Work Incentive Planning Assistance (WIPA)
Community Work Incentive Coordinators
Anne Marie Rennells
The WIPA program assists individuals who are receiving SSI or SSDI benefits and are interested in returning to work. The qualified staff show the individual how their benefits will be affected when working. WIPA services puts emphasis on helping beneficiaries plan for employment, access services and supports needed to make employment possible. Sometimes going to work allows an individual to keep part or all of their benefit check and remain working. There are incentives which are given to those who are on SSI and SSDI benefits. These work incentives allow individuals to make a difference and step up to the next level of bettering their life.
SERVICES PROVIDED
- Advisement geared toward encouraging work for beneficiaries who are interested in or actively seeking employment
- Emphasis on helping beneficiaries become more independent and plan for employment using work incentives and other supports needed to make employment possible
- WIPA staff (CWIC) Community Work Incentive Coordinators, works provides the beneficiary with a full circle of resources to obtain, and sustain employment and works collaboratively with vocational services
- The CWIC works with beneficiary support systems to manage benefits and develop work incentives. CWIC’s also provide ongoing follow-up with beneficiaries