How do I find out more about Social Security work incentives?
How do I find out more about the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)? How do I contact the PASS expert?
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Programs:
Illinois WIPA helps people with disabilities who get Social Security Disability benefits. They help people transition from dependence on public benefits to paid employment.
Work Incentives programs let you "test" your ability to work without the fear of losing your cash, medical or other benefits right away.
The WIPA programs focus on giving SSA Beneficiaries an informed choice concerning employment. They provide services to people who want to learn more about the employment process.
What is a Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC)?
- CWICs help all Social Security Disability Beneficiaries who are looking for a job in their local area. They are trained to explain the impact of employment on all federal and state programs. They also provide information and referrals to and vocational services that are there for people with disabilities.
- CWICs give benefits planning and assistance to people who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). If a person is eligible for the Ticket-to-Work program, they are entitled to WIPA counseling. WIPA counselors can address State and Federal benefits programs. An individualized plan for employment is developed as part of the process.
- Individuals are connected to:
- mental health services and
- vocational rehabilitation services.
Where can I get CWIC services near me?
Click here to use a map and find resources near you. Click on a county or service area where you live. You can also get more information on the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Program here.
What is an Individualized Plan for Employment?
- An Individualized plan for employment shows services provided for in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Services needed to help a person with a disability to prepare for, get, keep, or regain a job are part of an individualized plan for employment. Outcomes should match with the strengths, capabilities, interests, and informed choices of the person.
How do I get more information about the Ticket to Work Program? 
- A ticket is a voucher that lets you get a job, vocational rehabilitation and other support services from public and private providers. You can get the ticket if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Click here to learn more about Ticket to Work and Work Incentives,
- If you have received a ticket by mail and need to determine eligibility, call MAXIMUS at (866) 968-7842 (Voice) and (866) 833-2967 (TTY).
- Click here if you are ready to explore work options. Begin with Ticket to Work’s Employer Partners. Here you will find a list of organizations that bring talented workers with disabilities into their workplaces.
Where do I sign up for a Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE)?
- Sign up for a WISE event to connect with local training and employment resources,
Explore opportunities to increase your income. Network with other job seekers and employers. These events are for people with disabilities and their families to learn more about: - Available work incentives through accessible, informal, learning opportunities;
- Employers;
- Vocational Rehabilitation;
- Protection and Advocacy Services; and
- Employment Networks.
Employment support providers are invited to these meetings to share information about available services and opportunities in the community.