaborates with public and private organizations, including the PA Department of Welfare, Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Special Education and others to promote and facilitate benefits planning and counseling for SSA beneficiaries.

In addition, the Social Security Administration (SSA) administers the Ticket to Work (TTW) for beneficiaries aged 18-64 who are interested in becoming employed. The TTW Program is a market-driven employment program that offers priority service to SSA beneficiaries. In July 2008, SSA made enhancements to the TTW including: earlier payments to providers (i.e. Employment Networks) and enhanced opportunity for collaboration between Employment Networks and the state vocational rehabilitation program. Under the leadership of the Department of Public Welfare, Pennsylvania has implemented a Medicaid Buy-In, specifically Medical Assistance for Workers with Disabilities (MAWD). MAWD has removed the fear of losing health care for people with disabilities who work. MAWD represents a viable option for many individuals who are otherwise eligible and/or referred for SSI to become gainfully employed and participate in Medicaid with a modest premium. 

OMHSAS News