A beneficiary receiving Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits contacted WIPA for help understanding how her employment would affect her benefits over time. Through individualized benefits counseling, the Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) helped her begin tracking her Trial Work Period and developed a plan to prepare for the next stage of employment.
The benefits analysis also revealed that the beneficiary would face a substantial Medicaid spenddown. The CWIC identified Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) as a significantly more affordable healthcare option and provided guidance on pursuing this coverage.
Looking ahead, the CWIC identified that the beneficiary may qualify for the Subsidy and Special Conditions work incentive after her Trial Work Period ends. The CWIC helped her understand how supports she receives on the job may reduce the earnings Social Security counts when evaluating her continued eligibility for cash benefits.
Without the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) counseling, the beneficiary may not have known about the more affordable Medicaid option or the work incentives available to support her continued employment. She now has a clear, proactive plan for navigating changes to both her cash and healthcare benefits. This support has equipped her to make informed employment decisions, maintain essential healthcare coverage, and pursue greater financial independence with confidence.