BENEFITS PLANNING AVAILABLE AT MCIL 

The Statewide Independent Living Council of Tennessee has partnered with the Center for Independent Living of Middle TN to offer a new program to assist Social Security beneficiaries and recipients with disabilities who are exploring career development. The inception of this program is the result of the recent focus placed on the passage of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. Benefits Specialists will be stationed across the state, covering all urban and rural areas, to develop this innovative program. Services include benefits planning, assistance, outreach, and management of employment supports to people who are planning to pursue, maintain, or advance their employment. 

Benefits Planning: Benefits Specialists collect data on an individual's current benefit status, provide critical analysis of the impact of work and earnings on these benefits, and make recommendations to the individual as to safety nets and benefit management plans that could be put into place as the individual develops a plan for employment. The individual receives a report highlighting and outlining options and recommendations for consideration as part of the career development and employment process. 

Benefits Assistance: There are many varied agencies that may be working with an individual at any given time to assist in an employment plan, such as Social Security Administration (SSA), state vocational rehabilitation, career centers, schools, advocacy groups, mental health agencies, etc. A Benefits Specialist can evaluate the array of service delivery plans that may be coming together to support an individual and ensure that a comprehensive plan has been developed. 

Outreach: To ensure the continuity of employment planning and benefits advisement, outreach with many local community organizations is essential. Benefits Specialists share information with individuals and groups regarding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), work incentive programs through SSA, community resources, and more. 

Benefits planning and assistance is about establishing partnerships that enhance the self-sufficiency and economic wellness of beneficiaries and recipients, while at the same time supporting their employment interests. If you would like to discuss the effect of employment on your Social Security benefits and learn what options are available, please contact Hope Johnson at the Memphis Center for Independent Living. To make an appointment, please call (901) 274-2034.