Want to work, but have questions and/or concerns?
You have come to the right place for answers and information! Regardless of the severity of one’s disability, anyone can work competitively. That is, all individuals with disabilities can engage in income-producing activity in the community. This can be done in a number of ways – traditional employment, customized employment, or self- employment. Individuals with disabilities are not relegated to just sitting at home or attending a sheltered workshop or day program.
Medicaid and Working
For people with disabilities and their families, losing financial and medical benefits are the biggest concern about working. Information regarding keeping vital medical and personal supports is not easy to find and navigate. Job seekers who want to know more regarding how to become employed while keeping their benefits, including Medicaid and any other waiver service can start by exploring the following resources.
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Work Incentives - View the Social Security Administration (SSA) General Information
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Work Incentive Planning Services (also known as Benefit Counseling) can be provided in person or over the phone. Here are two WIPA providers in Georgia:
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Georgia Disability Benefits 101 helps people with disabilities and service providers understand the connections between work and benefits. Explore Georgia Disability Benefits 101
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Bobby Dodd Institute helps participants apply for and maximize the public and private benefits and resources that can support their financial stability, independence, and quality of life. Browse the Bobby Dodd Institute
Need help finding, acquiring, and/or maintaining employment?
There are two main Georgia entities helping individuals with disabilities with employment.
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The Georgia Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (GVRA) offers many services to job seekers with disabilities to locate, obtain, and continue with employment. They help with such things as paying for schooling/training, conducting assessments, providing technology, assisting on-the-job, and so much more. GVRA assists youth with transitioning out of high school as well as adults re-entering the workforce.
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For those who utilize state Medicaid waiver services, some of the Georgia Medicaid waivers fund work supports and services for individuals with disabilities. Georgia has recognized the ability of individuals with disabilities to work and has begun to integrate community employment supports into the continuum of long-term care in Medicaid. The New Options Waiver Program (NOW) and Comprehensive Supports Waiver Program (COMP) offers supported employment services. For a brief overview of these waivers:
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance
Counties covered by GVRA
Counties covered by the Shepherd Center