WIPA
What is the purpose of WIPA?
To assist beneficiaries with understanding how their job, or work goals could affect their Social Security benefits and any other benefits they may receive.
When do you use the short script for ticket?
When they are not fully verified.
Bene wants to remove payee from their account so they can receive their own check. Who do you refer them to?
What is Social Security (SSA)?
How long does it take Social Security to start my check under EXR?
You can receive up to 6 months of temporary benefits while Social Security conducts a medical review to decide if you are still disabled. These can usually start shortly after you request EXR.
How much will my check be reduced if I work?
“At least the first $65.00 that you earn each month doesn’t count. For anything you earn over $65.00, Social Security will take away one dollar from your SSI check for every two dollars that you earn.”
How long will it take before a WIPA can give me specific information? What is their process to help me?
“Once you connect with the WIPA, they will collect more information from you and fully verify all the benefits you receive. Once this is complete, they will be able to provide you specific advisement on your situation. They will develop a customized report that outlines what to expect for each of your benefits related to your earnings goal. You should expect to hear from the WIPA in the next 5-7 business days. Since each WIPA is different, you should ask them how long it might take to get specific information.
Name three types of services the TTWP offers.
Vocational training, job placement, transportation assistance, finding a job, job coaching, help with going back to school etc.
Bene is asking how they can get taxes withheld from their checks. Who do you refer them to?
What is the IRS?
Can I get back on disability benefits if my benefits have stopped?
If you decide that working above the SGA level is the best option for you, and your SSDI benefits stop, you need to be aware that your benefits can return. Through Expedited Reinstatement, or EXR for short, you can quickly get your disability benefits back again for up to 5 years after your SSDI terminates because you worked. If your job doesn’t work out, or you find out it’s not the right fit for you, connect with your local Social Security office and they will go over your options for getting your SSDI benefits back again.
What if I start working before the WIPA calls me; will earnings affect my benefits right away?
“Work will not immediately affect your benefits. Earnings reports should be made to Social Security by the sixth of the next month so they can decide how, or if the previous month’s earnings will affect your check or not. I’ll add a note to the referral to let the WIPA know that you are concerned about your new job affecting your benefits and ask them to contact you as quickly as possible.”
What if I start working before the WIPA calls me; will earnings affect my benefits right away?
Work will not immediately affect your benefits. Earnings reports should be made to Social Security by the sixth of the next month so they can decide how, or if the previous month’s earnings will affect your check or not. I’ll add a note to the referral to let the WIPA know that you are concerned about your new job affecting your benefits and ask them to contact you as quickly as possible.
Confusion about TTWP protecting cash benefits
Please keep in mind the TTWP does not protect or affect your benefits. You are not required to participate in the TTWP to be able to work. When you start working, Social Security has rules and guidelines in place that would apply to you regardless of your participation in the TTWP.
Bene says they don't need any of the services you talked about, they just need a place to use the computer and send out some resumes. Is there a place like that you could refer them to?
What is America's Job Center?
What are Blind Work Expenses?
“My records show that you receive SSI because of blindness. This means, you are able to use a special work rule called Blind Work Expenses, or BWE. When figuring the change to your SSI check, Social Security will deduct expenses that you pay for because of work, and it doesn’t have to relate to your blindness or any other disability you may have. Some of the common things you might pay for that could count as BWE include service animal costs, transportation to and from work, meals eaten at work, taxes, and lots of other things.
I am the rep-payee and my son can’t provide consent for a referral because he's not able to understand the information. How can I connect with the WIPA for necessary services?
I’m sorry that I can’t make the direct referral without the beneficiary’s direct consent, but I would be happy to provide you the name of the WIPA agency and their phone number so you can contact them directly.
My earnings are well under SGA, why do I need to talk to the WIPA about other work incentives?
It’s not required that you take the referral, but it is in your best interest to connect with them to learn about all the work incentives that may apply to your situation if your earnings increase in the future. They can also talk to you about how your current work might affect other benefits that you may be receiving, like SNAP (food stamps), or housing assistance.
What are the eligibility requirements for the TTWP?
18-64
Receiving SSDI/SSI
Bene needs VR to open their case back up and help them with some issues they're having, but they said no. How can we help the bene?
What is the Client Assistance Program (CAP)?
What is the difference between Social Security disability and retirement benefits?
SSDI and retirement benefits are both funded from the FICA taxes you paid when you worked. SSDI is disability insurance that you get if you can’t keep working because of a medical condition before you reach full retirement age. Retirement benefits are what you draw after you reach retirement age. If you get SSDI, your benefit will change to retirement benefits when you reach your full retirement age.
Why can't I just directly call the WIPA?
We can provide a direct referral to the WIPA that provides them all your basic information. The WIPAs give priority service to the referrals that come from us via the secure referral system. You will get the services you need faster with a referral. We will also include a note about the best time and number to reach you. They will contact you directly to assist.
What are the 4 WIPA probing questions?
1. Are you working now?
2. Have you received a job offer recently?
3. Have you interviewed for a job in the last 30 days?”
4. Do you have a job interview in the next 2 weeks?
What happens if the bene does not pass their TPR, do they lose their benefits?
If the bene does not pass their Timely Progress Review, their benefits will not be affected. Using their Ticket can protect them from receiving medical Continuing Disability Reviews as long as they make expected progress. Upon review, if they are not making expected progress toward self-supporting employment, they will no longer be excused from CDRs.
Bene asked their landlord to install some grab bars in the shower and now he says the bene is causing trouble and has to move. Who would we refer the bene to?
What is Protection & Advocacy?
I just got married, will it affect my benefits?
“That depends on which benefits you receive, and whether or not your spouse to be also receives disability benefits. It is possible that getting married will have an effect on your benefits. I recommend that you contact your local Social Security office for more information on that topic.
I have an overpayment, what are my options?
If you think the decision that caused the overpayment is wrong, you can appeal that decision by filing a ‘Request for Reconsideration’ at your local Social Security office. If you agree with the decision that caused the overpayment, you can contact your local office to set up a repayment schedule, or to request a waiver.