ABIL.ORG: AZ Freedom to Work: Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach

WORK INCENTIVES PLANNING AND ASSISTANCE

AZ FREEDOM TO WORK

ABIL is the program contractor for the AZ Freedom to Work Statewide Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program funded through the Social Security Administration and AZ DES/Rehabilitation Services Administration. Our Work Incentive Coordinators are trained and certified to understand Social Security rules related to employment and how employment earnings affect cash, medical and other benefits.

Our goal is to help YOU understand YOUR options so that you can make employment CHOICES that are right for YOU. Knowledge is power. Knowledge is key. We have the key and want to share it with YOU!

There are many Work Incentives through Social Security and other social service programs that can help beneficiaries make the transition to employment. Knowing the program rules and work incentives is the key to success. Our Work Incentive Coordinators can help individuals with disabilities who are SSA beneficiaries, that are either working or want to work:

Ų Understand how earned income will effect any government benefit currently received

Ų Make a plan to achieve employment goals, step by step

Ų Find the community resources that will support their efforts.

We also provide work incentive information and community resource referrals to family members and service providers that will support their efforts to help beneficiaries achieve their employment goals.
AZ Freedom to Work Contact Information

866-304-WORK (9675) Toll-Free Statewide!

WIPA@abil.org

Service Area: Our Community Work Incentive Coordinators can help you by telephone, email and travel statewide to accommodate requests and to provide Work Incentive presentations. We provide services throughout Arizona at Centers for Independent Living. Call us for more information or for the next presentation in your area:

Phoenix for the Greater Phoenix Metro Area and Central Arizona - ABIL: 602-443-0720/Voice or 602-443-0737/ TTY or FAX 602-443-0721 or WIPA@abil.org
For specific Work Incentive Coordinators see list below.

Tucson/ Sierra Vista and Southern AZ - DIRECT Center for Independence: 520-624-6452 / V/TTY or Toll Free 800-342-1853 or FAX 520-792-1438 or direct@directilc.org

Prescott Valley for Northern AZ - New Horizons Independent Living Center: 928-772-1266 V/TYY or Toll Free 800-406-2377 or FAX 928-772-3808 or nhilc@cableone.net

Yuma for South Eastern AZ - SMILE Independent Living Center: 928-329-6681/Voice or 928-782-7458/TTY or Toll Free 866-239-7645 or FAX 928-329-6715 or work-incentives@smile-az.org

AZ Freedom to Work provides the following services to Social Security beneficiaries:

Ų Work Incentive Information and Referral

Ų Problem Solving and Advocacy related to employment and benefits

Ų Benefits Analysis and Work Incentive Planning

Ų Benefits Management for beneficiaries that need ongoing help once employed

Ų Group presentations on AZ Freedom to Work Program, the SSA “Ticket to Work” and SSA Work Incentives. Presentations are usually provided separately to SSI Recipients, SSDI Beneficiaries and Service Providers to accommodate their specific needs.

Other Helpful Websites:

www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96406,00.html - You may qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) sometimes called the Earned Income Credit (EIC) is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income working individuals and families.

www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/ - The Red Book - A Guide to Work Incentives. The Red Book serves as a general reference source about the employment-related provisions of Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income Programs for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals, and counselors who serve people with disabilities.

www.disabilityinfo.gov - Website with links to all kinds of resources and information on programs related to disability including employment, education, housing, transportation, health, benefits, civil rights, etc.

www.yourtickettwork.com - For further information about the “Ticket to Work” or call toll-free 866-968-7842/Voice or Toll-free TDD Line 866-TDD2WORK (833-2967)

www.ssa.gov/work - For further information about the “Ticket to Work,” Social Security Work Incentives and to find Work Incentive Planning and Assistance programs in states other than AZ

www.ssa.gov - For more information about Social Security programs or call 800-772-1213/ Voice or 800-325-0778/ TTY

www.cms.gov/ -To find more information about Medicare or Medicaid or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227)/ Voice or 877-486-2048/ TTY