Benefits Counseling

For individuals receiving disability benefits, going to work or increasing earnings can raise questions about how employment may affect the benefits and supports they rely on.

Will my monthly benefit change? Will I lose my Medicare or Medicaid? How will earning more affect the other benefits I receive?

ECVC’s new Benefits Counseling Services help individuals understand how employment and earnings may affect their benefits, giving them the information they need to confidently pursue their vocational goals.

How Benefits Counseling Can Help

Every person’s situation is different. ECVC’s benefits counselors provide individualized guidance to help participants understand how working may affect their federal and state benefits.

Benefits counseling may include information about:

  • Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Medicare and Medicaid
  • Housing assistance
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Social Security Work Incentives
  • Wage reporting and avoiding benefit overpayments
  • Other federal and state programs or resources

Our benefits counselors can explain how earnings may affect Social Security benefits, identify Work Incentives that may apply, and help participants better understand what to expect as they enter the workforce or increase their earnings.

Supporting Your Employment Goals

Questions about benefits shouldn’t stand in the way of pursuing meaningful employment. Benefits Counseling provides participants with greater clarity and confidence as they consider new job opportunities, increased hours or higher earnings.

By helping individuals navigate these important decisions, ECVC supports participants as they work toward greater independence, meaningful employment and an improved quality of life.

How to Access ECVC Benefits Counseling

ECVC Benefits Counseling is a referral-based service.

Individuals receive Benefits Counseling services through a referral from Employment Independence for People with Disabilities (EIPD).

Once referred, participants work with an ECVC benefits counselor to receive individualized guidance based on their employment goals, earnings and benefits.

Questions about Benefits Counseling or the referral process?

Contact ECVC Employment Services to learn more.