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WELCOME - Sit With Your Region
COLLABORATION IS KEY TO ENHANCING FINANCIAL STABILITY WELCOME - Sit With Your Region WEST North Central North East California Oregon Washington Alaska Wyoming Colorado North Dakota Michigan Minnesota Iowa Illinois Ohio Nebraska Indiana Wisconsin Maine Maryland New York Pennsylvania Vermont Rhode Island Connecticut Virginia D.C. Massachusetts New Jersey South Central South East Kansas Missouri Arkansas Oklahoma Tennessee Kentucky North Carolina Florida Alabama Georgia Louisiana Mississippi APSE 2017
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WIPA and BIN Working Together to Enhance Financial Stability
Kelley Land, MPA Center on Community Living & Careers Indiana Institute on Disability & Community Indiana University Kendra Berry Supervising Community Work Incentives Coordinator Aspire Indiana Works Review APSE regions APSE 2017
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The Importance In 2015, Nine million people with disabilities were on Social Security benefits. Assistance programs may be a way of survival for clients. Misinformation and myths 65.5% of people with disabilities were not working in 2013 Improving financial literacy for individuals in supported employment is an ongoing issue. Many states have started programs to tackle this issue and have been successful. This presentation will be a conversation to discuss successful strategies among states, ongoing issues within our industry, and emerging concerns. Addressing employment for individuals with disabilities is only one hurdle in our industry. We must not ignore the reliance on benefits for our individuals. According to a social security report distributed in June 2015, 9 million people with disabilities were on social security benefits. Health insurance and other government assistance programs are a way of survival for the disabled population. As leaders in the employment field; it is our job to educate individuals, advocates, and family members on the successful strategies to work and maximize their financial stability. Social Security. (2015, October 13). Retrieved June 14, 2016, from 2013 Disability Status Report - United States | © 2015 Cornell University APSE 2017
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Overview of SSA Benefits
Being educated is the best thing we can do. Talk to clients about facts, not fiction Tell us some of the myths you have heard? Kelley APSE 2017
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SSDI & SSI: What’s the Difference?
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) SSDI is funded through the Social Security Trust Fund SSDI beneficiaries have worked and paid into the system through FICA or draw off of someone else’s record SSI comes from general tax dollars SSI recipients meet the same disability criteria as SSDI recipients, but have not worked and paid enough into the system. Must have very few resources and little income Kelley APSE 2017
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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Work Incentives
Trial Work Period (TWP) Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE) Subsidies & Special Conditions Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits Extended Medicare Coverage Kelley APSE 2017
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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Work Incentives
Countable Income Formula (Provision 1619a) Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE) Impairment Related Work Expense (IRWE) Blind Work Expense (BWE) Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) Keklley APSE 2017
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Countable Income Formula (1619a)
General Income Exclusion (from any unearned income, such as SSDI) of $20 Earned Income Disregard of $65 Divide by 2 Subtract remainder from Federal Benefit Rate (FBR - maximum amount able to receive) to find out the amount of Supplemental Security Income due 2017 FBR individual - $735 2017 FBR SSI eligible couple - $1103 Kelley APSE 2017
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Before/After Work Illustration
Step One Scenario 1 Scenario2 Scenario3 Unearned Income Subtract General Income Exclusion -$20.00 Equals Countable Unearned income = Step Two Gross Earned Income Student Earned Income Exclusion - Subtract Earned Income Exclusion -$65.00 Subtract GIE (if not used above) Remainder = Impairment-Related Work Exp Divide by /2 /2 Blind Work Expenses Equals Countable Earned Income = Step Three Total Countable Unearned Income Total Countable Earned Income Countable Income = PASS Deduction Equals Total Countable Income = Step Four Base SSI Rate Deductions: (e.g., Overpayment) Total Countable Income Equals Adjusted SSI Payment = Before/After Work Illustration Unearned Income (if any) Gross Earned Income New SSI Payment Equals Total Income From All Sources = Minus cost of IRWE (if applicable) Equals Total Adjusted Monthly Income = APSE 2017
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Healthcare Medicaid Medicare APSE 2017
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State Medicaid Programs
209 B 1634 State States use at least one eligibility criterion more restrictive than the SSI program Medicaid Spenddown SSA makes the determination Requires the State to provide Medicaid coverage to recipients of federally-administered State supplementary payments (SSP’s) Kelley APSE 2017
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State Medicaid Choice Needs updated APSE 2017
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Provision 1619(b) Protects SSI eligibility once earnings are high enough for cash benefits to be reduced to $0 (Break Even Point – BEP) Protects Medicaid eligibility without a spenddown once at the BEP until earnings have reached the state threshold (must have Medicaid 30 days prior to employment) Each state has a different threshold amount Kelley APSE 2017
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Medicare US health insurance program for people age 65 or older, certain people with disabilities who are under age 65, and people of any age who have permanent kidney failure It provides basic protection against the cost of health care, but it does not cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long-term care The Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) taxes paid by workers and their employers funds Medicare. It is also financed in part by monthly premiums paid by beneficiaries The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services or CMS is the federal agency in charge of the Medicare program Social Security Administration determines who is eligible for Medicare, enrolls people in the program, and disseminates general Medicare information Kelley APSE 2017
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Medicare Continued There are two MAIN parts of Medicare Medicare Part A (also known as Hospital Insurance or HI) helps pay for care in a hospital and skilled nursing facility, home health care and hospice care. Medicare Part B (also known as Supplemental Medical Insurance) helps pay for doctors, outpatient hospital care and other medical services. The current Medicare changes can be found at or by calling the Medicare toll free number at Additional fees can be charged or premium part B Kelley APSE 2017
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Discussion When do you think these programs should be discussed with the job seeker? 2 minutes APSE 2017
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Partnerships is Key to Success
Collaboration Partnerships is Key to Success APSE 2017
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Collaborative Relationships
Social Security: local offices, AWIC, PASS Cadre Employment Networks Protection and Advocacy for beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Federal, State, local and private organizations serving beneficiaries who are seeking employment Kendra 18
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Capacity-Building Examples
Work Incentives Networks/Benefits Information Networks Fee for Service Systems Funding from state agencies to increase WIPA services and add more staff Funding from state agencies to develop work incentives planning services (for beneficiaries not currently served by WIPA) Waiver Programs – DMHA or Medicaid Kendra
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Types of Funders State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies
Medicaid Waivers 1115 Waiver (demonstration projects) 1915(c) Waiver (supported employment, vocational futures planning) State Mental Health Agencies State Developmental Disability Agencies Kendra
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Indiana’s Model Currently the state of Indiana has 181 BIN Liaisons.
VR has developed a partnership with BIN providers and Indiana Works to support customers in maximizing self-sufficiency through work by educating and assisting individuals in understanding benefits and accessing work incentives. Currently the state of Indiana has 181 BIN Liaisons. In 2016, 1348 client strategic plans were checked and reviewed. What does all this mean and how does it work together? APSE 2017
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Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA)
The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 authorized Social Security to award grants, contracts or cooperative agreements to provide community-based work incentives expertise to beneficiaries of Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits based on disability. Ninety-five cooperative agreements were awarded across the U.S. including; the District of Columbia, and the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Kendra APSE 2017
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WIPA Services The goal of the WIPA 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. Each WIPA project has Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs) who will: provide in-depth counseling about benefits and the effect of work on those benefits to beneficiaries aged 14 to retirement; 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 disabled SSI and SSDI beneficiaries. Kendra APSE 2017
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WIPA Services Northern and Central Indiana Works has received more referrals than any other WIPA Project in the country this year In Fiscal year 2017 (July 1, 2016 through now), we have received and counseled 1,179 referrals Southern Indiana Works received and counseled 195 referrals In Fiscal Year 2016, Northern and Central Indiana Works received and counseled 823 referrals Southern Indiana Works received and counseled 227 referrals APSE 2017
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WIPA Services APSE 2017
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Indiana’s Benefit Information Network (BIN)
The office of Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS), the Indiana institute on disability and community (IIDC), and the Social Security Administration (SSA) are building capacity throughout Indiana by engaging providers and community advocates in supporting work incentive planning and assistance services. Kelley APSE 2017
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What is BIN? The Benefits Information Network (BIN), funded by Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation Services and administered through the Center on Community Living and Careers, improves the ability of people with disabilities to use and access federal and State work incentives by providing an informed, efficient network of Indiana benefits information counselors and organizations that provide disability support services. Kelley APSE 2017
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Services Provided Providing a comprehensive curriculum;
Training BIN liaisons and ensuring that they have a thorough knowledge and understanding of the programs; Disseminating information on federal and state work incentives and provides regular updates to BIN liaisons; and Providing ongoing training and technical assistance to BIN liaisons on work incentives and community resources enhancing employment. Kelley APSE 2017
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Example Vocational Rehabilitation
VR Counselors may purchase benefits counseling services through the BIN (Referral) Provider (CRP) Face-to- Face Support Completes a Strategic Plan Refers the client to IN Works IN Works Provides long term supports Assist with implementation of work incentives Kelley APSE 2017
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Indiana’s WIPA/BIN Relationship
Priority Levels The Priority Level of the beneficiary determines if/when the referral is sent to Indiana Works High Priority Referrals Beneficiaries who are working Beneficiaries with a job offer Transition-Aged Youth (14-25) Beneficiaries pursuing Self-Employment Kendra APSE 2017
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APSE 2017
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Indiana’s WIPA/BIN Relationship Continued
What services WIPA provides to BIN Referrals High Priority BIN referrals receive a full Benefits Summary and Analysis (BSA) Work Incentive assistance from CWICs IRWE, Subsidies and Special Conditions, PASS, BWE Long-Term follow-up Postcards at 3-months and 6-months, as well as phone calls at important touchpoints APSE 2017
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What is your state/region doing?
Discussion Question What is your state/region doing? APSE 2017
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Other Programs Collaboration is key APSE 2017
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Networks Oregon’s Work Incentives Network (WIN)
Free benefits and work incentives counseling program provided by the Department of Human Services with administration and technical assistance housed with the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program Services are provided by eleven Certified Work Incentive Coordinators (WICs) who are located in 6 Centers for Independent Living around the state Contact: Independent Living Centers - Kendra APSE 2017
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Fee-for-Service Nebraska Alaska
VR partnership with Easter Seals Nebraska (Nebraska Work Incentive Initiative) Contact: Angie Howell at Alaska VR funded service requiring certification through a Social Security sanctioned training and continuing education monitored by the WIPA project Contact: Larrisa Cummings at Kendra APSE 2017
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Fee-for-Service Tennessee Texas
Tennessee Disability Coalition partnered with VR to discuss work incentives and gather information prior to sending beneficiaries to a WIPA for individualized counseling Contact: Alice Bowen at 1 (888) Texas Texas Workforce Solutions Vocational Rehabilitation includes at least one VR counselor in each office with training on work incentives and provides information prior to a connection to WIPA Contact: Sara Kendall at Kendra APSE 2017
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Specific Populations Georgia Alabama
Work Incentives Navigator (WIPA) receives funding for Community Partner Work Incentives Counselors to provide services to children with Developmental Disabilities (DD). Contact: For-WIPA Alabama The Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services (WIPA) receives funding for Community Partner Work Incentives Counselors to provide services to individuals with mental illness. Contact: ADRS Benefits Counseling Information and Referral Hotline at Kendra APSE 2017
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State Collaboration Ohio
Benefits Planners Task Force meets quarterly to discuss benefits issues specific to Ohio such as the transition from 209(b) to 1634 Contact: Debora Wagner at California Southern CA WIPA Brown Bag meetings: networking and training opportunity for all WIPA staff in the Los Angeles and San Diego areas Contact: Nina Schultz at Kendra APSE 2017
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State Collaboration Continued
Wisconsin Wisconsin Disability Benefits Network (WDBN) provides training, technical assistance and a professional forum for benefits specialist throughout WI Contact: Megan Koch at Work Incentives Benefit Specialist Association (WIBSA) supports and promotes high quality work incentives benefits counseling Contact: Terri Lannan, President at Kendra APSE 2017
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Waiver Some states are exploring Benefits Counseling through their waivers. Benefits Counseling is offered as a menu for service and is usually paid per hour. A few states who have looked into this program are: North Carolina (DMHA) Tennessee Georgia (DMHA) Delaware Missouri (Behavioral Health Waiver) Kelley APSE 2017
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Steps to Build Capacity for Benefits Counseling
Evaluate the need for increased work incentives planning services Formulate questions about partners, funding, and services Identify and enlist partners and stakeholders Analyze possibilities and develop a plan and services design Kelley
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How do these Collaborations Benefit the job seeker?
Discussion How do these Collaborations Benefit the job seeker? 2 minutes – shout out ideas APSE 2017
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Benefits to the Client Face-to-Face Contact Long Term Supports
Resources Fact Sheets & Worksheets ed VR to find out more solid numbers; I can do additional research APSE 2017
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Indiana Numbers Since 2006 12,916 clients have received a BIN plan
The average weekly hours worked were 8 hours The average weekly wage over a 10 year period was $70.50 Grab from REI presentation APSE 2017
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Long Term Financial Stability
Asset Building Long Term Financial Stability Kendra’s doing APSE 2017
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Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)
In considering what items or services will qualify for a PASS, the individual applying for the PASS must: Have a feasible work goal, Have a specific savings/spending plan for work-related items or services and how it is related to employment, Have a clearly identifiable accounting of the funds set aside in the PASS, Follow the PASS plan as agreed with the Social Security Administration. Several special rules and requirements apply to PASS Plans. A PASS can be developed to cover the costs of: Obtaining an education, Receiving vocational training, Starting a business, Getting support services which may help you work APSE 2017
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Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)
An IDA or Individual Development Account is a four-year, matched savings program designed to assist individuals in achieving self-sufficiency through financial literacy and asset generation. You can use your combined IDA savings to: Buy or rehabilitate a home Further your post-secondary education, or the post-secondary education of a dependent Start or expand a small business Purchase a car (in some areas) APSE 2017
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ABLE Accounts ABLE accounts, also known as Achieving a Better Life Experience accounts, offer certain individuals with disabilities the opportunity to save money for qualified disability expenses without losing their eligibility for Medicaid and Social Security benefits. Accrued interest would receive tax advantages similar to that received by 529 accounts. APSE 2017
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ABLE Accounts Continued
Senate Enrolled Act No. 11, signed into law on March 21st, 2016, allows people with ABLE accounts to pay for qualified disability expenses, including: Assistive technology Education Employment training and support Healthcare Housing Transportation APSE 2017
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ABLE Accounts cont’d How is an ABLE account different from a trust?
ABLE accounts enable people to control their own money, allowing for increased personal responsibility and choice. The creation of an ABLE account is also expected to cost less than the creation of a pooled or special needs trust. APSE 2017
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Current status of ABLE around the United States
The blue states have launched ABLE programs There are 21 programs currently operational. Different implementation approaches: Independent, Partnerships, National ABLE Alliance APSE 2017
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Why is Asset Building important?
Discussion Why is Asset Building important? Shout out – 2 minutes discussions APSE 2017
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We Rise By Lifting Others
How Can YOU Help? Be informed Share the information Ticket To Work Follow up and continue to encourage – don’t stop talking about it! We Rise By Lifting Others -Robert Ingersoll APSE 2017
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Resources Kelley Land (812) Kendra Berry (765) APSE 2017
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