What is Benefits Counseling?

Benefits Counseling includes direct and indirect activities designed to inform and answer questions about competitive integrated employment, and how and whether it will result in increased economic self-sufficiency and/or net financial benefit through the use of various work incentives.

Through an individualized assessment, this service provides information regarding the full array of available work incentives for essential benefit programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, Medicare, housing subsidies, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.  The service will also provide information and education regarding income reporting requirements for public benefit programs, including the Social Security Administration.

Benefits counseling in Pennsylvania is funded through both the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) and the Office of Developmental Programs (ODP).  Via of the Lehigh Valley is authorized to provide Benefits Counseling services through both OVR and ODP.

OVR Benefits Counseling

The Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR) helps individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment.  Through OVR, Via provides personalized services, including benefits counseling, to help individuals understand how working might affect their benefits and to support their vocational goals.

Key points about OVR benefits counseling:

• Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE): OVR works with individuals to create an IPE, which outlines vocational goals and the services needed to achieve them.
• Comprehensive Services: Through OVR, Via offers a range of services, including community based work assessments, vocational training, job placement assistance, and support services.

ODP Benefits Counseling

The Office of Developmental Programs (ODP) offers benefits counseling through its Consolidated, Community Living, and Person/Family Directed Supports (P/FDS) waivers.  This service helps individuals understand how employment might impact their benefits, such as Social Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, Medicare, housing subsidies, and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs.  Via’s goal is to help people make informed decisions about working while keeping their benefits in mind.  If OVR Benefits Counseling options are not available within 30 days, ODP can fund these services.

Key points about ODP benefits counseling:

• Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA): Referrals to WIPA programs are required when applicable.  These programs provide detailed information about work and benefits to help individuals make informed decisions.
• Eligibility: Benefits counseling through ODP is typically provided after exploring other available options.  If other sources of benefits counseling are not available within 30 days, ODP can fund these services.

Both ODP and OVR aim to empower individuals with disabilities to make informed decisions about employment and financial goals, ensuring they can maximize their benefits while pursuing meaningful work.