WIPA – Work Incentives Planning & Assistance
Social Security designed the WIPA project to provide information and support to beneficiaries who are working or want to work and need to know how employment will affect their Social Security benefits.
Understanding the options and possibilities can help a person make an informed choices about increasing work earnings or going to work.
WIPAs serve Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities age 14 to full retirement age, including transition to work aged youth and veterans, providing benefits planning and assistance services on request and as resources permit.
Getting Started with Work Incentives Planning & Assistance
How Do WIPAs Help?
By working with a WIPA, Social Security beneficiaries will be better able to make informed choices about about increasing work earnings or going to work. Each WIPA is staffed with Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs) who are experts on:
- Work and public benefits such as SSI and SSDI benefits.
- Healthcare coverage and what will happen if you go to work.
- Ticket to Work and how it can benefit you.
- Completing a Plan for Achieving Self Support and explain how it works.
Download the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Flyer! (pdf)
WIPA is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Social Security Administration (Social Security). While Social Security has reviewed this material for technical accuracy, it is not an official Social Security publication. We developed this webpage at U.S. taxpayer expense.
Why choose ERI for Work Incentives Planning & Assistance?
Help When You Need It
Talk to our benefit specialists to receive detailed, personalized counseling about work incentives and how earning income through employment affects disability benefits. This service helps beneficiaries make informed decisions about work and financial planning, ensuring they understand the implications of their choices.
Connections to Employment Services
We can connect you to local resources and employment networks, helping beneficiaries find and maintain employment. This includes assistance with job searches, vocational rehabilitation, and other employment supports tailored to individuals' needs and career aspirations.
Financial Independence
By participating in our WIPA program, we can help you effectively use work incentives which can often increase your overall income, reduce dependence on benefits, and achieve greater financial stability and independence. This can lead to improved living conditions, access to healthcare, and overall quality of life.
