32 Miss. Code. R. 22-3.18.5 - Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program

Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWICs) with the Mississippi Partners for Informed Choice (M-PIC) Program within the Division of Selected Social Security Services administer the SSA Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program in Mississippi. CWICs were trained on the use of existing SSA work incentives as well as new ones created in the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. The goal of the M-PIC/WIPA program is to better enable SSDI/SSI beneficiaries with disabilities to make informed choices about work.

M-PIC/WIPA CWICs:

* Examine the impact of work and earnings on disability benefits;

* Provide work incentives planning and assistance to assist SSA beneficiaries with disabilities in their employment efforts;

* Conduct outreach efforts to SSDI/SSI beneficiaries with disabilities (and their families), who are potentially eligible to participate in Federal or State work incentives programs;

* Work in cooperation with Federal, State, and private agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve SSDI/SSI beneficiaries with disabilities;

* Explain Ticket to Work along with screening and referring beneficiaries to appropriate Employment Networks; and

* Provide information on the availability of protection and advocacy services including how to access such services.

For further clarification of any aspect of the Ticket to Work Program as it affects VR clients or for additional assistance in the development of a PASS, contact the M-PIC Program at (601) 853-5315.

Notes

32 Miss. Code. R. 22-3.18.5