How do I find out more about Social Security work incentives? 
Meet with a Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC) when you are working or considering work, and are receiving SSI or SSDI.
Click here to find a local Community Work Incentive Coordinator.
How do I find out more about the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) or contact the PASS expert?
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Programs:
In Illinois WIPA assists individuals with disabilities who receive Social Security Disability benefits to transition from dependence on public benefits to paid employment and greater economic self-sufficiency.
Work Incentives programs are designed to allow you to "test" your ability to work without the fear of immediately losing your cash, medical or other benefits.
The WIPA programs focus on giving SSA Beneficiaries an informed choice concerning employment, and provides services to individuals who are interested in learning more about the employment process.
What is a Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC)? - CWICs serve all Social Security Disability Beneficiaries pursuing employment in their local communities and are trained to explain the impact of employment upon all federal and state programs, provide information and referrals to and vocational services that are available to individuals with disabilities.
- A CWIC provides benefits planning and assistance to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries who are eligible for the Ticket-to-Work program, which entitles them to WIPA counseling to address State and Federal benefits programs. As part of the process, an individualized plan for employment is developed with the individual.
- Individuals are connected to:
- mental health services
- vocational rehabilitation services
- Counseling and planning for individuals receiving SSI or SSDI and considering going to work or already working.
Provided by Illinois Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program.
What is an Individualized Plan for Employment?
- An Individualized plan for employment identifies services provided for in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Services needed to assist an individual with a disability in preparing for, getting, keeping, or regaining an appropriate employment outcome are part of an individualized plan for employment. Outcomes should match with the strengths, capabilities, interests, and informed choices of the individual.
Where can I get CWIC services near me?
Click here to use a map and find resources near you. Click on the appropriate county or service area where you live to also get more information on the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Program.
What is the Ticket Program?
How do I get more information about the Ticket to Work Program?
- A ticket is a voucher that lets you get employment, vocational rehabilitation and other support services from public and private providers if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- If you’re receiving disability benefits from the Social Security Administration and ready to explore whether work might be the right choice for you. Click here to learn more about Ticket to Work and Work Incentives, it is a step in the right direction.
- 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 also find a list of organizations dedicated to bringing 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, to explore opportunities to increase your income, and network with other job seekers and employers. These events are for individuals 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.