Benefits 26-04
How WIPA Helps You Work Without Fear of Losing Benefits
Many people with disabilities want to work, but feel afraid: “Will I lose my benefits if I start working?”
This fear is very common—but the truth is, there is protection in place to help you work safely. You don’t have to figure it out alone.
What Is WIPA? WIPA (Work Incentives Planning and Assistance) is a free service that helps people who receive SSI or SSDI understand how work will impact their benefits. WIPA works in partnership with the Social Security Administration to provide accurate, personalized guidance. With WIPA, you can learn:
- How working impacts your monthly benefits
- How to keep your health insurance (Medicaid or Medicare)
- How to avoid overpayments
- What steps to take before starting a job
Work Incentives: Built to Support You
Social Security has special rules called work incentives. These are designed to help you earn money without immediately losing benefits. Some examples include:
- Trial Work Period (SSDI): test working while still receiving benefits
- Student Earned Income Exclusion (SSI): students under 22, can earn income with little or no impact
- 1619(b): keep Medicaid even if SSI payments stop
- Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE): certain expenses can reduce countable income
These tools are powerful—but only if you understand how to use them.
How a CWIC Can Help You
A CWIC (Certified Work Incentives Counselor) from WIPA will work with you one-on-one to create a clear plan.
They will:
- Review your specific benefits
- Explain exactly what will happen if you work
- Help you use the right work incentives
- Guide you on reporting your income correctly
This allows you to make informed decisions, not guesses.
From Fear to Confidence
Most fear comes from not knowing what will happen. WIPA replaces that fear with:
- Clear answers
- A step-by-step plan
- Ongoing support
You can move forward with confidence, knowing you are making the best decision for your future.
The Bottom Line: You can work
You can protect your benefits
You can increase your income
With the right guidance, work becomes an opportunity—not a risk.
Contact your local WIPA program today to get started.
Office: 305 453 3491 Website: www.cilofthekeys.org
