Work Incentives Connection

Minnesota’s only Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program

Get disability benefits planning help from experts about Social Security work incentives designed to help you succeed if you are working or want to work.

• Information and referral
• In-depth problem solving
• Customized benefit analysis

Eligibility

• Must be a Social Security beneficiary with a disability
• Ages 14 to full retirement
• Includes transition-to-work-aged youth and veterans

Getting Started

Contact the Hotline: 

• 1-800-976-6728 (toll-free) or 651-632-5113
• Email workincentivesconnection@gesmn.org

Vocational Rehabilitation Services and SSB referrals only: 

• Email MNWIC_referrals@gesmn.org

General Information - Ticket to Work helpline:

• 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 TTY
• Visit the SSA Choose Work website

Resources

WIPA is funded through a cooperative agreement with the Social Security Administration (Social Security) at taxpayer expense. While Social Security has reviewed this material for technical accuracy, it is not an official Social Security publication.

Personalized, flexible job placement services

• Explore goals, strengths and interests
• Plan for a career
• Prepare for interviews and career readiness trainings
• Shadow a professional or try out a job
• Ongoing job support

For information contact:

• Elk River, Monticello & St. Cloud - Kayla Collins, 320-268-5024
• Hutchinson, Mankato & Willmar - Shelly Bormann, 320-214-9238
• Twin Cities - Kyle Van Acker, 651-379-5957

Transitional Employment

People with disabilities can get exposure to work through hands-on, paid experience at employer partner sites.

• Identify employment strengths and barriers
• On-the-job learning
• Ongoing performance feedback
• Support to manage workplace expectations

 Complete this form or contact:

• Elk River, Monticello & St. Cloud - Kayla Collins, 320-268-5024
• Hutchinson, Mankato & Willmar - Shelly Bormann, 320-214-9238
• Twin Cities - Andrea West, 651-379-5634

On-the-Job Evaluation

This evaluation helps people with disabilities identify challenges to employment and better understand the skills, strengths and accommodations that will help you succeed at your job.

• Take an evaluation in a real work environment
• Build essential skills like communication, safety, work quality and more
• Receive employment recommendations

 Complete this form or call 651-379-5603

ELEVATE Youth

A job exploration program helping youth with disabilities identify their career interests, connect with employers, gain experience and create a plan for next steps.

• Identify interests and strengths through various assessments, online tools, and discussions about in-demand occupations and the skills required. 
• Explore careers with hands-on exposure to a variety of occupations through immersive virtual reality learning experiences.
• Connect with employers for industry tours, job shadows, informational interviews, networking events with local employers.
• Paid work-based learning experiences and development of an individualized work experience plan.
• Meet regularly to receive feedback on work performance. Develop soft skills connected to employment opportunities and career development plan.

Retail Skills Training

Retail skills training provides job skills to work in the retail industry; classroom training is combined with paid work experience. 

This referral-based program is not open to the general public.

What to expect

• 160-hour course
• Hands-on work experience at local retail businesses
• Instructions in retail terminology, customer service, safety, cashiering, stocking, time management, communication skills, problem-solving and conflict resolution
• Industry speakers
• Financial literacy training
• Employment readiness training - resume development, application preparation, interview skills, job search and retention skills training
• Job placement and follow-up services

For information contact:

• Elk River, Monticello & St. Cloud - Kayla Collins, 320-268-5024
• Twin Cities - Andrea West, 651-379-5634

The transition from youth to adulthood is critical for young adults and support is available for students with disabilities. GESMN helps students ages 14-21 with disabilities gain experience to inform career decisions.

Student Career Services

• Job exploration and job shadowing
• Workplace readiness training
• Job-seeking skills and self-advocacy
• Work-based learning
• Informational interviews
• Workplace tours and field trips
• Postsecondary educational counseling

College Navigation

• Individualized services to ensure students can successfully explore, enroll and progress through college programs
• Explore goals and interests in the context of college
• Receive assistance with planning, applications, scholarships and financial aid processes 
• Prepare for a successful academic experience
• Support with campus resources and connections
• Individual meetings to facilitate growth and independence

For information contact:

• Elk River, Monticello & St. Cloud - Kayla Collins, 320-268-5024
• Hutchinson, Mankato & Willmar - Shelly Bormann, 320-214-9238
• Twin Cities - Andrea West, 651-379-5634