Work Incentives Planning
and Assistance (WIPA)

woman working at a desk as she partakes in the Work Incentive Planning and Assistance project

The Show Me Employment Project, Paraquad’s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance project, supports Social Security disability beneficiaries who are working or who are preparing to work, so they can make a successful and profitable transition to the workforce.

WIPA services provide the tools and support participants need to make informed decisions about employment and increase financial independence to build their best lives. Program participants will work with a certified Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC), who will provide in-depth counseling to explain how working may affect the receipt of disability benefits.

All services are provided at no charge.

WIPA Program Highlights:

  • Verify and understand benefits information

  • Identify and connect with services or support needed to overcome barriers to employment

  • Understand how paid employment will affect all federal/state/local benefits

  • Identify and use Social Security work incentives

  • Support beneficiaries with reporting wage information to Social Security

  • Help beneficiaries manage benefits over time

  • Analyze healthcare coverage options

  • Resolve benefits problems

Eligibility for Work Incentives Planning and Assistance:

  • Have a disability (or blindness) per Social Security’s definition

  • Already receive Social Security benefits based on disability or blindness

  • Be at least age 14, but not yet full retirement age

  • Currently work or engage in self-employment, or be interested in pursuing employment or self-employment

Service Area:

Paraquad’s WIPA project serves the city of St. Louis and the following counties in Missouri: Audrain, Bollinger, Butler, Callaway, Cape Girardeau, Carter, Crawford, Dent, Dunklin, Franklin, Gasconade, Howell, Iron, Jefferson, Lincoln, Madison, Maries, Mississippi, Monroe, Montgomery, New Madrid, Oregon, Osage, Pemiscot, Perry, Phelps, Pike, Pulaski, Ralls, Reynolds, Ripley, St. Charles, Ste. Genevieve, St. Francois, St. Louis, Scott, Shannon, Stoddard, Texas, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Boone, Cole, Miller, Randolph, Shelby.

Additional Information:

For more information or to request Work Incentives Planning and Assistance services, contact the Ticket to Work Helpline at 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Lines are open from 8 AM to 8 PM EST.

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.

We published this brochure at U.S. taxpayer expense.

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