Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) provides free counseling to help disability beneficiaries understand how work affects their benefits. Here's how to use this valuable resource.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What WIPA is
- Services provided
- Who is eligible
- How to find a WIPA
1. What WIPA Is
Free benefits counseling:
- Funded by Social Security
- No cost to beneficiaries
- Expert work incentive advice
- Personalized assistance
Purpose:
- Help you understand work incentives
- Navigate complex rules
- Make informed decisions
- Succeed in employment
Who provides it:
- Community organizations
- Centers for Independent Living
- Other nonprofits
- Trained counselors
What makes it valuable:
- Expert knowledge
- Personalized to your situation
- Free service
- Objective advice
2. Services Provided
Benefits counseling:
- How work affects SSI
- How work affects SSDI
- Impact on healthcare
- Total picture
Work incentives analysis:
- Which incentives apply to you
- How to use them
- Maximum benefit strategies
- Individualized planning
Specific help with:
- Trial Work Period
- Expedited Reinstatement
- PASS plans
- IRWEs
- 1619(b)
- Ticket to Work
Ongoing support:
- As you start working
- When circumstances change
- Problem-solving
- Long-term guidance
Important: WIPA counselors are experts in work incentives. Their advice can help you work while protecting your benefits.
3. Who Is Eligible
WIPA eligibility:
- Receive SSDI or SSI
- Age 14-64
- Want to work or are working
- Have questions about work
Priority populations:
- Transition-age youth
- Those about to start working
- Facing work-related decisions
- Need immediate assistance
What you don't need:
- To be currently working
- Specific type of job
- Certain disability
- Attorney or representative
4. How to Find a WIPA
WIPA directory:
- Search at choosework.ssa.gov
- Enter your location
- Find local WIPA projects
- Contact directly
Call the help line:
- 1-866-968-7842 (TICKET)
- TTY: 1-866-833-2967
- Get referral to local WIPA
- Information about services
What to expect:
- Initial consultation
- Assessment of your situation
- Personalized analysis
- Ongoing support
Typical process:
- Contact WIPA project
- Initial meeting
- Benefits analysis
- Written plan
- Follow-up as needed
What WIPA Can Help With
Common questions:
- "Will I lose my benefits if I work?"
- "How much can I earn?"
- "What about my healthcare?"
- "Which work incentives apply to me?"
Specific scenarios:
- Starting a new job
- Returning to work after illness
- Self-employment questions
- Thinking about working
Complex situations:
- Multiple benefits
- Concurrent SSI and SSDI
- ABLE accounts and work
- Healthcare coordination
Other Resources
Ticket to Work:
- Free employment services
- Related to WIPA
- Training and support
- Ask WIPA about it
Protection and Advocacy:
- Legal help if needed
- Related services
- Know your rights
- Available in each state
Vocational Rehabilitation:
- State VR agencies
- Employment services
- May work with WIPA
- Additional support
How Purple Helps
Purple supports working beneficiaries:
- Track earnings and benefits
- Monitor SSI resources
- Manage work income
- Early access to deposits
- Clear financial picture