Vermont Work Incentives Initiative website

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Mission The Vermont Work Incentives Initiative (VWII) is dedicated to improving opportunities for Vermonters with disabilities to gain independence and economic self-sufficiency. Activities VWII works for and with Vermonters who have disabilities and are eligible for public benefits, particularly Social Security disability programs. VWII helps at the individual level—providing one-on-one benefits counseling to consumers who need to manage benefits changes as they increase earnings or pursue vocational goals. And VWII works at the systems level—conducting research, developing policy recommendations, and implementing programs that are reshaping Vermont’s service system into one of the best in the nation for people with disabilities. Accomplishments During the past decade, VWII staff have been instrumental in leading several important innovations in programs and services to Vermonters with disabilities: Creating the Medicaid for Working People With Disabilities program, which extends comprehensive free or low-cost health insurance to individuals who are ineligible for Medicaid under the regular guidelines. Establishing the VocRehab Benefits Counseling program, providing strategic expert counseling on public benefits and work incentives to youth and adults with disabilities. Participating in several national-level committees on disability policy. Award of Social Security waiver programs that are testing new policies that could reshape the future of disability programs.