Benefits Analysis
“I have worked with many agencies throughout my daughter’s 26 years and found that this was the first time someone really took the effort and time to clearly present information in an understandable manner.”
Fear of losing benefits is a common concern for people with disabilities who want to work. SVRI’s benefits specialists explain the effect that working will have on an individual’s benefits and dispel some of the myths about working while receiving benefits.
First, the individual and benefits specialist discuss the individual’s current benefits, anticipated earnings, specific questions, and anything else relevant. Benefits specialists can travel to individuals’ local areas for meetings or conduct the analysis over the phone if preferred.
The benefits specialist then verifies and analyzes benefits the individual receives such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare, Medicaid, FoodShare, energy assistance, housing assistance, and any others.
An individualized summary is written which outlines the following:
- Explanation of benefits currently receiving
- Relevant work incentives which ease return to work concerns
- Answers to the individual’s specific questions
- Calculations and specific events that will occur in work scenarios being considered
- Comparison of the individual’s current financial situation with earnings and benefits in work scenarios
Finally, the benefits specialist, individual, and anyone else invited by the individual such as family or DVR counselor meet to discuss the report and ensure that the information provided is understood.
Assistance in developing PASS plans can also be provided.
Staff
SVRI’s benefits specialists were trained by the Wisconsin Disability Benefits Network (WDBN) and regularly participate in continuing education activities and trainings to keep their knowledge up-to-date.
Contact Us
Cheryl Fine
Benefits Analysis Program Manager
Stout Vocational Rehabilitation Institute
University of Wisconsin - Stout
221 10th Avenue East, Room 201B
Menomonie, WI 54751
715-232-1794 (voice)
715-232-1323 (fax)
800-535-6288 ext 1
finec@uwstout.edu