www.workwithoutlimits.org. common myths about work & social security benefits …
TRANSCRIPT
www.WorkWithoutLimits.org
So What Are Some Of Your Concerns About Working?
www.WorkWithoutLimits.org
When People On Benefits Hear
These Things, Most Think …
“If I Work, I’ll …
1.Lose My Cash Benefits & My Health Insurance Immediately,
2.Be Worse Off Financially,
3. And Once I’m Off, I Can Never Get Back On Benefits!”
FACT: Due To The Rumors &
Myths Around Work & Disability
Benefits, Many People Have
Been Misguided & Misinformed
For Years.
Common Myths About Work & Social Security Benefits …
www.WorkWithoutLimits.org
They Are WRONG!
Well, Guess What?
www.WorkWithoutLimits.org
MYTHS -
We Want You To Know That It is Possible
For You to Work &…
• Keep A Bigger Portion or All of Your Benefits
• Keep Your Health Insurance
• Be Better Off Financially
• And Get Back on Benefits If You Need To Later On In Life!
www.WorkWithoutLimits.org
And Now You’re Probably Wondering, “But How?”
WELL, DON’T WORRY!
There is Plenty of Help To Figure This All Out!
www.WorkWithoutLimits.org
Be Vocal & Tell The Right People You Want To Work!• Tell your Parents, Guidance Counselors, your Special Education
Teacher or your GED teacher. They can help clarify your current work goal and your career goal before you talk to a benefits expert.
And If You Have An Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
• Know that your work goals will probably be included in your IEP. This is so you get the appropriate supports needed to fulfill your goals now and after you graduate.
• Also, make sure you have a Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) counselor involved in your IEP team by the time your 16. They will provide you with training and supports to help you work and to ensure your transition after you graduate is smooth.
For Starters, If You’re Under 18 …
www.WorkWithoutLimits.org
Take Advantage of Social Security’s Ticket To Work Program!
• This program offers anyone receiving disability benefits free employment supports and job placement by having their ticket assigned to an Employment Network or their local MRC office.
• To find out how you can assign your ticket today or to find out if you already have yours assigned, call 1-866-968-7842!
• And to find an MRC office near you, call 1-800-245-6543!
And If You’re Over 18 …
www.WorkWithoutLimits.org
And If You’re Over or Under 18 …
And Want To Work Now, Contact A Benefits Expert Near You! • These experts are formally known as Community Work Incentives
Coordinator, or CWICs for short (pronounced “See-Wicks”).
• They are devoted to erasing the fears & myths around ‘work + benefits’ by supplying you with accurate information about the different Social Security rules and programs that can help you get to work
• In Massachusetts, there are two programs equipped with a team of dedicated CWICs. Contact them today!
Project IMPACT
1-877-YES-WORK (937-9675)
1-617-204-3854
OR
www.WorkWithoutLimits.org
And Before You Talk With A Benefits Expert …
1. Try & Find Out If You’re On SSI, SSDI Or Both.
• Remember, You Can Always Find Out By Getting Your Benefits Planning Query through Social Security
2. Keep In Mind That Earnings Affect Each Disability Benefit Program Differently!
3. And Know That You Can Access A Certain Set Of “Safety Nets” & Programs That Social Security Designed To Help You Work & Achieve Greater Independence. These Are Called Work Incentives!
www.WorkWithoutLimits.org
What Can Work Incentives Do For Me?
When You Work, Work Incentives Can Make It
Possible For You To:
• Keep All Of Your Social Security Cash Benefits or
• Keep A Bigger Portion Of Them
• And Continue Your Health Insurance!
See, Social Security Does Want You To Succeed.
So Find Out About Work Incentives Today!
www.WorkWithoutLimits.org 11
Thank You!