As a transition educator, you have students who receive Social Security benefits. When they begin working or planning to work, it is important that they understand how their income affects benefits and the work incentives built into the Social Security system. Contrary to what many believe, the Social Security Administration wants beneficiaries to work, if possible, to maximize financial independence.

Since everyone’s situation is unique, benefits specialists provide free, customized, and accurate information so beneficiaries can understand work incentives and how earned income impacts federal and state benefits.

Two ways to access benefits counseling:

• Work Incentives Planning and Assistance

The Social Security Administration established WIPAs throughout every state. In Indiana, there are two main WIPA agencies, Central and Northern Indiana Works and Southern Indiana Resource Solutions. Their staff provides individualized information to beneficiaries about working and their benefits and assists with work incentives.

Transition students are a high priority for WIPAs. The easiest way for a transition student to connect with a WIPA agency is to call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) for a referral. A Community Work Incentives Coordinator will contact them to get started.

• Benefits Information Network

Students can also access benefits counseling through the Indiana Benefits Information Network (BIN). Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation funds this program for participants who are Social Security beneficiaries. Transition students in their final year of high school, or before, can apply to Vocational Rehabilitation for this and many other services to reach their employment goals.

The result: Students and their families will feel informed and empowered and professionals will connect with them to help as the student’s employment journey unfolds!

Resources

• Center on Community Living and Careers
  • Benefits Information Network
  • Benefits and Work: Information for Students and Families
• Social Security Administration
  • Work Incentives Planning and Assistance
  • Social Security Frequently Asked Questions
• Indiana Vocational Rehabilitation

Bonus Tip

The IEP Technical Assistance Center is seeking input from Indiana educators and administrators to plan upcoming Universal training events. If you’d like to help, please complete this linked needs assessment by October 27. The information gained will help organizers plan no-cost Universal trainings regionally throughout the school year.

For questions or concerns, contact Marcee Wilburn at Marcee.Wilburn@indstate.edu.