Intensive Support • Early Career • Goal 7:
Identify Benefits Available to You
Action step 1.
Determine how income could affect your eligibility to receive benefits.
Any time you start a new job or your income changes, it could affect the benefits you receive going forward. If you earn more than the income limit, you could lose certain benefits or services. This can apply to Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) or Ticket to Work services. You and a support person may want to talk with your benefits counselor or service coordinator to make sure you understand how these changes could affect you.
Resources
Words to know
Action step 2.
Explore options for health insurance.
Since health insurance is a complex issue, it’s important to plan ahead.
- In most states, if you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you automatically qualify for Medicaid.
- As a disabled adult, you may be covered by your parents’ health insurance plan beyond the usual age limit of 26.
- If you work full time, you may be able to purchase private health insurance through your employer.
- If you purchase insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace, you might qualify for financial assistance.
- Eligibility for Medicaid varies by state.
Resources
Words to know
Action step 3.
Keep records of key documents, such as contracts and pay stubs.
It’s important to keep track of your employment and financial documents. If you receive benefits or services, you will be asked to submit proof of income. If you have an Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) account, you will need to show receipts for your deposits and spending.
Some companies use online systems for employees to input information like hours and time off requests. These programs also often save important documents, like paystubs or tax forms, in one place. If your company does not have such a system, work with your support person to create a folder on your computer where you can save all of this information in one place. Your support person can help you keep your paperwork organized.
