What is benefits counseling?
Empowering You to Work With Confidence
Work Incentive Planning and Assistance(WIPA), also known as benefits counseling, is designed to help individuals receiving disability benefits understand how employment may impact their financial support, reducing the fear or hesitation people often feel when navigating the complex network of rules and guidelines surrounding income and coverage. Our goal is to provide clear, personalized guidance so you can make informed decisions, pursue meaningful work, and build financial independence at your own pace.
Be it the first step into job exploring options or your return to work after time away, we’ll help you navigate Social Security rules, healthcare coverage, other state benefits, and understanding work incentives available to you — so you can focus on what matters: your goals, your growth, and your future.
What We Offer:
- Virtual & Accessible Options
Tailored communication options such as video conferencing and phone calls to connect with anyone, anywhere — eliminating transportation and location barriers for us to connect with people nationwide.
- Benefits Analysis & Counseling
Detailed review and explanation of public benefits (e.g., SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare) and employment plans to provide accurate, personalized benefits information to apply to your specific situation.
- Work Incentive Plan Development
Benefits summaries and work incentive plans tailored to each circumstance and goal to simplify the most important details for you, structured for clarity and ease of comprehension.
- Client Education & Empowerment
Complex Social Security and federal/state program rules explained with simplified language so you can really understand your rights and options.
- Client Relationship Building
One-on-one virtual counseling and ongoing assistance for those starting employment for the first time, continuing or returning to work, or making career changes to ensure consistent plan adjustments occur as circumstances evolve.
- Collaboration with Service Providers
Maintained correspondence with vocational rehabilitation counselors, job coaches, case managers, and employers to support client success and collaborative care.
- Informed Record Maintenance
Preserved records of client interactions, updates, and outcomes to track growth and progress, providing valuable insights for you and other supporters to guide next steps towards your goals.
- Support Through Shifts in Eligibility and Access
Ongoing check-ins as rules shift, new programs emerge, or access to benefits change to ensure you’re always informed, supported, and covered as the realm of benefits ebbs and flows.
Interested in getting involved? Please contact our WIPA intake specialist at 971-227-9958 or email tanisha@theopportunityclubinc.com and we will be happy to start the process!