“If you identify individual strengths they have and work with employees to structure positions so that it plays to those strengths, it’s a win-win for the job-seeker and employer.” Mike Edwards, Employment Specialist, ERI Bret Kuhn enjoys his job doing dishes and coordinating with other staff at University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Union South. He likes listening to music while working, his …
Unknown Assets and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries occasionally learn they own a countable asset they weren’t aware of. For example, a beneficiary may discover that a relative had purchased stock for them and it has a cash value. Determining If an Unknown Asset is a Countable Asset In this type of situation, Social Security first determines if the SSI beneficiary has: ownership …
Ask Ben: How Do I Use SSA’s Online Service?
Yodel-ay-he-hoo! I’m here in the Swiss Alps, learning to yodel and enjoying the beautiful mountains. Did you know herders use yodeling to call their stock, and that the sound of a yodel can travel between Alpine villages? I’ll give my voice a rest and answer a question from Dua about how to get in touch with Social Security. And I …
Social Security, Benefits and Taxes
Benefits Specialists normally do not assist clients with their taxes unless they are qualified tax preparers. However, they should have a general knowledge of how Social Security benefits may affect a person’s taxes and what credits may be available to their consumers. Title XVI and Title II Benefits are Treated Differently All Title XVI (Supplemental Security Insurance or SSI) payments …
Ask Ben: My Spouse and I Want to Enroll in Medicare Part B. What Are Our Options?
Good morning young Hobbits! I am at a Hobbiton where they filmed parts of the Lord of the Rings movies here in Matamata, New Zealand. Even though I still feel hungry even after my second breakfast, I’ll answer a question from Jane and Keisha. Hey Ben – My spouse and I want to enroll in Medicare Part B. Neither of …
Be Diverse! Strengthen Your Business and Your Community
When you invest in a diverse workforce, you build a team that has a depth of talent, innovation, and dedication not found in non-inclusive workforces. The more diverse your team is, the more skillful and innovative they will be in accomplishing the goals and resolving the challenges you set before them. People with disabilities are often overlooked as a source …
Caller-ID “Spoofing” Scheme Misuses Social Security Customer Service Number
Social Security has received numerous reports of questionable phone calls displaying their 1-800 number on a caller-ID screen. This may be a scam! If a person claiming to be from Social Security calls you and threatens you for information or promises a Social Security benefit approval or increase in exchange for information: Hang up. Don’t engage and don’t provide any …
Ask Ben: Help! Repaying My Student Loans is Tough!
Last month I was enjoying the beautiful fall colors in Wisconsin when suddenly. . . the air turned icy! Now I’m at the beautiful Grand Canyon where the temperatures are in the high 50s and wildlife abounds. Just this morning I saw a Golden Eagle, Canyon Wren, and several Bighorn Sheep. There are 447 known species of birds in the …
Advancing Employment First and Building Full Lives: Working Together
Wisconsin is an Employment First state, where we work together to Build Full Lives. Advancing Employment FirstJust because you have a disability doesn’t mean you don’t want to work and participate in your community like everyone else. Employment First is a framework centered on the belief that all citizens, including individuals with significant disabilities, are capable of full participation in integrated employment and community …
Ask Ben: I’m Enrolled in Medicare. Is There Something I Need to Do this Fall?
Fall in Wisconsin! It may not be as exotic as Paris or Africa, but who can beat these gorgeous fall colors? As I sit here admiring the beautiful fall leaves and enjoying the crisp air, I’ll answer a question about Medicare that comes along each fall…. Dear Ben, I enrolled in Medicare when I first became eligible last May. I’ve …