Press release:
Are you currently disabled? Have you lost your ability to work full-time based on a new disability? Have you been receiving SSI or SSDI and want to work part-time, but are afraid to lose your benefits?
Many individuals with disabilities fear that work activity will result in an immediate loss of benefits through SSI /SSDI and/or loss of health insurance through Medicaid or Medicare. WNY Independent Living, Inc., as a family of agencies, offers a benefits advisement program to individuals with disabilities throughout Western New York.
This service is designed to assist people with any disability (i.e. physical, learning, intellectual, sight, hearing, mental health and/or co-occurring disabilities) to obtain or maintain government benefits in order to manage their disability through financial and medical support.
If you or a loved one have questions regarding disability benefits, working while on benefits/ social security work incentives, and/or returning to work after being classified and disability, WNY Independent Living’s benefits advisement program can assist with applying for the programs available.
The Benefits Advisement Program provides information to potential beneficiaries regarding the following areas: disability benefits (SSDI, SSI and others); applying and maintaining benefits; finding and continuing employment; working while on benefits; interest in learning about available Social Security work incentives such as, “Trial Work Period, EPE, EXR, IRWEs, etc.” If you are unfamiliar with these terms, they will be discussed at the advisement meeting, if related to the disability or eligibility for benefits.
The Benefits Advisement Program is available to assist in understanding an individual’s disabling condition, determined and apply, if eligible, and explore potential work opportunities through available work incentives and support the applying individuals to overcome fear of employment and explain the opportunities, without negative financial impact to the household. Our agency can keep you informed of all available work incentives, employment options for individuals receiving Social Security disability or Social Security insurance, while developing a plan for long-term supports that may be needed.
For more information, or to sign up for your first benefits advisement program, please call Andrea at (585) 815-8501 (Genesee Region), 716-836-0822 (Erie County), or 716-284-4131 (Niagara County), ext. 412, or e-mail: adevault@wnyil.org
Within the past year, the WNYIL family of agencies has saved New York State taxpayers over $71 million by helping individuals to leave and avoid institutionalization. We have been practicing the principles of education, empowerment and equality for persons with disabilities for over 30 years.
