Seeking Independence Through Work
We are the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) project for Maryland.
What is a WIPA Project?
A WIPA project is a program created and funded by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to help disability beneficiaries understand and use the work incentives available to them. Translation: If you have thought that you would like to work, but don’t want to do anything that would mess up your disability benefits, come talk to us.
Many disability beneficiaries won't work or limit their earnings for fear of losing their benefits.
Our goal is to let you know that you can work and increase your income and become more independent.
Why Participate in a Work Incentive Program?
The goal of a WIPA program is provide information and support to Social Security beneficiaries who are working or want to work and need to know how employment will affect their benefits. Understanding the options and possibilities can help a person make informed choices about increasing work earnings or going to work.
What Are the Benefits of Participating?
By working with a WIPA such as MD-WIN, Social Security beneficiaries will be better able to make informed choices about about increasing work earnings or going to work. Each WIPA is staffed with Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWIC) who will:
- work with you to determine if you are eligible to participate in federal or state Work Incentives programs;
- provide you with in-depth counseling about social security benefits and the effect of work on those benefits;
- understand healthcare coverage and what will happen if you go to work, and
- work in cooperation with federal, state and private agencies and nonprofit organizations that serve SSI and SSDI beneficiaries with disabilities.
What are Work Incentives?
Work incentives are supports that can help you manage your benefits while you are working. For a list of work incentives please read Work Incentives for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Work Incentives for Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
One of the most powerful work incentives is the Employed Individuals with Disabilities (EID) program which is Maryland’s Medicaid Buy-in. Any person who has a disability that meets Social Security’s criteria and who is working can use this program. For someone who has no other benefits, this can provide very valuable health coverage under Medicaid, or as we call it in Maryland, Medical Assistance. You can apply online or contact an organization near you for assistance. Read SSI Work Incentives.
Another work incentive that can be very helpful is called a Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS).
Ready to Get Started?
If you are just beginning to think about going to work and have some questions about how it may affect your benefits, contact:
MD-WIN
240-638-0071
or email us
For general information about the Ticket to Work and work incentives, contact:
Ticket to Work Help Line:
1-866-968-7842 or
1-866-833-2967 TTY
or visit Choose Work!
Will You Help Me Find Employment?
No, we do not help you find employment. Our goal is to help you understand your options and possibilities so you can make an informed choice about going to work.
Just Try to Lose Money (Worksheet)
This worksheet is for SSI benefits only. If you receive SSDI, this worksheet will not apply to you. If you are not sure which benefit you receive, please contact your friendly neighborhood CWIC.
Our Team
Our team consists of Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWIC) who are extensively trained in the work incentives not only for Social Security benefits, but for housing, food stamps, and other benefits administered by the State of Maryland as well.
Employment Stories and News
Will Shawhan’s Career Journey
“Looking back, it’s hard to believe that I succeeded in finding a career and job that are good fits for me.”
#NDEAM | Chuck’s Employment Story
“Life, like domino’s, may and can afford one opportunity to prepare and set pieces in place.”
#NDEAM | Willie’s Employment Story
“At times I felt discouraged but stayed positive and found a job…This month October 2021 will be a year of employment”
This document is funded through a Social Security cooperative agreement.
Although Social Security reviewed this document for accuracy,it does not constitute an Official Social Security communication.
This website was developed at taxpayers expense.