About WIPA
WIPA is the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance program offered through Social Security Administration to provide community-based work incentives expertise to beneficiaries of Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits based on disability.
The goal of WIPA program providers is to enable beneficiaries with disabilities to receive accurate information that helps to understand how work impacts their benefits and to make a successful transition to work.
Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities should access WIPA services and request consultation with a Community Work Incentive Counselor (CWIC) who can explain work incentives and provide planning assistance.
What is the benefit?
WIPA program participants have access to guidance on how work impacts benefits status. Community Work Incentive Counselors (CWICs) will develop plans that demonstrate the impact of work, and will review federal and state-level work incentive programs. CWICs will also provide connections to state, private, and non-profit agencies dedicated to serving Social Security beneficiaries.
Getting started is easy! There are three WIPA providers in Georgia. Contact the WIPA helpline at 866-968-7842 to ensure your eligibility and to attain a referral to the correct provider.
FAQ
- Am I eligible to receive WIPA services?
WIPA services are for Social Security beneficiaries who have received a medical determination of disability. You must be at least 14 years of age to be eligible for WIPA services.
- What services do I receive through WIPA?
Each WIPA project has Community Work Incentive Counselors (CWIC) who will:
- provide in-depth counseling about benefits and the effect of work on those benefits;
- conduct outreach efforts to beneficiaries of SSI and SSDI (and their families) who are potentially eligible to participate in federal or state Work Incentives programs; and
- work in cooperation with federal, state and private agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve SSI and SSDI beneficiaries with disabilities.
- What happens when I talk to a CWIC?
Your counselor will complete an intake to learn more about your work/earnings goals and will work with you to help verify your benefits. The counseling process includes a Benefits Summary Analysis that provides important detailed information specific to you to help you understand and manage your benefits.
- Are there other resources to support my understanding of Work Incentive Planning?
Social Security Administration provides a Red Book to beneficiaries to help them understand how work/earned income can impact their benefits. To download the Red Book, go to Social Security Online – The Red Book – A Guide to Work Incentives (ssa.gov).
- Who provides WIPA services in Georgia?
Effective July 1, 2021, there are three WIPA providers in the state of Georgia. Each WIPA provider is assigned select counties within the state. BDI is a WIPA provider serving 54 counties in Georgia.
- How do I get a CWIC to help me?
Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities who are interested in learning more about work incentives and would like the assistance of a CWIC should contact the Ticket to Work helpline. The helpline provides basic information about programs including Ticket to Work and refers individuals to the appropriate WIPA program for services.
The Ticket to Work helpline is available at 1-866-968-7842.
- Is someone available from BDI to present to my organization/group of families?
Yes, BDI may be able to schedule a presentation to help your group or organization learn more about Social Security benefits, work incentives, and planning assistance. Please email Anna.Maki@bobbydodd.org to request a presentation.
This document is funded through a Social Security cooperative agreement. Although Social Security reviewed this document for accuracy, it does not constitute an Official Social Security communication.
We published this brochure at U.S. taxpayer expense.
