Background

Many individuals with disabilities who receive Social Security benefits (SSDI and/or SSI) want to work or increase their work activity. One barrier for these individuals is fear of losing health care and other benefits if they work. Valuable work incentive programs can extend benefits, but are often poorly understood and underused. The West Virginia Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Project can help reduce these concerns. Community Work Incentive Coordinators provide services to all West Virginia SSDI and SSI beneficiaries between the ages of 14 to 64 who are currently receiving benefits.

Mission of the program:   

To disseminate accurate information to Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities about work-incentive programs and issues related to such programs, to enable them to make more informed decisions regarding work.