• Overview
• Comparison of the SSDI and SSI Disability Programs
• Living and Working with Disabilities - Tax Benefits and Credits
• Medicaid Insurance for Workers with Disabilities (MIWD)
• MIWD Research
• Resources
• SSA 2008 Red Book
• Work Incentives Network
• SSA Work Incentives
• SSA Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA)
• Work Incentive Topic of the Month

Disability Benefits & Employment

SSA Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA)

If you receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration, and are interested in working or learning more about how working would affect your benefits, you can get help from a community organization known as a Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) project. View a list of Work Incentives Liaisons for Nebraska.

What is a WIPA?

• A WIPA is one of 104 local organizations that has arranged with Social Security to provide information and planning services about work and work incentives to Social Security and SSI disability beneficiaries. WIPA services are available in every State and Territory.

Who is eligible for WIPA services?

• All Social Security and SSI disability beneficiaries age 14 and over are eligible for WIPA services.
• You do not have to be working, or even have decided to work, to get WIPA services.

What can a WIPA do for me?

• Answer your questions about how part-time, full-time, or seasonal work would affect your individual disability benefits and other benefits you may receive from Federal, State, and local programs.
• Answer your questions about how work would affect your health care.
• Answer your questions about SSA work incentives and work incentives of other programs.
• Discuss your individual employment goals, including possible barriers and the resources or services you would need to overcome any barriers. A WIPA can also help you find those resources and services.
• Help you plan how to use work incentives or other benefits for a successful return to work.
• Help you work with your local Social Security office to put in place the work incentives that you need.
• Help you use your Ticket to Work and find and Employment Network that is right for you.

How do I get in touch with the project close to me?

Nebraska Work Choice - assisting SSI and SSDI recipients, using an in-depth knowledge of the system to enable them to make informed decisions regarding employment.

Easter Seals Nebraska Work Choice
2727 W. 2nd Street, Suite 471
Hastings, NE 68901

Phone: (402) 462-3031, ext. 3
Toll-Free: (800) 471-6425
Fax: 402-462-2040

WIPA CWIC contact: Michelle Ernst sernst@ne.easterseals.com