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Benefit Planning

Benefit Planning is an important part of your employment journey. As you may know, having a complete understanding of your benefits and how they interact with your employment can be confusing. We have a certified Benefit Planner on staff, Christina Lease. She will work with you and your team of support to understand the rules, limits, and work incentives to help you make informed decisions about employment. I encourage anyone on your team of support to be a part of this process. No one will be invited that you have not okayed to be there.

What are Federal Benefits?

These are just some of the most common Federal Benefits:

  • SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)

  • SSI (Supplemental Security Income)

  • SSDAC (Disabled Adult Child Benefits)

  • Medicare

  • Medicaid

If you have any of these benefits (or others) they will be discussed and explained in a way that is easy to understand during the Benefit Planning Process.​

What are State Benefits?

These are just some of the most common State Benefits:

  • SNAP Benefits

    • Food Stamps​

    • Cash Assitance

  • ABD (Aged, Blind, or Disabled)​

  • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) 

If you have any of these benefits (or others) they will be discussed and explained in a way that is easy to understand during the Benefit Planning Process.​​

Step One: Intake

This first step in the benefits planning process is the intake. You will meet with Christina in person or virtually (Zoom, Teams, Phone Call, Google Duo, Skype). This takes about 20 minutes. During this meeting Christina will help you create a My Social Security Account, which is a very useful tool for anyone receiving any Federal Benefits

Meeting

Step Two: Writing the Benefits Plan

During Step Two Christina will put together a detailed Benefit Plan. Once the plan is completed it will be mailed or emailed to whoever you would like to have a copy.

Checking Text on a Document

Step Three: The Review

Step Three is where we get together to go over the Benefit Plan and make sure you understand everything and all your questions are answered. During this step is where I highly encourage anyone on your team of support to attend.

Judges Examining Document

Follow-Up

Your plan will be updated periodically so it always has the most accurate information. The plan will be updated:

  • When you get a raise

  • If you start working more hours

  • If you start a new job

  • Annually when the Federal and State benefit numbers change

Calendar Pages
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