Starting in early April, if you need to talk to someone at Social Security, you will have more options. Social Security will add more in-person appointments and offer in-person service for people without an appointment. During the pandemic, millions of people used Social Security’s secure and convenient online services and received help by phone and in their offices by appointment. As …
Gifts and Social Security Benefits
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 …
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 …
FreshEBT: Your Online Guide to Managing FoodShare Benefits
How do I apply for FoodShare Wisconsin? Which stores and farmer’s markets accept the Quest Card? Can I check my balance online? Am I eligible for other benefits? These are just a few of the questions you might have about Wisconsin’s FoodShare program. FreshEBT can answer them, and many more! FreshEBT is an online guide to managing FoodShare benefits in …
Telehealth Toolkit: Best Practices for Providing Employment and Benefits Services to People with Disabilities
The world seems to have been turned upside-down by COVID-19. We’ve had to change most aspects of our lives: the way we live, interact with others, attend school, go into the community, and for many, the way we do our jobs. The effects of social distancing can take a toll on all of us and the need to feel connected …
ERI Addresses Community Needs through Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Funding
Thanks to the generosity of more than 1,000 donors, the United Way of Dane County announced that 36 applications representing more than 90 organizations will receive approximately $1.5 million in grant funding through the Dane County COVID-19 Emergency and Recovery Fund. Employment Resources, Inc. (ERI) is pleased to announce we have received $25,000 from this fund to provide assistance with communication, …
COVID-19 Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP) Changes
Did you know? Some important changes to the Medicaid Purchase Plan (MAPP) program happened due to the COVID-19 pandemic. ERI benefits specialists are closely following how COVID-19 effects benefits and health insurance in the state of Wisconsin. We’ll keep you posted as we learn new information. Here’s what we know now: The work requirement for MAPP is waived until October …
COVID-19 Economic Impact (Stimulus) Payments — What You Need to Know
In the last week, there’s been a lot of information shared about the COVID-19 economic impact (stimulus) payments that many Americans are expecting to receive. It can be confusing and overwhelming! Our ERI benefits specialists are closely following state and federal guidance on getting these payments and how they will impact cash benefits and health insurance in the state of …
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 …
Unknown Assets and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries occasionally learn they own a countable asset they weren’t aware of. For example, a beneficiary may discover that a relative had purchased stock for them and it has a cash value. Determining If an Unknown Asset is a Countable Asset In this type of situation, Social Security first determines if the SSI beneficiary has: ownership …