They say “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” If you have a disability and are thinking about getting a job, a thousand miles is an overwhelming thought. But don’t give up. Here are some great first steps to help you on your journey. Getting Started “Is work right for me? Where do I even begin?” …
Ask Ben: Can I Increase My Assets AND Keep My SSI Eligibility?
The cold winds of March are no fun! I had to escape the tail end of the Wisconsin winter and the talk of another snowstorm heading our way. Being an adventurous guy, I found myself in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, among the nine breathtaking islands of the Azores. If you like waterfalls and swimming with dolphins, this is …
Free Tax Preparation Services
Have you finished preparing your taxes yet? If you’re like a lot of people, you might have waited until now… and may be wondering where you can get some help completing them in time for the April 15th deadline. We have good news! You may be able to get free help to prepare your taxes. My Free Taxes My Free …
Anyone Can Work: An Introduction to Customized Employment
Anyone can work. That is a fact and the foundation for customized employment. What Is Customized Employment?Customized employment is a strategy for connecting job seekers and employers. It works for job seekers who have a disability and have experienced challenges gaining employment through traditional ways. It also works for employers with unmet business needs that can be met through unconventional …
Ask Ben: Knowledge is Power!
After an evening of fine dining in beautiful Paris, I’m ready to answer Juanita’s question about benefits. I always have time to empower people with questions about disability benefits. Knowledge is power! Dear Ben, I am going to start looking for a job. This will be my first job since my disability benefits started 5 years ago. Can you tell …
Your Voice Counts – Vote!
Wisconsin’s Spring Election and Presidential Preference Primary is April 7, 2020. Here are some important tips to make your voting experience a smooth one:1. Learn what’s on the ballot and where to voteNot entirely sure what’s on the ballot and where to vote? You can learn by visiting the My Vote Wisconsin website.2. Have acceptable photo ID with you at …
12 Key Skills for Workplace Success
What are employers looking for in a good employee? Someone who knows how to do everything their job requires? Not necessarily. Most employers are looking to hire friendly people who have a good work ethic and who are polite, optimistic, and cooperative. This is because it is easier for employers to teach someone a specific skill, for example, how to use …
Having a Mentor Linked to Career Success
The Great People Have Great Mentors initiative focuses on maximizing the potential of young people with disabilities by having a mentor. A mentorship is a relationship with an increased emphasis on personal or professional development for participating individuals. A mentor can also be a role model. Research shows having a positive role model at a young age is significant in …
Keeping Your Information Safe
At ERI, we care about keeping the private information of our clients private! This is not only an obligation we have under the law, it’s something we strive to go above and beyond to ensure. With this in mind, we have implemented a new email security system through ProofPoint. To keep your private information safe and comply with improved best …
Ask Ben: Will Marriage Affect SSI and SSDI Benefits?
I’ve heard it’s been unusually cold in parts of the United States! Brrrr! Not for me….I’m staying warm in Timanfaya National Park, on the Island of Lanzarote, Spain. The parkland here is made up entirely of volcanic soil. It’s beautiful, and warm! I just checked my email and see I have a question about marriage and SSA Benefits. Hi Ben, …