This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Independent Living, Inc.'s Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program Funding Restored by Social Security Administration

AUGUST 6, 2013: NEWBURGH, NY – Funding for the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance program  (also known as “WIPA”), a national program funded by the Social Security Administration, has been restored, and  Independent Living, Inc. has resumed their excellent work in providing important services that enable people with disabilities to go to work.  WIPA services are offered by Independent Living, Inc. in Orange, Rockland, Ulster, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester Counties, and in the Capital District (Albany, Columbia and Greene Counties) through a regional partnership with the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley, which has service centers located in Troy and Hudson, NY. “Benefits advisement is a critical service for individuals with disabilities who are working or considering going back to work,” said Doug Hovey, Executive Director. “We are very pleased that the Federal government recognizes the value of WIPA services. With the knowledge gained from our Community Work Incentives Coordinators, hundreds of individuals each year who would otherwise be almost entirely dependent on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) are returning to work and becoming financially independent without fear of losing their medical benefits.”  

Since 1987, Independent Living, Inc. has been serving individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the Mid-Hudson region. Our vision is a barrier-free society with opportunities for all persons to achieve their maximum potential.  For more information about the many ways that Independent Living, Inc. is helping to achieve a better quality of life for people with disabilities in our community, call (845) 565-1162 or find us on the web at www.myindependentliving.org.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?