WIPA

WHAT is WIPA?

Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) is a federally-funded program operated by MO P&A, a not-for-profit legal services organization designated as the Protection and Advocacy System for Missouri.

If you are a beneficiary of Social Security (SSA) and would like to know how work will affect your benefits, we can provide information about work incentives to help you make informed decisions about work.

WIPA services are for you if you ...

• Have a disability and are receiving
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and/or
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and
• Want to know how work will affect your benefits and services.

WIPA services are available to people who are ...

• Currently working, or
• Just thinking about going to work.

All inquiries and services are kept strictly confidential.

What kind of services does WIPA offer?

MO P&A has trained Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs) to assist you. We are not an employment agency. We are advocates who can provide you with information for informed choices about work.

You may receive the following services ...

• Information and Referral - Information about work incentives and/or referral to other agencies or employment networks.
• Problem Solving and Advocacy - Discussions with you that lead to resolution of the problem(s). This may include self-advocacy coaching, explaining the service delivery system, negotiation with other agencies, etc.
• Benefits Analysis and Advisement - Explanations of work incentives and worksheets showing your benefits, work, expenses, etc.
• Benefit Support (Work) Planning - Discussions, information, and work sheets showing a model plan to assist you in becoming self-sufficient.
• Benefits Management - Periodic adjustments and information to assist you in maintaining work and moving toward self-sufficiency.

What should I do?

Contact MO P&A if you are receiving SSDI and/or SSI benefits and would like information about working.

If you want our help ...

• Call our Jefferson City MO P&A office Applications Unit at 573-659-0678 or toll free 800-392-8667 and an Information Specialist will assist you in applying for our services.
• TDD users please contact Relay Missouri for access toll free at 800-735-2966.

Is there a charge for WIPA services?

WIPA application and advocacy services through our Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs) are provided at no cost.

Please note that WIPA is the only grant program administered by MO P&A that is not statewide.

If you have any questions about who provides WIPA services in your area, please contact the MO P&A Application Unit at 573-659-0678 or toll free 800-392-8667.

What does MO P&A do besides WIPA?

MO P&A provides the following services:

• Information about services available through agencies in the community.
• Advice to you about your legal rights.
• Assistance in resolving disagreements through mediation and negotiation.
• Individual advocacy services including assistance with administrative and legal proceedings.

Please note: The contents of the WIPA brochure publication are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not represent the official view of the Social Security Adminnistration.
SSA has reviewed the WIPA brochure publication for technical accuracy, however, the brochure should not be considered an SSA official document.
The WIPA program is 95% federally-funded by the Social Security Administration.
Grant Contract #14-W-50047-7-01