The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program, coordinated by the Sherlock Center, offers free individualized work incentives counseling to eligible individuals living in Rhode Island.
The WIPA program is a free service that helps Social Security beneficiaries who receive benefits based on a disability to make informed choices about their employment goals. This program is for individuals currently employed, self-employed, or individuals seeking employment or self-employment.
Who is eligible?
To be eligible to receive WIPA services you must meet the following criteria:
- Receive Social Security SSDI and/or SSI benefits or your SSI/SSDI Cash benefits were suspended due to being above wage guidelines.
- Be at least 14 years old.
- Not eligible to receive Social Security retirement benefits.
- Be employed, self-employed, or looking for work.
How can WIPA help me?
A certified Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) can work with you to:
- Plan for the effect employment earnings may have on your benefits.
- Identify work incentives you can use to be successful.
- Help you to develop a Work Incentive Plan.
- Refer you to agencies that can help pay for training or services to return to work.
What is the Ticket to Work Help Line?
There are many benefits to being employed and many myths about how working might impact your Social Security Benefits. You can get the facts by calling the Ticket to Work Help Line. The Help line will provide you will general information and make a referral to the Sherlock Center’s WIPA program if needed.
What are beneficiaries saying about WIPA services provided by the Sherlock Center?
“CWIC was very professional and knowledgeable. She conducted a very thorough and helpful interview with our son and me and followed up with a detailed summary report and analysis. The CWIC also has provided us with a very helpful response to a complex retirement benefits eligibility question, which I know required her to do considerable research.” - Family Member
“CWIC was very professional and knowledgeable. She conducted a very thorough and helpful interview with our son and me and followed up with a detailed summary report and analysis. The CWIC also has provided us with a very helpful response to a complex retirement benefits eligibility question, which I know required her to do considerable research.” - Family Member.
“CWIC is very thorough, organized, and responsive. She takes the time to make sure the individual and their family members or support staff understand the content and answers all
their questions. She even follows up with folks to make sure they understand their responsibilities.” - Referral Source
“This is an amazing program that will guide you through working while receiving benefits from Social Security. I consider the program a necessity for my understanding and navigation through the system. My Counselor is amazingly helpful.” - Beneficiary
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Ticket to Work Help Line
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET
Phone: 1-866-968-7842
TTY: 1-866-833-2967
SSA Helpful Links:
WIPA Funding
WIPA services are funded through the Social Security administration, grant Number #WIP15050436.
The information provided on this web page does not constitute an official Social Security communication.
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W3C approved.