• Work Incentive Information and Referral


• Written Benefits Summary and Analysis and Work Incentive Planning


• Benefits Management for beneficiaries that need ongoing help once employed


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

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:

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


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


• Manage the changes in cash and medical benefits when employed


• 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.

ABIL is the program contractor for the AZ Freedom to Work Statewide Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program funded (50%) through a $300,000 annual grant from the Social Security Administration, the U.S. Department of Education/Rehabilitation Services Administration and other contracts and grants. Our Community 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.

AZ Freedom to Work Contact Information

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

www.azfreedomtowork.org

By Appointment Only

Service Area: We provide services throughout Arizona at the following Centers for Independent Living.  Our Community Work Incentive Coordinators can provide help by telephone, email, one-one meetings and group presentations.  Call us for more information or for the next presentation in your area:

Phoenix for the Greater Phoenix Metro Area and Central Arizona

Tucson/ Sierra Vista and Southern AZ

http://azahcccs.gov/Services/Programs/FreedomToWork.asp - AHCCCS health plan called a “Medicaid Buy-in” for people with disabilities that work. Eligibility has higher income levels, no resource limit and members must pay a premium. For more information contact (602) 417-6677 in the Phoenix area or 1-800-654-8713, Option 6 in the rest of the state.

www.azdes.gov/rsa - The Vocational Rehabilitation is a public program that provides a variety of services to individuals with disabilities enabling them to become or remain employed.

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

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

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.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.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)