Benefits Counseling
Client Benefits and Work Incentives
Are you confused about Social Security and New Hampshire Medicaid? You are not alone. These programschange frequently, and if you do not have the current information and know what information is needed when you fill out the applications, it can take twice as long to get approved. I will work hard to bring the information about the different programs to this web page.
Do you want to get a job and go to work but you’re afraid that you will lose your benefits? Did you know that there are different work incentives that you probably qualify for that will help you keep those benefits? Want more information? Email Dee Johnson.
You Can Be Employed and Keep Your Benefits
Kenny is a 22-year-old young man who has been working at Wal-Mart for a little over two years now. Before he started working,Kenny was on Social Security and Medicaid and he and his family were concerned about him starting a job and losing his benefits. They did not believe that it would be possible for him to live without his Social Security income. Kenny and his family met the Community Crossroads benefits coordinator and she explained to them that Social Security had several work incentive programs in place that would allow an individual to go to work and see what they could do, and even allow them to try different work experiences without affecting Social Security benefits. Kenny went to Vocational Rehabilitation and then chose Work Opportunities as a vendor to help him find employment. He started out working part time, and as he got more comfortable and learned more skills, more hours were added on. During this time he was able to use the 9 month trial work period which is one of many work incentives through Social Security. During a trial work period, a beneficiary receiving Social Security Disability benefits may test his or her ability to work and still be considered disabled. Community Crossroads also contacted Medicaid and asked for Kenny to be put on the MEAD program. MEAD is a Medicaid eligibility group that allows qualified adults with disabilities who work to continue their Medicaid coverage.
It’s been two years and Kenny is now working full time. He no longer collects Social Security and is actually making more money working than he was just receiving his Social Security benefits. He continues to have Medicaid by being on the MEAD program, and his employer is very pleased with the work he does. The best part of all is that Kenny feels like a valued part of the Wal Mart team and member of his community.
If you would like more information about working with benefits, visit www.ssa.gov, see the benefits section of our website, or contact Dee Johnson at 603-893-1299 ext. 323.
Work Incentives Resource Center: New Website Helps Individuals With Disabilities Navigate Benefits Planning
Granite State Independent Living (GSIL) has collaborated with the UNH institute on Disability to develop the Work Incentives Resources Center (WIRC), a new website designed to assist individuals with disabilities in navigating the benefits planning process and help make gainful employment a reality. Visit www.nhwirc.org for more information.