Working with the Social Security Administration can be confusing, difficult to navigate, and sometimes overwhelming. The Social Security benefits system is complicated, and the rules and regulations change constantly. Thanks to our new benefits counseling services, JFS offers a personalized approach to helping individuals with disabilities who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) navigate government-funded programs. 

JFS Benefits Counselor Chloe Pulliam received her WIP-C (Work Incentive Practitioner Credential) through Cornell University. As a trained work incentive practitioner, she assists people with disabilities with managing benefits while returning to work (or entering the workforce) and gaining financial independence. Not only does Chloe have extensive training on the system and how it works, but she also keeps up to date on changes and knows what forms need to be completed, along with the most effective communication method. Plus, Chloe is a part of a network of benefits counselors with access to a substantial list of resources. 

The process begins with a meeting to discuss an individual’s work goals, learn about what they hope to accomplish, and complete some initial paperwork, including a form for Social Security. After that meeting and Chloe receives documentation back from Social Security with a snapshot of the status of the client’s benefits, we dive into looking at work incentives and programs that are available to them. Chloe helps the client when communicating with Social Security and understanding the best way to report income, fill out work activity reviews, and respond to any letters that they receive from Social Security. 

Chloe’s experience helps clients like Mark. When they met, Mark and his family believed he was receiving SSI and did not know that he was receiving SSDI. (SSI and SSDI operate differently; however, many times, they get mixed up, and people don’t know the difference between these programs and how that specifically affects their benefits.) Mark received a letter from Social Security advising that they were conducting a work activity review for the last several years of his work history. Mark had a job and was making a higher level of income than he had ever made before. Because Chloe and Mark could apply several work incentives to his income while he made higher wages, Mark kept his benefits and did not have an overpayment owed to Social Security. “Without applying these work incentives, Mark would have lost benefits and been required to pay back all the money he received from Social Security during almost two years that he was making a higher income, which would have likely led to an overpayment of several thousands of dollars,” shared Chloe. 

Next month, we’ll sit down with Mark and his family to hear about their experience with our benefits counseling services. In the meantime, learn more about our disability benefits counseling services, including eligibility and when to seek a qualified benefits counselor’s assistance.