SSA Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program (WIPA)

Background
The Social Security Administration (SSA), Office of Research, Demonstration, and Employment Support is offering the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program. The purpose of these projects is to disseminate accurate information to beneficiaries with disabilities about work incentives programs and issues related to such programs, to enable them to make informed choices about working and whether or when to assign their Ticket to Work, as well as how available work incentives can facilitate their transition into the workforce.

The ultimate goal of the work incentives planning and assistance projects is to assist SSA beneficiaries with disabilities succeed in their return to work efforts.

Grant Details
The WIPA cooperative agreement awardees will collectively provide services across the country through June 30, 2026, pending availability of funds.

The WIPA program serves beneficiaries who are age 14 and older who receive specific benefits based on their own disabilities. The services include providing accurate information and counseling about the effect of work income on benefits and programs, identifying supports for the beneficiary's employment or self-employment goals, verifying benefits received by the beneficiary, educating them about work incentives, and providing individualized support.

The WIPA project staff will also provide information specific to beneficiaries’ needs and goals, meet with beneficiaries several times as part of the counseling process, prepare a Benefits Summary and Analysis (BSA) that documents the benefits and work incentives that apply to the beneficiary’s goals, identify critical actions and points in time when changes may occur, track the services provided, participate in a CWIC initial training course, pass a rigorous certification process prior to working with beneficiaries, participate in outreach activities within designated areas, ensure full access to beneficiaries in their service area including physical access and distance communication methods accessible to individuals requiring adaptive technology.

Eligibility Requirements
WIPA projects serve beneficiaries who are age 14 and older who receive specific benefits based on their own disabilities. There are also service priorities designed to match WIPA services to the beneficiaries most likely to work or who are at highest risk for overpayment or economic instability. Additionally, there are eligibility requirements for staff assigned to the WIPA cooperative agreement including obtaining a favorable Tier 2 (moderate risk) suitability determination from Social Security.

Period of Performance
The award period of performance is from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2026.

Grant Value
The funding level for WIPA has not changed since the law passed. Successful applicants will adhere to the Terms and Conditions of the cooperative agreement provided by Social Security. Each WIPA awardee must serve beneficiaries at least five business days per week with flexible hours including some availability in the evenings or on weekends.

Place of Performance
The WIPA cooperative agreement awardees will collectively provide services across the country.