The potential loss of benefits is one of the most persistent and pervasive fears among people with disabilities who are considering employment. The benefits analysis process helps a person become aware of the misconceptions about the effect of work on benefits, make informed decisions about working, avoid overpayments, manage changes in benefits, maintain health coverage, and know and use the appropriate work incentives.
Identify & Verify
A benefits counselor initially works with a person to identify and verify his/her benefits, entitlements, services, and subsidies including Social Security Disability Insurance benefits, Supplemental Security Income, Medical Assistance, Medicare, Food Share, energy assistance, and housing assistance.
Analyze, Assist & Assess
Then the specialist analyzes all the information, meets and discusses the analysis with the person, and summarizes all the information in a written report for the person. After the analysis process the benefits specialist will provide ongoing assistance in monitoring benefits and accessing work incentives.
Types of Benefits Counseling:
ERI has three benefits counseling programs: Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA), Fee for Service Benefits Counseling, and Health and Employment Counseling (HEC).