This holiday season, we hope you enjoy many gifts. Sometimes the best gifts don’t come in packages, but if they do, it’s a good idea to learn how gifts are viewed by Social Security for the SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) programs. Gifts Don’t Affect SSDI At AllLet’s start with the easy one: SSDI. Gifts …
Learn, Explore, Take Action! How to Use High School to Jumpstart Your Future
Hey Teens and Parents: Learn, Explore, Take Action!We’ve always known high school is more than going to classes, and the shift to online learning due to COVID is proving it! High school is about learning who you are, exploring what you want to be as an adult, and taking actions to have the life you want. If you’re a teen …
How to Ace Your Online Interview
So, you landed an interview and you’re ready to meet your (hopefully) future employer. The usual questions run through your head… What do I say? What should I wear? How do I get there? Wait… these days… “getting there” might mean showing up in your own living room! If you’re not used to online communication, the idea of an online …
Time to Make a Change? Ticket to Work Can Help!
Times are changing. We’re moving forward into a year of opportunities, stronger with lessons learned from 2020 about new ways to work and live as valuable members of our communities. As we transition from a year of social distancing and high unemployment, this may be the perfect time for you to think about your long-term work and financial goals. It …
When You Have a Mental Health Disability and Need Benefits….
Complex. Confusing. Overwhelming. These are just a few of the words used to describe what it’s like to have a mental health disability and apply for Social Security and Medicaid benefits. Some people are able to navigate the application process on their own or with the help of family and friends. Others may need a little more support. Jolin, a …
Living with Depression: Creative Solutions for Work
An important part of living well with depression is to engage in as many regular daily activities as possible, including work. For many, the satisfaction and security of work leads to positive self-esteem, and being part of a work team can create a sense of belonging. But. . . you may not feel positive or that you belong at work …
Your DVR Case Closed. It May Be Time for Ticket to Work!
If you have a disability and an employment goal, the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) can provide services to help you prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. In many cases, once you get a job and maintain that job for 90 days, your DVR case closes successfully. But what happens next? You May Be Eligible for Ticket to WorkTicket …
Job Skills Employers Value
There are some skills that all employers – no matter what the job or industry – are looking for in their employees. These are the skills that will help you succeed on the job and move ahead in your career. Sometimes called “soft skills”, the skills employers value includes things like communication, attitude, responsibility, and willingness to learn. They’re sometimes …
Working from Home? Grow Your Skills and Knowledge with Free Resources
In COVID-19 times, many of us dramatically changed the way we provide services, going from working in a physical office space to providing services remotely from our homes. For many, this change freed up some extra time to work on professional development and continuing education. And, we saw many the people we serve look for ways to use their extra …
COVID-19 and Taxes: Free Help to File
Although 2020 was difficult year for many of us, there were a few silver linings to the cloud. Stimulus checks, expanded unemployment benefits, the ability to work remotely, and tax relief packages enabled many of us to meet our basic needs and make it through an extraordinarily challenging time. These same silver linings may cause your taxes to look a …