Benefit Specialists understand the complexities of public benefit systems and assist individuals through various life transitions. Whether you are applying for benefits, seeking health care coverage, entering adulthood, considering employment, or retiring, a benefits specialist can help.
Wisconsin has several types of benefits specialists:
Disability Benefit Specialists (DBS)
Wisconsin has Disability Benefit Specialists (DBS) who assist people with physical, developmental, and mental illness disabilities between the ages of 18 and 59. A DBS can provide cost-free information and counseling about public and private benefits programs and help people apply for or appeal the denial of benefits. DBS’s are currently available through Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRC). Find a Disability Benefit Specialist…
ERI’s Community Benefits Specialists provide services to assist individuals with mental illness in Dane County in applying for public benefits like Social Security, Medicaid, and FoodShare, etc. Find out more about this service.
Work Incentives Benefit Specialists (WIBS)
Work Incentive Benefit Specialists (WIBS) assist people with disabilities by helping them wade through the complexities to make informed choices about the impact of work on their benefits. WIBS can provide a written and oral analysis of a person’s services and benefits and how work will change their cash payments, medical coverage, and continued eligibility.
The services of Work Incentives Benefits Specialists are available to all persons with a disability in Wisconsin without cost to the individual.
Find a Work Incentive Benefits Specialist
In Wisconsin
- Ask your DVR or school counselor
- Visit Ticket to Work with Social Security Ticket to Work Program | Call 1-866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967(TTY/TDD) Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST
- Contact the Social Security Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program (WIPA) for help with achieving employment goals and financial independence – call the WIPA Helpline at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 TTY Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST – after hours? Leave us a message and we will return your call!
- Call 1-800-710-9326 for information and assistance from Employment Resources, Inc.
Do you receive services through a Medicaid long-term care program?
If you’re currently enrolled in one of the following programs, talk with your case manager about getting help from a work incentives benefit specialist:
Nationally
- Ask your VR or school counselor
- Visit Ticket to Work with Social Security Ticket to Work Program | Call 1-866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967(TTY/TDD) Monday through Friday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM EST
Elder Benefit Specialist
When reaching retirement age, a person with a disability will still have many if not all of the benefits from before that time; however, some of the rules will change. In Wisconsin, Elder Benefit Specialists (EBS) help people age 60 or older figure out their private or government benefits, including the complex issues around various prescription drug plans. They also provide counseling for individuals approaching retirement and not yet receiving benefits. An EBS can provide accurate and current information, suggest alternative ways to secure benefits or appeal denials of benefits, advocate with other parties, explain legal action or other possible solutions, and make referrals to an appropriate attorney if necessary. Find an Elder Benefit Specialist…
Tribal Benefit Specialist
Tribal benefit specialists help tribal elders and adults with disabilities to understand and access benefits such as Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, FoodShare, low-income housing and health insurance. Find a Tribal Benefit Specialist….
Related Resources
