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. Let’s start with the easy one: SSDI. Gifts do not affect SSDI …
Tips for Safe and Stress-Free Travels
Whether you plan to make a short trip across town for supplies and then stay home with a good book, or travel across the country to spend time with family, we wish you safe and stress-free travels. Here are a few tips to get you where you want to go safely and with a minimum of stress: Whether you’re flying …
Give Thanks: Why and How to Cultivate an Attitude of Gratitude
November is the month most people stop to think about what they’re thankful for. But studies show there are physical health, mental health, and social benefits to practicing gratitude regularly. Focusing on what we’re thankful for changes the way we think, and the benefits extend to all areas of our lives. Gratitude can improve our personal relationships. Grateful and positive …
Fresh Produce in January? Plan Ahead to Visit the Dane County Late Winter Market
Who doesn’t love fresh produce in the middle of winter? The Dane County Farmers’ Market is open to everyone, year-round. In January 2020, Dane County’s Late Winter Market will be in the new Garver Feed Mill adjacent to Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison, Wisconsin. Plan ahead to get fresh, local products to keep you healthy through the Wisconsin winter. Garver …
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 …
Section 503: What Does It Mean for Someone with a Disability?
A lot of hype surrounded the revisions to Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 when the Department of Labor’s Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs (OFCCP) implemented the changes in 2014. Some said it was a “game changer” for increasing opportunities for people with disabilities to get back into and remain in the workforce. Five years later, let’s …
Employment First: Madison Transition to Employment Fair
The Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD) is hosting a transition resource fair! Time: 5:30 – 7:30 pm Dinner served at 5:30 pm Students, their families, and advocates will receive face-to-face introductions to resources, along with explanations of the services available to students with disabilities and those that support them in their transition to their post-secondary goal. They will also learn …
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 …
ERI Supports National Disability Employment Awareness Month
Workplaces welcoming of the talents of all people, including people with disabilities, are a critical part of an inclusive community and strong economy. How can we, collectively and individually, reinforce the value and talent people with disabilities add to our workplaces and communities? What actions can we take right now to raise awareness that employers, employees, and our communities benefit …