In FY24, more than 100 individuals who receive SSI or SSDI contacted a benefits planner to understand how working will affect their benefits. Anyone who is eligible for Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and wants to work can receive free benefits planning services. In FY24, the Statewide benefits planning process will be evaluated through the SWTCIE IL demonstration project with the goal of increasing and improving services to customers contemplating competitive employment.
The Illinois Disability Benefits 101 website gives customers and their advocates tools and information on employment, health coverage, and benefits. Customers can plan ahead and learn how work and benefits go together. Our staff can:
- Explain how all of your benefits will be affected if you go to work,
- Give you a written report that show 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.
- Connect customers with Work Incentives Planning and Assistance
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance
The goal of the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program is to enable beneficiaries with disabilities to receive accurate information and use that information to make a successful transition to work. Each WIPA project has Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWIC) who provide in-depth counseling about benefits and the effect of work on those benefits.
