If you have a disability and want to work but don’t because you are afraid of losing your benefits, now there are programs that allow you to work and keep your benefits. This fact sheet will explain some of these programs and where to find professional benefits guidance.
Hawaii Benefits Information Network
The State of Hawai`i has recently created a Benefits Information Network (BIN) to help people with disabilities enter the workforce while still retaining some of their benefits. The BIN helps to connect people with disabilities with Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWIC) and Disability Program Navigators (DPN) at local One Stop Resource Centers.
One Stop Resource Centers
These are the One-Stop Resource Centers in each of the Counties of Hawaii:
- Oahu WorkLinks
- KAUAI WorkWise!
- WorkSourceMaui
- Big Island Workplace Connection
Community Work Incentive Coordinators
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance is a Social Security projects that offer benefits counseling in the State of Hawaii. Benefit Specialists under the WIPA program are referred to as Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWIC) and focus on improved community partnerships. Community Work Incentive Coordinators are people with detailed knowledge of Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and other benefits.
To meet or talk to a CWIC contact the Hawaii Disability Rights Center.
How to Prepare For Disability Program Navigator (DPN) or Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWIC) Meetings
Is there anything I should bring to my meeting with the DPN or CWIC?
- It is a good idea to take your SSA award letter with you
- Any information you have about your benefits related to healthcare and income
- If you have worked before, bring a copy of your work history
- If you have received notice of under-payments or over-payments from Social Security, you should bring the notice to the meeting
What types of questions should I ask the DPN or CWIC?
- How will work affect my benefits?
- What will happen to my medical assistance (Medicaid) if I start to work?
- How often do I need to report my income to Social Security?
- If I lose my benefits because of work, will I be able to get them back?
- If I go to work, will my dependents lose their benefits?