The Problem: Fear and lack of information keeps people on Social Security Disability Benefits from working.
Fact 1: Less than one-half of one percent of people go off Social Security Disability Benefits as a result of work.
Fact 2: Most beneficiaries are unaware that there are work incentives built into the Social Security Disability Programs that could help them go to work.
Fact 3: Even if beneficiaries are aware of available work incentives, they are generally too complex to understand.
The result? Unemployment and low incomes for Social Security disability beneficiaries.

What Work Incentives Counselors Do

• Gather accurate information about all benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Food Stamps, housing and fuel assistance, and other public benefits.
  
• Figure out how earnings will affect benefits.
  
• Plan for and monitor changes in earnings and benefits, so the person seeking employment can stay in control of decisions.

A Model for Work Incentives Counseling Tools

Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) helps workers, job seekers, and service providers understand the connections between work and benefits. DB101 brings together rules for health coverage, benefit, and employment programs that people with disabilities use. These programs may be run by state, federal government, non-profit, or private organizations. They are discussed under one roof and in plain language.

http://tinyurl.com/DisabilityBenefits101