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 …
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 …
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 …
Gifts and Social Security Benefits
We hope you enjoy many gifts this holiday season. And remember, sometimes the best gifts don’t come in packages. Just in case, 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. …
Work from Home: Career Exploration Tips
Work from home jobs are appealing to many people, including to those with disabilities. Not only does it eliminate transportation barriers, but it saves money in gas, vehicle maintenance, and clothing. A common question asked of ERI’s employment specialists is “How can I get a job that I can do at home?” Opportunities to work from home have increased dramatically …
Career Advice: “Change Can Be a Very Good Thing”
On a day off you might find Lori in a canoe on a lake, fishing, or sitting with a cup of coffee just enjoying a sunny day. After many years of unexpected changes and challenging situations, she enjoys her life and looks forward to more opportunities to learn and grow. When asked what advice she would give to someone thinking …
Free Tax Preparation Services to Meet the July 15, 2020 Filing Deadline
The tax filing deadline was extended to July 15, 2020, by The IRS (Internal Revenue Service) and State of Wisconsin in response to COVID-19. If you haven’t filed your taxes already, you still have time to get free tax preparation help. Individual resource agencies listed here may have COVID-19 protection requirements, such as social distancing or temperature screenings, to protect …
Continued Medicaid Eligibility While Working: Section 1619(b)
If you could keep your Medicaid coverage AND earn enough money to get off of SSI, would you? Many people would, but don’t even know it’s even a possibility. I have good news for you! Continued Medicaid Eligibility, or Section 1619(b), is a work incentive that allows people to keep their Medicaid even if their earnings are so high that …
Free Writing Assistance with Your Job Search
Free, One-On-One Help for Madison Area Residents Sometimes the hardest part of getting a job is getting started. Summarizing your entire work and life experiences in a single resume and cover letter can be daunting. And navigating the web, asking people you know for help, on top of reading and filling out forms and applications, can be downright scary. Did …
Get a New or Better Job: Step One: Identify Interests
People often think the first step in a job search is writing a resume, but that isn’t true for everyone. Before diving into a job search, it’s important to consider the types of jobs that you are interested in and the skills you most enjoy using. If you haven’t been interested in or passionate about your past jobs, it probably …