SSDI Benefit Offset Pilot

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Wisconsin

• Benefits Planning
• Employment Supports
• Income Reporting

Information regarding the Wisconsin Benefit Offset Pilot can be found here. You can read additional information regarding Benefits Planning, Employment Supports, or Income Reporting.

General Information

The Wisconsin Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Employment Pilot addresses one of the paramount policy barriers affecting individuals with disabilities interested in pursuing economic self-support through employment.

Currently, SSDI beneficiaries who want to test their ability to work and earn at higher levels are often prohibited from doing so by the all or nothing 'cash cliff' imposed through existing policy. This pilot directly eliminates the current 'cash cliff' by allowing SSDI beneficiaries to work and earn above Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) ($900/month in 2007).

If you are a participant in the SSDI Employment Pilot you were placed in one of two groups. One group will receive a 'cash benefit offset' in addition to being eligible to receive benefits counseling and employment service coordination. This group is called the treatment group. The other group will have access only to benefits counseling and employment service coordination, and this group is called the control group. Enrollment into the SSDI Employment Pilot ended October 31, 2006 in Wisconsin.

Rather than an immediate end to the benefit, participants assigned to the treatment group will experience a gradual decline in their SSDI cash payment as their earnings increase. For every $2.00 earned above SGA, participants will experience a $1.00 decrease in their SSDI payment rather than losing their entire cash benefit. This is critical for individuals with disabilities who want to work more but cannot afford to immediately lose their entire cash benefit.

For more information on the Wisconsin SSDI Employment Pilot: http://www.dhfs.state.wi.us/WIPathways/SSDI.htm

Project Contacts

If you have additional questions about the administration of the Benefit Offset Pilot in Wisconsin you may contact the Office of Independence and Employment Director: John Reiser or 1-866-278-6440.

You have the right to withdraw from the SSDI Employment Pilot at any time. If you wish to withdraw from the Benefit Offset Pilot Project in Wisconsin please contact a benefits counselor in your area to discuss how that will impact your benefits.

If you have comments or questions about the content on this website, please contact Jeff Sheen.