Project IMPACT and Bene-Plan – Work Incentives Planning Assistance Programs

 

The fear of losing Social Security benefits has been cited as a major barrier that keeps people with disabilities from pursuing employment. However, the Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act of 1999 offer opportunities for people with disabilities to start working while keeping their health and/or financial benefits. The Social Security Administration has funded Project IMPACT (Individual Members Planning and Accessing Choices Together) and Bene-Plan to get the word out about these options, and help beneficiaries, family members, and professionals calculate and manage the best strategies for a person with a disability who wants to work. These programs provide benefit planning, assistance and outreach for persons with disabilities who receive SSI or SSDI and are interested in working or returning to work. All services provided are absolutely free and kept strictly confidential.

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, (MRC) manages Project IMPACT through a grant from the Social Security Administration. Project IMPACT serves Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Nantucket, Plymouth and Suffolk counties and the city of Somerville. A similar grant was awarded to Massachusetts Project with Industry Inc., also known as the Resource Partnership. Their grant is titled "Bene-Plan" and provides services to Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampton, Worcester and Middlesex counties (excluding Somerville).

In both cases, these grants allow individuals with disabilities, their families and significant others, to access accurate and understandable information regarding Social Security Work Incentives, Public Health Insurance, Long-term care services, Employment Based Health Insurance, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), and Federal and State Housing Programs. In addition, Benefit Specialists will be available to develop individualized Benefit Plans.

Referrals

-Adapted from http://www.communityinclusion.org/project.php?project_id=23 and http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eohhs2subtopic&L=6&L0=Home&L1=Consumer&L2=Disability+Services&L3=Vocational+Rehabilitation+Services&L4=Statewide+Employment+Services+(SES)&L5=Project+IMPACT&sid=Eeohhs2 .

 

 

 

7/11