What's New:
Social Security makes it official: No COLA in 2010
Source: Social Security Administration
No cost of living increase will occur in 2010 for more than 50 million Social Security recipients next year, the first year without a raise since automatic adjustments were adopted in 1975, the government announced Thursday.
Blame falling consumer prices. By law, cost of living adjustments are pegged to inflation, which is negative this year because of lower energy costs. Social Security payments do not go down, even when prices drop.
On October 14, 2009, the Obama administration called for a second round of $250 stimulus payments for seniors, veterans, retired railroad workers and people with disabilities to help increase income.
Information about Medicare changes for 2010, now available, can be found at www.Medicare.gov.
For additional information about the 2010 COLA, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/cola.
BadgerCare Plus Core Plan Enrollment Update
Enrollment in the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan will be suspended starting at noon on Friday. A waiting list will be used for individuals that apply after the deadline. More information about BadgerCare Plus Suspension.
New rules in WHEAP Eligibility
Beginning on October 1, 2009 the Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) will have new eligibility rules. The income guidelines will no longer be based on 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Instead, eligibility will be based on 60% of the state median income. This change is due to new state legislation passed in the spring of 2009. The new criteria will make more households eligible to take advantage of this benefit. Below is the chart for income eligibility starting on October 1, 2009.
INCOME GUIDELINES FOR THE 2009-2010 WHEAP HEATING SEASON
60 PERCENT OF STATE MEDIAN INCOME GUIDELINES
| Size of Family | ONE MONTH | THREE MONTH | ANNUAL INCOME |
| 1 | 1,953.00 | 5,859.00 | 23,435.00 |
| 2 | 2,554.00 | 7,661.00 | 30,645.00 |
| 3 | 3,155.00 | 9,464.00 | 37,856.00 |
| 4 | 3,756.00 | 11,267.00 | 45,067.00 |
| 5 | 4,356.00 | 13,069.00 | 52,277.00 > |
| 6 | 4,957.00 | 14,872.00 | 59,488.00 |
| 7 | 5,070.00 | 15,210.00 | 60,840.00 |
| 8 | 5,183.00 | 15,548.00 | 62,192.00 |
For more information visit the website: http://homeenergyplus.wi.gov/category.asp?linkcatid=239&linkid=118&locid=25.
2009 BPQY Handbook Now Available
The Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) has improved the Social Security Administration's (SSA) efforts to inform Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients about their disability benefits and the use of the work incentives. In essence, the BPQY provides a snapshot of the beneficiary's benefits and work history as stored in SSA's electronic records. The information in a BPQY is used to provide customized services and information on SSA's employment support programs to beneficiaries with disabilities who want to start or keep working. For more information, download a copy of the 2009 BPQY Handbook.
Join the Wisconsin WIBSA
Wisconsin Work Incentives Benefits Specialists (WIBS) are invited to join the Wisconsin Work Incentives Beneif Specialists Association (WIBSA). Members are WIBS who agree to maintain a prescribed level of training, adopt a code of conduct, and participate in a peer review process. More information about the Wisconsin WIBSA.
WDBN Training and Technical Assistance
The WDBN is changing the Technical Assistance (TA) model started in 2008. There are three Technical Assistance providers for the WDBN. They are Megan Koch (formerly Fowler), John Fuller and Stephanie Drum. Please find the county in which you are located to determine who your TA is. Download a copy of the map with list of counties: WORD format | PDF format.
Through the WDBN you are able to access benefits counseling support. Please contact the TA in your area with any questions you have related to your role as a benefits counselor. In 2009 the WDBN TAs will be visiting with benefits specialists across the state and offering more one-on-one training as needed.
MIG-RATS Research
The MIG-RATS provide resources and support to the ongoing research activities of the Medicaid Infrastructure Grants (MIGs). The central feature of the MIGs is to support employment for people with disabilities. Our research efforts focus on employment, disability, and related services. Check out the projects and happenings in Benefits Counseling.
Cheat Sheets for 2009
Download these handy reference guides updated for 2009:
Medicare Part D Update Webcast & Materials
If you did not get a chance to attend the recent Medicare Part D Update training at any of the statewide locations, the training is now available for viewing by webcast or downloading webcast materials.
Medicare Part D is a federal program to subsidize the costs of prescription drugs for Medicare beneficiaries in the United States. It was enacted as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Modernization Act of 2003 (MMA) and went into effect on January 1, 2006. The training covers the basics of the program and includes information about what to expect in 2009.
New Benefits Associations
National Association of Benefits and Work Incentives Specialists
The National Association of Benefits and Work Incentives Specialists is now accepting applications for membership. The goal of the organization is to serve as a medium for deliberation, exchange of ideas, knowledge, skills and experiences, and for compilation and dissemination of information.
NABWIS members will include individuals, governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations, including voluntary and private organizations, public and private not-for-profit rehabilitation providers, disability advocacy organizations, consumer organizations, self-help groups and individuals. Categories of membership are:
Membership Levels:
- Professional Members (PM) members are individuals who are committed to the purpose and supportive of the goals of NABWIS and have, presently are or will shortly (within one year) hold a position as a benefits/work incentives specialist or provides training and technical assistance to practitioners.
- State Chapter (SC) organizations or federations of organizations of which support the purpose and goals of NABWIS may be admitted as State Chapters.
- Associate Members (AM) are any individuals or organizations that support the purpose and goals of NABWIS. Associate Members are generally less than state-wide in the scope of their activities or are active in connection with specific disability groups or professions, or are composed mainly of volunteers.
Find out more at http://www.nabwis.org.
National Association of Disability Benefit Specialists (NADBS)
The National Association of Disability Benefit Specialists (NADBS) is a Division of the National Rehabilitation Association (NRA).
Our MISSION: To increase public understanding of the social and economic gain to individuals and communities through empowerment of persons with disabilities to become self-sufficient, self-supporting, and contributing members of the community. NADBS will also:
- Help to develop a specific body of knowledge and skills in this field
- Work to disseminate new information
- Encourage and stimulate pragmatic research and enlightened inquiry
- Promote student learning and development in the field!
Approved by the NRA Board in November 2006, the NADBS is now accepting members!
Professional Membership is $30 (requires NRA membership)
Student Membership is $15 (requires NRA membership)
For more information about this exciting new Division, contact the NRA office at 888-258-4295 or download a copy of the National Association of Disability Specialists Membership Flyer (pdf).
