Benefits Planning and Supports

The following module will provide you with an introduction to disability benefits and how working and benefits can go together. It doesn’t have to be one or the other. Many people worry that if they go to work, they will immediately lose their benefits, healthcare, or supports. The good news is that there are rules and programs called work incentives that are designed to help people work safely and gradually.

This module will help you learn:

  • The difference between SSI and SSDI
  • How work may affect your benefits
  • What supports and work incentives are available
  • Why benefits planning is important
  • Who can help you make informed decisions about work

Benefits planning can feel confusing at first because there are a lot of new words, acronyms, and rules. That is normal. You are not expected to figure this out alone. This module is meant to introduce the basics in plain language and help you understand that work and benefits can work together.

Consult a Certified Professional

Illustration of a business meeting or consultation showing a woman in professional attire pointing at a chart with an upward arrow and a certificate, while a person in a wheelchair gestures toward a computer screen.

Work with a Certified Benefits Planner to create a personalized employment roadmap.

Everyone’s situation is different. Some people may work part-time. Some may work full-time. Some may try and work slowly over time. The important thing to remember is that earning more money through work can often help you have more choices, more independence, and more total income overall.

As you move through this module, remember:

  • Asking questions is okay
  • It is okay to take your time learning
  • Benefits planning is personal to you
  • Working does not automatically mean losing everything

There are trained professionals, including Certified Benefits Planners, who can help you understand your specific benefits and make a plan that works for you.