Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program

The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program helps Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), achieve financial stability and secure affordable health care.

The Ohio Legal Rights Service (LRS) is designated by the Social Security Administration as a WIPA program serving eligible individuals in 31 of Ohio's 88 counties. A representative for the WIPA program, called a Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) can help you make informed choices about employment options. The CWIC does this by guiding you through the process of understanding how your benefits are affected by work and how you can get the supports you need so you can find employment.

Planning and assistance services are the focus of the WIPA program:

• Planning Services provide SSA beneficiaries with benefits analyses, referrals, employment options, work plans for long-term supports needed for gainful employment, and follow-up.
• Assistance Services assists SSA beneficiaries to develop personal employment, financial and health care goals, and provides direct supports as individuals take the steps necessary to achieve their goals.

Learn more about how the WIPA program can help you

Whether or not you review the following resources, you should contact the WIPA program in your area to talk to a CWIC to learn more about your specific situation. 

Resources

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Glossary
• Acronym List

You can also download a PDF version of these resources: WIPA Information Packet (PDF file)

Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE)

Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE): WISE are community events held by local organizations for Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities to learn more about available work incentives. WISE events are also offered as Webinars.

LRS WISE tutorial: LRS offers an online tutorial based on WISE. Although LRS encourages you to attend Social Security's WISE event, you may find the tutorial helpful while waiting to attend an event or as a follow-up to an event you attended. There is no need to register for the tutorial - it is available anytime from the LRS website.