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2. Tier 1 Training 2 2

3. Training Objectives • Motive consumer towards productive and the most independent lives utilizing Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) • Use the DB101 to support consumer to makes plans to work, and plan a transition to self-sufficiency • Acquire comfort and ease navigating DB101 • Use training techniques to implement DB101 into everyday practices • Increase measurable, program- and consumer-desired outcomes through DB101 tools and information • Utilize WIIN Digital Hub for resources and data collection 3

4. Who are We 4 4

5. WIIN Staff Nicholas Love, Program Manager for Benefits 2 Work (B2W) B2W is a statewide program managed by Arizona Bridge to Independent Living (ABIL), which includes Work Incentive Planning & Assistance (WIPA), SSA demonstration project – BOND, Work Incentive Information Network (WIIN), and the PROMISE grant. B2W focuses on education of SSA benefits and encouragement of employment as an intervention to move people with disabilities out of poverty. Marianne Mart, Statewide WIIN Trainer Provides training and technical assistance on DB101 to providers and community stakeholders to further the mission of WIIN. Shoshanna Fawley, WIIN Information & Referral Specialist Fields and assess inquiries regarding SSA benefits and employment concerns; provides referrals to B2W services; educates and assists individuals on DB101; and is the “Ask the Expert” for DB101. 5

6. The Work Incentive Information Network (WIIN) provides technical assistance and support for a systems (cultural) change that will increase the Arizona employment rate of individuals with disabilities. • Training on the use and incorporation of the Arizona Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) online tool • Educating on how federal and state benefits and employment work together - disputing the myths • Developing a sustainable network of service professionals and community partners to aid an already strained system 6

7. Work Incentives Information Network (WIIN) Materials, Resources and Shared Data Collection at www.wiinaz.org • Sharing daily business practices that promote and support employment • By sharing a unified accurate message to empower people with disabilities to explore employment options, WIIN can assist people with disabilities to move out of poverty and make informed decisions about employment. 7

8. Disability Benefits 101 History • Created by World Institute on Disability • Currently in 6 states • Arizona, California, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, and New Jersey • AZ DB101 brain child of the MIG • Funded by RSA • Work Incentive Information Network 8

9. DB101 in the Beginning… • Eliminate myths and confusion about Social Security benefits • Initiate conversational knowledge about Social Security benefits and work incentives • A tool to help service providers explain work incentives – Social Security and employment • Promote employment for people who receive Social Security benefits The whole focus was Social Security Benefits! 9

10. But Now in Arizona… • Eliminate myths about the abilities of people with disabilities • Start conversations about the self-planned futures of people with disabilities • A tool help people with disabilities become self-sufficient • Promotes independence for all people with disabilities – on benefits or not It’s about a culture change and empowering! 10

11. Social Security Basics 11 11

12. Social Security Definition of Disability – • According to Social Security, a person over 18 is considered disabled if the person has a physical or mental impairment which: • Prevents the person from any Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) - earning a certain amount of money, and that • Has lasted or can be expected to last for at least 12 months, or • Can be expected to result in death 12 12

13. Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 • Social Security benefit recipients under the full-age of retirement are eligible for a “Ticket” issued by SSA. • Provides more choices in employment services. • Enables persons with disabilities to work more and lessen dependence on benefits. • Removes barriers requiring people with disabilities to choose between work and health care coverage. 13

14. Ticket to Work and Work Incentives at Work 14

15. SSI & SSDI2 Different Programs! Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Title XVI Means Tested Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) - Title IISocial Insurance • Based on financial need. • Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) of $721 (individual) is maximum payment amount and $1,082 (couple). • $2,000 resource limit($3,000 for couples) • Medicaid (AHCCCS) • Based on an individual’s work history & amount paid into the system. • Deceased or retired parent’s or spouse work history. • Childhood Disability Beneficiary (age 18) • Medicare Rules for SSI and SSDI are completely different. 15

16. Impact Of Earnings On SSA Cash Benefits • SSI uses a formula to recalculate the check – 2 for 1 reduction • For every dollar earned, beneficiary keeps $1 of SSA cash benefit • SSDI is an ALL or NOTHING program – Cash Cliff • The amount of the check is not reduced – a person is either eligible for their entire check or no check at all • If getting both SSDI and SSI: SSDI rules apply to the SSDI check and SSI rules apply to the SSI check • Both Programs: May allow deductions in calculating “countable” income 16

17. Healthcare and Returning to Work • If the SSI check goes to $0 due to earnings, the individual still qualifies for Medicaid for free through a provision called 1619(b). • Even if SSDI stops due to work, the individual is entitled to Medicare for at least 93 months after the end of the Trial Work Period through Extended Medicare Coverage. • Working individuals can purchase Medicaid coverage through Freedom to Work. 17

18. Wake Up! There’s Hope 18 18

19. Social Security is Confusing – AZ DB101 is the Answer! Arizona Disability Benefits 101 (DB101) is a user-friendly online tool that helps work through the myths and confusion of Social Security benefits, healthcare, and employment. • Provides online tools and services • Ease fears • Empower people and their families • Assist in making informed decisions that will lead to a more financially productive life 19

20. A Great Tool! Disability Benefits 101 gives you tools and information on employment, health coverage, work incentives, and federal and state benefits. You can plan ahead and learn how work and benefits go together. www.az.db101.org A partnership with the Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration and Arizona’s Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (1QACMS300122) administrated by AHCCCS. 20

21. DB101 User Experience • Easy to navigate • Information provided in layers • User friendly work and benefits calculators • “Next Steps” access to local, state, and national resources • Easy-to-read articles on state, federal, and private benefit and health coverage programs • Definitions throughout the site • Click on question boxes to learn more • Useful Search and Site Map leads to desired section • Páginas en Español 21

22. DB101 User Experience Linkage and reference throughout to Ask the Experts at: Benefits 2 Work Arizona (B2W) Additional assistance available through "Ask the Experts” link on DB101 • “Expert” also Intake Specialist for Benefits 2 Work • Intake Specialist will assess and refer to appropriate work incentive services 22

23. Not receiving Social Security Benefits? • DB101 can still be useful • Explains eligibility requirements • Links to applications and other program websites • Articles related to different significant life changes. • Tips for planning for future • Resources for numerous organizations and programs 23

24. DB101 is more than just benefits! • Key Programs and Eligibilities • Articles Related to Different Significant Life Changes • Programs That Support Work • Getting a Job • Independent Living • Housing • Asset Building • ACA Questions and Resources • Links To Resources, Numerous Organizations and Programs • And Much More www.az.db101.org 24

25. Power to Encourage 25 25

26. Tier 1 Message – Encouragement • People with disabilities can and do work. • Cash benefits from Social Security do not have to be a lifetime thing. • It for the short term • Work incentives can be used to become more self-sufficient through employment • The interaction of public benefits and work is complicated. • Many resources out there to help your situation • There are avenues to continuing your healthcare coverage if you work. • You should take a look at DB 101. 26

27. Motivational Messaging • Most jobs are about belonging to something larger than our own situation, and our family’s situation. • Moving out of poverty is about creating a better life. • The job experience is a means to an end and something larger than the job itself. • Even when a job does not work out there are more winners than losers with taking on a new job - the client, and family; benefit programs; and the local community • A “failed” job is often a learning opportunity and experience for whatever comes next. 27 27

28. Motivational Messaging • A consumer with limited knowledge and even less expertise about benefit programs can know enough to start her own benefits planning process … DB101 can help your client get to her question. • Even a perceptual sense that the consumer has control of the benefits planning process can enhance outcomes. • To give the consumer permission to take control of the process, share work incentives information in gradual layers, versus all at once. 28 28

29. More than Employment Empowerment Community Inclusion Increase Self-Worth Moving Out of Poverty Creating a Better Life Opportunity to Dream 29 29

30. Organization Specific Info Add in Organization Specific Info 30 30

31. Organization Specific Add in Organization Specific Info • Mission/Goals 31

32. Organization Specific Add in Organization Specific Info • Philosophy 32

33. Organization Specific Add in Organization Specific Info • Staff Responsibilities - including outcomes & contract obligations 33

34. Organization & DB101 Add in Organization Specific Info Organization Logo + = • More empowered and informed consumer • Desired outcomes • More effective services • Easier work for case managers 34

35. Organization Specific Examples Housing • Rental support • Home ownership • Example Education • Planning educational path • Funding your education • Example Employment • Facts and myths about who can and cannot work • Resources and tools to obtain and maintain employment • Example 35

36. Myth Busters 36 36

37. Myths #1: I can’t work because of my disability. #2: I will lose my SSI/SSDI benefits when I start to work. #3: If I work, I will lose my health care benefits. #4: If I start working, Social Security will decide I’m not disabled anymore. #5: There are no resources that can help me find and keep a job. #6: I can’t afford the extra costs of starting to work. #7: I don’t need my benefits as long as I have a job, but if I have to stop working because of my disability, I won’t be able to get my benefits back. 37 37

38. Myth Busting Talking Points Myth: • “I would work but I cannot lose my healthcare.” Response: • That really isn’t an issue. There are ways to keep your healthcare when you work. I get why you think that, though. Sometimes even the case handlers at SSA or Medicaid get confused about this. 38

39. Myth Busting Talking Points Myth: • “I am going to lose my benefits if I work.” Response: • It really doesn’t work like that. Some people keep their benefits for a while, some don’t ever lose them, and others get a reduction. It depends on the program, your earnings and some other factors. But, plenty have people have made the transition to work from benefits and are much better off financially. You should look into it some more. 39

40. Myth Busting Talking Points Myth: • “I am feeling better now, but what if my disability worsens after a while? I am not working and losing that help because I may need it again.” Response: • Just because you are working does not mean you lose a connection to Social Security. In fact, people who get benefits and then work are allowed several years, and sometimes longer, when they can go in and out of the system. 40

41. Myth Busting Talking Points Myth: • “Well, it took me forever to get SSDI. Why would I change anything now?” Response: • I know that initial eligibility process can take a long time and be really stressful. But once you are in the system, which you are, they really do set up the system to encourage to try to work if you can. People who get benefits and then work are allowed several years, and sometimes longer, when they can go in and out of the system. Why not try and see if you can bring in more money? 41

42. Myth Busting Talking Points Myth: • “I can’t work. I am disabled.” Or “I can’t work. I get disability.” Response: • There are plenty of people with disabilities who are on or were on benefits and work. Disability does not mean “can’t work.” There is a whole set of rules and a system set up to support people with disabilities in working if they need that support. Don’t sell yourself short. 42

43. Myth Busting Talking Points Myth: • “If I work, they will charge me more rent.” Response: • That may or may not be true. In certain types of housing, they don’t raise your rent right away if you work. However, even if they do, it is not like that increase in rent is going to take your whole paycheck. You will still have more money overall. 43

44. Addressing Fears, Concerns, and Confusion 44 44

45. Scenarios • I want to start planning to go to work. • I need more education to do what I want to do. • I want to work but my parents are worried. • I've heard a lot of horror stories about return to work. • How do I find the right job for me? • What are my rights and responsibilities as an applicant and worker with a disability? • What happens to my SSDI if I go to work? • I am really concerned about my health care when going to work. 45

46. Scenarios • I would like to start saving for the future. • I would like to save to buy a home. • I would like to start my own business. • What about trust funds? 46

47. Frequent Inquires Examples • Medicare A/B/D • Cash Assistance • Prescription Drug Plans • AHCCCS Freedom to Work Program • Ticket to Work Program • American with Disabilities Act • HUD Housing • Affordable Care Act 47

48. If you didn’t document,it didn’t happen. 48 48

49. Documentation Examples • Plan/Goals/Intervention (P/G/I) Interventions: • Going to Work • Work Incentives • Education • Volunteering • Planning • Resources 49

50. Documentation Examples • Narrative Notes • Case manager provided and reviewed DB101 as a resource tool to make informed decisions and progress towards goal. 50