State of Illinois
Department of Human Services
Benefits Planning Program
Helping you understand how your benefits will be affected by working
What is the Benefits Planning Program?
We are a state funded program created to help individuals receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) make informed choices about going to work.
If you are interested in getting a job, we will help you understand how working will affect your benefits.
We will explain Social Security work incentives in addition to state benefits, such as Medicaid, housing and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Our Benefits Planning Program will give you the information you need to make the best choice about your future.
Who is eligible?
Anyone who gets SSI/SSDI and wants to return to work is eligible to get free benefits planning services.
We can:
- Explain how ALL of your benefits will be affected if you go to work. These benefits include SSI/SSDI, subsidized housing, SNAP, welfare benefits, Medicaid and Medicare;
- Give you a written report that shows how earnings from your job will change your benefits;
- Tell you about other community services that can help you;
- Be available to answer any questions you have about your benefits, even after you go to work;
- Provide ongoing benefits management, which can include a new analysis if you get a raise; and
- Make a referral to help you resolve any legal barriers related to employment, such as employer accommodations that will help you do your job.
Caption:
Through a sign language interpreter and infectious smile, Will explains that with the assistance of the Benefits Planning Program and many people working together, he was able to persevere and land a full time job with benefits!
Will B. Custodian
Caption:
As an administrative assistant in a law office, Elizabeth has overcome obstacles related to her disability (Fibromyalgia) and obtained health benefits with the assistance of the Benefits Planning Program and a benefits analysis.
Elizabeth E. Administrative Assistant
For more information on the Benefits Planning Program, contact:
Benefits Specialist
DRS/Bureau of Field Services
100 South Grand Avenue East
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9429
217-558-6326 (Voice)
866-864-2149 (TTY)
312-957-4881 (VP)
or visit our website at drs.illinois.gov/success
A large print or Braille translation of this pamphlet will be provided upon request.
Caption:
Laura didn't have any work experience and struggled on SSI benefits. After working with the Benefits Planning Program, Laura explained, "Having the benefits analysis helped me feel secure in making the decision to go to work and be where I am at today."
Laura W.
Office Support Personnel
For more information:
Call or visit your local Illinois Department of Human Services office. If you have questions about any Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) program, call or visit your local IDHS office and we will answer your questions. If you do not know where your local IDHS office is or if you are unable to go there, you may call the automated helpline 24 hours a day at:
1-800-843-6154
1-866-324-5553 (TTY)
You may speak to a representative between:
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday (except state holidays)
You may also submit your questions in writing to:
Illinois Department of Human Services
Office of Customer and Support Services
100 South Grand Avenue East, 2nd floor
Springfield, Illinois 62762
Visit our website at: www.dhs.state.il.us
Programs, activities and employment opportunities in the Illinois Department of Human Services are open and accessible to any individual or group without regard to age, sex, race, sexual orientation, disability, ethnic origin or religion. The department is an equal opportunity employer and practices affirmative action and reasonable accommodation programs.
DHS 4683 (R-02-17) Benefits Planning Printed by the Authority of the State of Illinois. 500 copies P.O.#17-1279
