Disability Benefits Support
From Goodwill MN

work incentives connection

Need to know how work affects government benefits? Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota Work Incentives Connection provides specialized answers about the impact of work on government benefits. Armed with clear, accurate information about their options, people with disabilities can make informed and confident decisions about employment.

• Call 1-800-976-6728 (toll-free) or 651-632-5113 (MN Relay – 711)
• Check out our Work Incentives Connection Resources and fact sheets
• Work Incentives Connection "Moving Forward" current newsletter
• Sign up for email updates from Work Incentives Connection

2018 Social Security Changes

Click here and see how Social Security Changes in 2018 will affect you.

2018 Annual State-wide Community Meetings are set!

Registration is now open for the Work Incentives Connection’s annual state-wide Community Meetings on how work affects Social Security Disability Insurance, SSI and other government benefits. We will share stories about how individuals with disabilities have used individualized benefits planning services to understand the work rules, how to track and report earnings, and how Social Security work incentives helped them achieve their goals. Click here to find the list of locations, dates and times of the meetings closest to you.

Register by calling 1-800-976-6728, extension 5.

Services
The Work Incentives Connection answers questions about the impact of work on Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, Medical Assistance, Medicare, Food Support, subsidized housing and other benefit programs used by people with disabilities. If needed, Work Incentives Connection staff research complicated issues and assist people in advocating directly with government representatives. Services are provided in partnership with Minnesota Vocational Rehabilitative Services and Work Incentives Planning and Assistance project of the Social Security Administration.

Benefits Analysis
In-depth Benefits Analysis reports are developed with explanations of how work at varying levels will affect each benefit received. These reports also provide a bottom-line assessment of available income (wages + benefits) before and after working. Special work incentives and health care options that apply to the individual’s situation are identified. The Benefits Analysis gives people clear and useful information to make their own choices about working.

Education
Each year, the Work Incentives Connection conducts community education presentations and meetings throughout MN. Work Incentives Connection publishes a newsletter and adds extensive information about government benefit program rules and incentives to this page for people with disabilities who want to work.

Eligibility
Anyone can call the Work Incentives Connection with questions about work and benefits. Assistance is provided to people with all types of disabilities throughout MN, as well as family members, vocational or other service providers, advocates and others assisting people with disabilities. To receive in-depth services, participants must be between ages 16-64 and receiving either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Staff
The staff at the Work Incentives Connection are called Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs). CWICs are responsible for helping you understand how all your government benefits are affected by working. CWICs have been trained and certified by Virginia Commonwealth University to provide in-depth and individualized benefits assistance and planning. Each staff member has passed a Social Security Administration background and suitability screening. The CWIC will offer you individualized services based on your interests and needs.

Get answers and support at 1-800-976-6728 (toll-free) or 651-632-5113 (MN Relay – 711).