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Wisconsin Disability Benefits Network Newsletter For Your Benefits

Vol. 5, Issue 21, September 2007

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Introduction

The Wisconsin Disability Benefits Network (WDBN) is a statewide system that provides direct assistance to benefits counseling practitioners and seeks ways to reach out to and better serve people with disabilities, their supporters, and professional service providers in Wisconsin. This newsletter provides current program news, important notices and updates, and upcoming training and educational opportunities.

WDBN Calendar:

Benefits News Roundup

Quick Disability Determination

On September 5th the Social Security Administration issued the final regulation to extend the quick disability determination (QDD) process nationwide to all state disability determination services. Under QDD SSA expedites the processing of certain disability applications by using predictive computer models to identify disability claims where there is a high potential that the claimant is disabled and where evidence of the person's allegations can be quickly and easily obtained.

QDD has been tested in New England where 97 percent of the cases identified as QDD claims and were decided within 21 days with the average decision time being 11 days. SSA also plans on expanding the number of cases that can be identified by the computer models.

The final regulation will be gradually implemented over the next several months across the nation. Download Federal Register notice; go to page 41,649.

Receipts for Wage Reporting to SSA

The Social Security Protection Act of 2004 requires that Social Security Administration (SSA) issue a receipt when receiving a report of work activity or earnings from a disability beneficiary who receives either Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or from his/her representative payee or authorized representative. The receipt acknowledges that the beneficiary or representative gave SSA information about any work activity and/or earnings and documents the date the report was received. The receipt shows that a beneficiary has fulfilled his/her work and wage reporting responsibilities in case the issue arises later.

SSA does not issue such receipts if the report comes from someone other than the beneficiary, the representative payee, or the authorized representative; for example, a sheltered workshop regularly reporting the income of all its employees.

The receipt should be generated when SSA enters the report information into their computer. Beneficiaries who report wages and do not receive a receipt should follow up to SSA since the lack of a receipt could indicate that the report information may not have been posted to the system correctly. POMS DI 13010.020

Past Due SSI Payments

In some cases the Social Security Administration (SSA) owes an SSI recipient an accumulated amount of payments because of an appeal decision that is retroactive, or because of having been in payment suspense status, or because some other retroactive adjustment that results in an accrual of unpaid payments. When the accumulated amount of past benefits equals or exceeds three (3) times the current individual Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) (currently $623 x 3 = $1869), SSA pays the accrued amount in installment payments. (Exception: when the recipient either has a medical condition which is expected to result in death within 12 months or is no longer eligible for SSI and is likely to remain ineligible for the next 12 months, the amount will be paid in full.)

The total amount must be paid in no more than three (3) installment payments. Each payment will be made at 6-month intervals, and the first and second payments cannot exceed three (3) times the FBR and should be for the maximum amount if the balance due equals or exceeds this amount. The third (and final) installment payment will include the remainder of the past-due benefits.

SSA can increase the amount of an installment payment if the SSI recipient has either:

  1. outstanding debts related to food, clothing, shelter, or medically necessary services and supplies, or
  2. current or anticipated expenses in the near future related to medically necessary services and supplies or the purchase of a home. The increase only applies to debts or expenses that are not reimbursable by any public assistance program, title XVIII, a State plan approved under title XIX or by any private party liable for payment by an insurance policy, prepaid plan, or other arrangement. The individual may request an increase to the installment payment at any time.

For SSI recipients under age 18, a special or dedicated account is normally required if the recipient has a representative payee and the past-due benefits are greater than six (6) times the FBR. Any case that meets the criteria for a dedicated account must be paid both in installments and to a dedicated account. The past-due benefits cannot be released until the dedicated account has been established. POMS SI 02101.010

Each installment payment will be excluded as a resource for nine (9) months following the month of receipt of the payment. The balance of the underpayment not yet paid because of the installment requirement is not considered a resource. Dedicated account installment payments are excluded indefinitely as a resource.

An overpayment for a different period may be deducted from the unpaid balance of the past-due benefit installments after the individual has been given all due process rights for the overpayment and the appeal period has expired. POMS SI 02101.020

Social Security Administration Mailings Alert

Recently, a chart that lists the upcoming mailings from Social Security, CMS, and Part D plans to people on or eligible for Medicare Part D was released. Please note that many of the letters are color coded, which should help with counseling consumers. Download a copy of the chart (pdf) | More Social Security & Medicare Information (WORD).

Get Involved!Bill Proposed to Disregard Spousal Income & Assets

Scott Becher, assistant to State Representative Wieckert, is asking for letters of support for a bill which is a proposal to disregard spousal income & assets for individuals who are unmarried when first eligible for MA, but then decide to marry. Currently, spousal income & assets count in determining eligibility for MA. For more information contact:

Becher, Scott
Scott.Becher@legis.wisconsin.gov
(608) 266-3070

Download a copy of the proposed bill (pdf)

September Quarterly Meeting

Thanks for joining us for our WDBN quarterly meeting. We had a huge turn out of professionals including Disability Benefit Specialists (DBS), Disability Program Navigators (DPN), Work Incentive Benefit Specialists (WIBS) and other professionals in the field of providing services to individuals with disabilities.

Comments from the September WDBN Quarterly Meeting...

"Thank you for the eligibility summary and check list. Great tools!"

"Excellent activity and learning tool! Would like to see on an annual basis."

"Great way to learn more about what other people do. Met people in my local area."

"Good information for folks who are new — good review for folks who have been around a while."

In the morning the group focused on health insurance scenarios and did some problem solving. In the afternoon, a panel featuring Karen Engel, a Disability Benefit Specialist (DBS); Steve Johnson, a Disability Program Navigators (DPN); and Deb Falk-Palec, a Work Incentive Benefit Specialist (WIBS), answered questions about their responsibilities, roles, and challenges. For more information about these three specialty areas, download a copy of the comparison handout shared at the meeting. You can also find contact information for each of these and other groups at the following locations:

• (DBS) Disability Benefit Specialists |
• Disability Program Navigators (DPN) |
• Work Incentive Planning & Assistance (WIPA) |
• Fee for Service Benefits Counseling |
• Health and Employment Counseling (HEC) |

Questions?
Contact Stephanie Drum at drum@eri-wi.org or 608-246-3444 x229

DisabilityInfo.Gov Introduces New State and Local Resources Map

The federal government's one-stop website for disability-related information and resources – DisabilityInfo.gov – has unveiled a new feature, a state and local resources map, designed to assist users in finding disability-related information in their own states and localities. This new feature enables users to search for disability service organizations at the state and local government levels, as well as federal offices close to home, in every state and U.S. territory.

To access these resources, please visit http://www.disabilityinfo.gov/.

DOL Releases Profiles of Youth Programs and Partnerships

A new paper prepared by Jobs For The Future for the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) profiles programs and partnerships that demonstrate ETA's strategic vision for serving the neediest youth. The profiles highlight examples of cross-sector collaboration, pathways to credentials for out-of-school youth, increasing out-of-school youth's numeracy and literacy skills, and using data for program improvement. The paper also incorporates field-based observations that emerged from developing the profiles, including that state and local policies play a key role in advancing quality alternative education and supporting cross-sector collaboration.

The paper, The Department of Labor's Observations and Vision in Practice: Examples from Around the Country, is available at http://www.doleta.gov/youth_services/pdf/DOLObsandVis0412051.pdf.

White House Releases 2007 Progress Report on New Freedom Initiative

Announced in 2001, the New Freedom Initiative is the president's plan to remove barriers to full integration for Americans with disabilities. The 2007 Progress Report highlights the administration's activities in several areas: increasing access through technology, expanding educational opportunities for youth with disabilities, integrating individuals with disabilities into the workforce, and promoting full access to community life. The report describes initiatives, regulations, grant programs and other efforts to improve integration for youth and adults with disabilities.

The report is available at http://www.whitehouse.gov/infocus/newfreedom/newfreedom-report-2007-2.html.

GAO Releases Presentation on New Freedom Program

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has released detailed briefing slides from a presentation on the New Freedom Program for the House Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies in May 2007. GAO examined the extent to which the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has implemented the New Freedom Program and how FTA monitors program performance. The New Freedom Program, authorized in 2005 by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act–A Legacy for Users, is designed to support new public transportation services and alternatives beyond those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Congress appropriated $81 million for the New Freedom Program in fiscal year 2007. GAO found that progress in implementing the New Freedom Program has been limited and that selected state and local officials identified implementation concerns. For example, few grants had been awarded as of March 2007. Additionally, there has been limited progress in developing coordinated public transit-human service transportation plans. GAO also found that FTA had not fully developed policies and procedures for monitoring and oversight of the New Freedom Program.

The report with the briefing slides, entitled Transportation Disadvantaged: Progress in Implementing the New Freedom Program Has Been Limited, and Better Monitoring Procedures Would Help Ensure Program Funds Are Used as Intended, is available at http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d07999r.pdf.

SSA Releases NPRM on Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program

On August 13, the Social Security Administration published a notice of proposed rulemaking in the Federal Register for the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program (Ticket to Work program). SSA is proposing to revise its regulations for the Ticket to Work program, authorized by the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, to simplify and improve the definition of "using a ticket" and related requirements for measuring "timely progress toward self-supporting employment." The main changes being proposed include:

Comments must be received by October 12, 2007. The Federal Register notice is available at http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/01jan20071800/edocket.access.gpo.gov/2007/E7-15715.htm.

Bills to Broaden the Definition of Disability

On July 26, the House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) introduced bill H.R. 3195, called the Americans with Disabilities Restoration Act of 2007, which intends to broaden the definition of "disability" used in the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) introduced a similar bill in the Senate. The bills address what a bipartisan group of lawmakers refer to as an unduly narrow definition of the ADA. The language of the bill seeks to change the definition so that individuals who use mitigating measures such as hearing aids, prosthetics, or medication are protected under the ADA from discrimination.

| More information about HR 3195 can be found at http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/thomas.|
| Press release announcing the ADA Restoration Act of 2007 can be accessed at http://aucd.org/template/news.cfm?news_id=1433&id=16. |


CBO Estimates Costs of Reauthorizing Traumatic Brain Injury Act

On July 23, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its report estimating the costs of the Reauthorization of the Traumatic Brain Injury Act. The report was ordered by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. CBO estimates that implementing this bill, S. 793, would cost $106 million in 2008 and $1.5 billion over the 2008-2012 period. This bill would amend the Public Health Services Act to reauthorize research, prevention, and surveillance activities related to trauma and traumatic brain injuries. The CBO report is available at http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/83xx/doc8346/s793.pdf.

Training and Educational Opportunities:

Assistive Technology Fair

For Persons with Disabilities Family, Friends, DVR & Human Services Staff.

Wednesday October 24
10:00 am - 6:00 pm
Liberty Hall, Kimberly
(800 Eisenhower Drive)

There is no cost to attend! Find out about Assistive Technology, how it can help with tasks at work, at home, at play, and where to get it. Download a copy of the event flyer (pdf).

Friday Fundamentals

The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development will present another series of educational audio conferences. Sessions are open to the public and held at WisLine sites in all Wisconsin counties. These interactive sessions in 2007-2008 provide basic information about these laws

Information about this program can be found at: http://dwd.wisconsin.gov/dwd/frifund.htm

2007 Money Smart Events

Money Smart Week Wisconsin is an ongoing social awareness campaign and the first statewide event of its kind in the country. The campaign's goal is to help families, students, homeowners, businesspersons, employees and other community members expand their opportunities by improving their financial literacy. Most events are free and promotion of products, services or sales pitches at events is prohibited.

Find an event in your area: http://www.moneysmartwi.org/events/

Medicare Part D Training: The Basics and What to Expect for 2008

Help beneficiaries and new enrollees make informed choices in 2008 by signing up for this Medicare Part D Training today!

Millions of Medicare beneficiaries have coverage through Part D, and the open enrollment period is coming up. Due to the complex nature of this program, it is important to continue to work with beneficiaries on a local level so that they can make informed choices about the plans that will best meet their needs in 2008. Be aware that the Medicare Part D plans available in Wisconsin change from year to year. This training will help you identify what to look for as we move into a new plan year.

Presented by Aimee Nash, this training will cover the following topics:

Aimee Nash is a staff attorney with Disability Rights Wisconsin's Benefits Team, where she specializes in matters related to Medicare Part D. Aimee is the primary staff person for DRW's "Disability Drug Benefit Helpline," a helpline for people with disabilities who have questions about the Medicare prescription drug benefit.

The training is being offered at several locations around the state and the Madison training will also be available via live webcast:

For more information or to register, go to the following weblink: http://www.eri-wi.org/Events/2007/MedicarePartD.htm. Please share this information along to everyone who may be interested in attending the training.

ADRC I & A Specialists Medicaid Training

Information & Assistance (I&A) Specialists have an important role in supporting adults with disabilities and older adults to obtain publicly funded long-term care services. I&A Specialists need to have up-to-date knowledge of Medicaid eligibility requirements and factors that impact eligibility. This training is designed especially for Information & Assistance Specialists working in ADRCs where managed care expansion is anticipated and in counties where applications for ADRC implementation have been submitted. Registration is limited, trainings are planned to be held in Juneau on October 31th and Menomonie on November 14th.

Please note we intend to repeat this training in 2008 in different areas of the state. This training is jointly sponsored by the Office for Resource Center Development, DHFS and the Wisconsin Disability Benefits Network. Get more information or register for this event.

Trainings are from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with Registration beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Training Locations:

October 31 in Juneau
Dodge County Administration Building
127 E Oak Street
Juneau, WI 53039-1379
Phone: 920-386-3790
Directions online: http://www.uwex.edu/ces/cty/dodge/map.html

November 14 in Menominee
Stout University
Memorial Student Center
302 10th Avenue
Menomonie, WI 54757
Northwoods Room
Phone: 715/232-2320
Directions online: http://www.uwstout.edu/studentcenter/reservations/location.html

JAN/US BLN Webcast: Best Employer Practices

October 9, 2007 from 1:00 – 2:00 PM Central
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/webcast/register/
Speaker: Deb Russell, Walgreen Company

To celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month, the JAN/US BLN Webcast series features the Walgreen Company's commitment to hiring people with disabilities. The Walgreen Company is the nation's largest drugstore chain and the 7th largest retailer. Walgreen's success story will be presented by Ms. Deb Russell who oversees the company's commitment to hiring people with disabilities in their latest and all future distribution centers. The first of these centers opened in January 2007. In this Webcast session, Ms. Russell presents Walgreen's plans and the early outcomes this effort, including lessons learned.

REGISTRATION: Note a fee is required to participate in this event. Early registration is recommended. All registrants will receive training materials for each session, which will be sent via e-mail three to five business days prior to the scheduled event. These materials will be in an accessible format and may include Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, as well as Adobe PDF files.

Any registered participant who does not have access to e-mail should indicate this at the time of registration, and training materials will be sent via postal mail. When requesting postal mail, please indicate if alternate format (large print, computer file, or Braille) is needed and what format you prefer. One set of materials will be mailed per registration.

The fee for each webcast is $35.00 per computer accessing the training. All fees must be paid prior to the event.

For more information about this Webcasts or others in the series go to:
http://www.jan.wvu.edu/webcast/
800-526-7234 and select Option "5" (Voice) and 877-781-9403 (TTY)

Project ACTION seeks applications for the 2008 Mobility Planning Services (MPS) Institute

April 21-24, 2008
Renaissance Washington Hotel
Washington, DC
http://www.easterseals.com/site/R?i=BcjjbFDqA-P641H_1kUZyg
Applications due: December 21, 2007

Do you wish your collaborative efforts were more effective in meeting the transportation needs of people with disabilities? The 2008 Mobility Planning Services Institute can provide the tools you need if your community is ready to:

Gather some of the key players in your community who represent disability and transportation organizations and bring them to Easter Seals Project ACTION's Mobility Planning Services Institute taking place April 21-24, 2008 in Washington, D.C.

Twenty teams will be selected from across the U.S. They will travel to Washington, D.C., to convene at the Renaissance Washington Hotel to share information and strategies to improve access to transportation services in their communities. Teams are comprised of three to five leaders from the disability world and transportation industry in their communities. You are encouraged to begin assembling your team right away, referring to the application guidelines related to team membership, and give thoughtful consideration to the questions that are asked.

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Contact Us:

Name Job Title Extension Email
Benbow, John Researcher/Curriculum Developer 247 benbow@eri-wi.org
Drum, Stephanie Learning Services Program Lead 229 drum@eri-wi.org
Fowler, Megan CWIC Benefits Specialist
HEC Regional Screener		 230
Toll Free WIPA line
(877) 242-1357
Toll Free HEC line
(800) 391-2950 		fowler@eri-wi.org
Fuller, John Director of Employment & Benefits Counseling Services 223 fuller@eri-wi.org
Goodman, Phil Assistive Technology Consultant 234 goodman@eri-wi.org
Hurst, Maria Office Manager 0 hurst@eri-wi.org
Kulow, Theresa Marketing & Communications Director
WI Disability Program Navigator Training & Technical Assistance		 224 kulow@eri.org
Larson, Meredith Benefits Specialist 227 larson@eri-wi.org
Liddicoat, Tammy Executive Director 222 liddicoat@eri-wi.org
Schramm, Randy Financial Manager 237 schramm@eri-wi.org
Wanek, Jolene Benefits Counseling Project Lead
HEC Regional Screener 		231
(toll free #) (877) 826-1752
wanek@eri-wi.org


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