In the context of the Social Security Administration’s WIPA/BPAO programs, benefits planning or benefits counseling refers to advice provided by trained specialists to people with disabilities already receiving SSI or SSDI benefits.  This advice entails how to increase employment without endangering independence by utilizing work incentive programs or additional benefits.  The term ‘benefits counseling’ or ‘benefits planning’ can also refer to providing people with disabilities with advice on how to receive or keep benefits; however, the focus of MIG-RATS research is on the work incentive aspects of benefits counseling.
 

Although little research information currently exists on work incentives benefits counseling, several MIG states have a current interest in learning more about the benefits counseling services that are being delivered in their states and the potential impact of these services.  MIG-RATs are engaged with two workgroups to help states further their research efforts.  Information about the progress of these workgroups, and other information on benefits counseling are located here.