WIPA Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Program

Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program (WIPA) Many of our students who receive Social Security disability benefits want to work, but often face barriers to doing so. In an effort to overcome these barriers, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has introduced a series of work incentives and other supports to promote employment among disability beneficiaries. However, because the use of these supports is low, (less than five percent of beneficiaries use the work incentives), the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program, an SSA-sponsored program, promotes employment by providing beneficiaries with information about SSA work supports. WIPA helps students determine whether they are eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Eligibility requires a person be deemed unable to engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to a significant and long-lasting health condition. Because of this requirement, many benefit-receiving students who may be willing and able to work are often afraid of losing their benefits if they earn “too much.” WIPA educates beneficiaries about work incentives and the effect of increased earnings. A key feature of the WIPA program is its emphasis on ongoing interactions with beneficiaries as they reenter the workforce.

 ACCES-VR Adult Career and Continuing Education Services-Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) offers access to a full range of employment and independent living services that may benefit persons with disabilities throughout their lives. Through its administration of vocational rehabilitation and independent living programs, VR coordinates policy and services relating to:  Transition and youth services for high school students and youth up to age 25 with disabilities from school and post school to adult services;  Vocational rehabilitation services for working age individuals with disabilities;  Independent living services for people with disabilities of all ages; and  Business services for hiring a qualified diverse workforce The seeds of adult success are sown during youth. The system established by the Board of Regents to administer education and vocational services for people with disabilities fosters this and has evolved into a national model, designed to focus on our students and produce results.

CUNY LEADS CUNY LEADS is a unique program designed to prepare CUNY students with disabilities to make realistic academic and career choices and develop the skills that will result in successful career outcomes. The program was established to facilitate the successful academic and career outcomes for students with disabilities who are enrolled in CUNY programs, providing services for eligible students including:  Academic advisement  Career counseling  Resume preparation  Interview preparation  Internship preparation  Job seeking assistance  Job placement assistance  Advocacy skills This exciting program is free of charge for all eligible candidates and available on all CUNY campuses. Each campus has a LEADS advisor assigned to it that will partner with various agencies and businesses to provide the necessary assistance to students. © Manhattan School for Career Development Manhattan Transition Center113 East 4th