Work Incentive Planning Assistance (WIPA)

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Work Incentive Planning Assistance

What is Work Incentives Planning Assistance (WIPA)?

WIPA is a step-by-step process to assist people with disabilities, receiving benefits from Social Security, with understanding how employment will affect their Medicare, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and other benefits they may receive. WIPA also helps beneficiaries to understand how they can increase their financial independence.

Who is eligible for WIPA?

To be eligible to receive WIPA services you must be:

  • Receiving benefits from Social Security based on a disability (SSDI or SSI)
  • At least 14 years old
  • Not yet eligible to receive full retirement benefits
  • Employed or are considering employment

What can WIPA do for me?

You will work with a Community Work Incentives Counselor (CWIC), who will help you to understand, and plan for, the affect employment may have on your benefits, including:

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cash benefits
  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • Other health or Disability Insurance
  • Unemployment Benefits
  • Veterans Benefits
  • Housing Subsidies
  • Food Assistance

Your CWIC will assist you through the development of a Work Incentive Plan so that you can make the best use of the many options available to support your employment goals.

How can I learn more?

  • By phone: 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).
  • Online: You can find out more about work incentives, the WIPA program, and explore additional resources at www.ssa.gov/work.

For more information regarding benefits counseling, please contact Starr Benefits Planning.

Note: The WIPA project is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Social Security Administration. Although the Social Security Administration reviewed this document for accuracy, it does not constitute an official Social Security communication. This communication is printed, published, or produced and disseminated at U.S. taxpayer expense.