Benefits Counseling
 Intro  Consumer Stories Statistics
Social Security rules for disability programs are notoriously complicated. Trying to figure out how changes in your work situation—a new job, a raise, going back to school—are going to affect your benefits can be an overwhelming prospect for anyone.
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That's where a Benefits Counselor can help.
Benefits Counseling is an innovative service established in 1999 by the VWII project of Vermont's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Vermont now has a statewide network of professional benefits counselors serving over 500 individuals each year.
VWII's Benefits Counselors work with
- Adults on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits; and
- Youth (age 16 to 26) on any public benefits program.
Services a Benefits Counselor can provide include:
- Comprehensive and accurate information on the impact of employment on benefits.
- Advice and assistance on taking advantage of available work incentives.
- Help in developing a financial / benefits management plan for transitioning to employment.
- Ongoing support as recipients increase their earned income and reduce their dependence on public benefits.
Connect with a benefits counselor today!
1-800-361-1239
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| The Problem: Fear and lack of information keeps people on Social Security Disability Benefits from working. |
| Fact 1: Less than one-half of one percent of people go off Social Security Disability Benefits as a result of work. |
| Fact 2: Most beneficiaries are unaware that there are work incentives built into the Social Security Disability Programs that could help them go to work. |
| Fact 3: Even if beneficiaries are aware of available work incentives, they are generally too complex to understand. |
| The result? Unemployment and low incomes for Social Security disability beneficiaries. |
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