In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), Independence Now highlights the impactful work of Maryland’s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program. WIPA, a Social Security-funded initiative, plays a crucial role in helping individuals with disabilities navigate the complexities of employment while maintaining access to essential benefits.
To provide deeper insights into how WIPA supports individuals in achieving their employment goals, we interviewed Marilyn Morrison, Director of MD-WIN, the state’s designated WIPA program. Marilyn shares how WIPA’s personalized benefits counseling services help participants overcome misconceptions, explore opportunities, and make informed decisions about entering or re-entering the workforce.
How does MD-WIN support individuals with disabilities in navigating the complexities of employment while maintaining access to essential benefits?
MD-WIN provides benefits counseling to individuals receiving Social Security benefits and other entitlements. Our role is to help people navigate these complex systems and understand the impact employment—whether full-time, part-time, or seasonal—can have on their benefits.
Since the rules governing benefits are intricate and vary for everyone, we focus on educating participants and providing the information they need to make informed decisions about employment. MD-WIN takes a holistic approach by considering the entire person, not just their Social Security benefits. We also analyze how other benefits—such as, Housing, SNAP, veterans’ benefits, or auxiliary programs—interact with employment. Our goal is to ensure that individuals have a clear understanding of how employment will affect all aspects of their benefits, as well as, what work incentives that are available to the individual.
What are some common myths or misconceptions about working while receiving Social Security benefits, and how does MD-WIN address them?
Great question! One of the most common myths is the belief that receiving Social Security benefits means you cannot work. That’s not true—although the rules can be complex and confusing, which often leads to misunderstandings. This is where MD-WIN steps in: we help people navigate these rules and dispel the myth that working is not an option.
Another major misconception is that earning any income will result in an immediate loss of healthcare benefits, which is a significant concern for many. We address this worry by providing accurate information about protections, like EID (Maryland’s Medicaid Buy-in) Medicaid and Medicare work incentives, to reassure individuals that they can work without automatically losing essential healthcare coverage.
One of the biggest myths is, “I’m disabled, so I can’t work,” but that’s also untrue. Many people with disabilities can do work successfully with the right supports. Additionally, there are strange misconceptions—like the idea that having savings or money in your bank account will make you ineligible for benefits. While there are strict rules regarding income and assets, there are also ways to work within those rules. MD-WIN helps individuals understand these complexities and explore their options confidently.
Can you share success stories or examples of how MD-WIN has empowered individuals with disabilities to achieve their employment goals?
I love this story! One of our clients, “Robin,” initially went to an interview for a specific job, but the employer was so impressed that they offered her a higher-level position on the spot. Robin had a complex history and was very worried about how working would affect her benefits. Over time, she has continued to work, and now she’s working towards transitioning off benefits entirely. She’s employed in education, has had her contract renewed, and often says how much happier she is. Her doctors even noted improvements in her health, and her family can see how much healthier and more fulfilled she feels because of her work. None of this would have been possible without the support of her community work incentives coordinator, who helped her explore her options and make informed decisions.
Another success story involves a client who was completely dependent on technology and required a 24-hour personal attendant. His employer created a customized job for him, allowing him to earn a good income while still retaining disability benefits and the personal care services he relied on. We worked closely with Social Security to demonstrate that, due to his unique situation, he could earn at a substantial level while keeping his benefits. This client recently retired—a milestone that may not have been achievable without benefits counseling.
We see success stories like these all the time. Often, success isn’t just about big life changes but small victories that make a significant difference to the individual. For some, just being able to work and engage with their community is life changing. Through MD-WIN, we empower people to understand how employment will impact their lives, whether that means maintaining benefits or planning a path toward financial independence.
What advice do you have for employers seeking to create more inclusive workplaces that encourage hiring and retaining employees with disabilities?
Most employers focus on finding the best person for the job—not specifically on hiring someone with a disability—as all employers should. If the best candidate happens to have a disability, accommodation can be provided as needed, just as they would be for any employee. People with disabilities should be valued and celebrated like anyone else, regardless of their disability or identity.
Inclusive leadership means creating a safe and supportive environment where everyone feels respected and valued. This is standard DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) practice. A person’s disability should neither be a deterrent nor a special focus—it’s about hiring the best person, period. If accommodations are necessary, they should be put in place without hesitation.
Whether you favor or exclude someone because of bias toward their ability or identity, you limit your potential to hire the best person for the role. Don’t be afraid or anxious about hiring someone with a disability—it only restricts your business and the talent you can bring on board.
Is there anything else people should know about MD-WIN?
You don’t need a referral to contact us, and our services are free of charge. While there are specific eligibility requirements, if you don’t meet them, we can refer you to other resources that can help. You don’t need an open case with DORS or a support coordinator to reach out—just call, and we’ll assist you. The MD-WIN program is statewide, and we are the designated WIPA provider for the entire state.
MD-WIN, Maryland’s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program, is a Social Security-funded program that provides benefits counseling to Social Security Disability beneficiaries who are interested in work. They provide counseling, information, resources, and more to help beneficiaries understand their options and support their decisions about returning to work. For more information or to speak with a benefits counselor, call 240-638-0071, email mmorrison@innow.org, or visit innow.org/md-win.