Disability Employment Initiative Disability Employment Initiative (DEI)(DEI)

Hosted/Facilitated by: Miranda Kennedy, NDI Technical Assistance Team

Presented by: Kevin Nickerson, NDI Technical Assistance Team

Dennis Born, Technical Assistance and Support Center (TASC)

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Ticket to Work Boot Camp:Advanced Operations

Ticket Holder Assessment & Individual Work Plan (IWP) Assignment

DEI Projects at the state level and/or local level participating LWIBs are required to become Employment Networks under Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program.

Training and Technical Assistance to DEI Projects in attaining Employment Network status and implementing effective EN operations is provided under U.S. DOLETA contract with NDI Consulting, Inc. and the National Disability Institute (NDI).

Evaluation of the impact of the DEI Projects implementation and outcomes as Employment Network will be provided under U.S. DOL ODEP contract with Social Dynamics.

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Upon completion of this webinar, DEI Project staff will:

Understand Ticket Holder assessment strategies

Have a better understanding of all the elements involved in assessing Ticket holders, including the following:◦ Educating staff on how to identify Ticket holders◦ Knowing whether we are able to provide services to meet the Ticket

holder’s needs◦ Assessing whether our EN will realize revenue from the Ticket

assignment

Know how to assign a Ticket to your Employment Network, an overview of the new IWP

Have registration details for next Ticket to Work Boot Camp Webinar

Learning ObjectivesLearning Objectives

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Ticket holder Assessment Strategies◦ Assessment Strategies

Broad vs. Refined approach

◦ Review of SSDI & SSI disability benefits◦ Assessment Desktop Guide review◦ Assessment Case Studies

Ticket Assignment◦ Review of the New Individual Work Plan (IWP)◦ Customized IWP◦ How the Look-Back Policy works

TtW Boot Camp Series Webinar Registration Logistics◦ EN Billing Options & Workforce e-Processes

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AgendaAgenda

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Partnership Plus

Ticket Assessment StrategiesTicket Assessment Strategies

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The Two Schools of Thought…

Assign all Ticket Holders who are interested in working with you and hope some will yield a payment for the EN

Assign only those Ticket Holders who you feel can benefit from your EN services, and who you think will yield a

payment under the TtW Program

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In this process, an EN simply assigns as many Ticket holders as possible, or that have interest in working with the EN

Advantages:

◦ No need to assess whether the Ticket holder will yield any results to the EN

◦ Requires less time up-front in assessing each Ticket holder

◦ Staff simply need to know what services are provided by the EN, & how to assign the Ticket

Disadvantages:

◦ Many of the Ticket holders assigned will never yield any revenue to the EN

◦ Much more paperwork involved in this process as many more IWP’s are developed

◦ Overall revenue produced is less, and placement rates will be lower, despite the increased number of staff hours required

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In this process of assessment, each Ticket holder is reviewed based on the following:

◦ Services Needed : Do they fit our EN Business Model?◦ Employment Goals : Are projected earnings consistent with

required Milestones and Outcomes?◦ Benefits Evaluation : Is the Ticket holder ready to move forward

with gainful employment? (i.e. SGA level employment)◦ Skills / Education / Experience : Is this consistent with Ticket

holder employment goals, and with the current workforce need?◦ Projected Revenue : Will we produce revenue if we serve this

Ticket holder as an EN?◦ Other : Health status at intake and restrictions, apparent

motivation to return to work?

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Today we will focus on the more refined approach to serving Ticket holders through the TtW program

This approach requires fewer staff hours overall, as you will serve fewer Ticket holders, however, you will yield higher results to your EN not only in the form of revenue, but in the percentage of successfully placed SSA beneficiaries who are gainfully employed

This approach will also help you maintain higher performance standards as measured in the new “EN Report Card”, an indicator of EN performance, used to assist beneficiaries in choosing an EN

Before breaking down the Assessment process, we need to review…

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Ticket holders receive SSA disability benefits in the form of:◦ Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or◦ Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

The type of benefit a Ticket holder receives will determine the following for your EN:◦ The amount of EN payments you are eligible for◦ The length of time you will potentially serve your Ticket holder◦ NOTE: See 2012 Payments at a Glance, to review payment

potential, here: https://yourtickettowork.com/web/ttw/en-forms

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Trial Work Period (TWP)

•9 Months available

(not consecutive)

•Allows an opportunity to earn any amount of income without losing cash benefits or insurance

•TWP months count when earnings exceed $720/month for 2012

Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)

•36 month period (continuous, use it or lose it)

•Earnings under SGA = maintain cash benefits

•Earnings over SGA = potential loss of cash benefits (Work Incentives should be considered)

•Insurance is maintained regardless of cash benefits status

SGA = $1,010/month (non-blind), or $1,690/month (blind) for 2012

Aligns with Phase 1

Payments

Aligns with Phase 2 and Outcome payments

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SSI payments are based on the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), which is based on family composition

SSI payments are gradually reduced as earnings increase

Work Incentives reduce the amount of wages SSA looks at in determining SSI payments when individuals return to work, making it financially beneficial

SGA level earnings (the $1010 earnings ceiling) does not apply to SSI

Section 1619(B) - Individuals can maintain a connection to SSI, and Medicaid, even if in a “non-pay status”, if their total earnings remain below the State’s Threshold amount. See link to SSA threshold list: http://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/1619b.htm)

Next, we’ll review a basic SSI calculation showing SSI Work Incentives

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NOTE: FBR = $698.00 (this is a single person living alone rate for 2012, using the federal benefit rate of $698 ONLY, State Supplements may apply)

STEP 1:(calculate countable earnings)

Earned income = $1200Apply G.I.E. -

$20 $1180

Apply E.I.E. - $65

$1115

Apply 2 for 1 rule / 2Total countable income = $557.50

STEP 2:(adjust SSI based on FBR)

FBR = $698Subtract T.C.I. $557.50

$140.50 (New SSI)STEP 3:(Show total Monthly Income with new

work income)Adjusted SSI = $116.50Plus earnings = $1200

$1,316.50

Note:

G.I.E. = General Income Exclusion

E.I.E. = Earned Income Exclusion

FBR = Federal Benefit Rate13

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If you have a comment or question please submit it to the host in writing via the Chat or Q&A Box to the right to be addressed.

When customers register for services at One-Stop Career Centers, all staff should be able to identify, at a minimum, who is Ticket eligible, as follows:◦ Customer is between the ages of 18 and not yet 65◦ Customer is a current receipt of either SSI, or SSDI federal cash

benefits

Further assessment will be required to determine if the Ticket is available for assignment, and whether assigning this Ticket holder will be beneficial for both the Ticket holder and EN

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1. Does customer receive SSI, or SSDI benefits, and are they in current pay status?

2. Is the customer between the ages of 18-65?3. Can you provide the necessary services the Ticket holder needs?4. Is the Ticket holder interested in earning at least Trial Work Level

(TWL) earnings (To achieve Phase 1 payments)? Or Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level earnings (To achieve Phase 2, and possible Outcome payments)?

5. Has the Ticket Holder received SSA Disability benefits advisement?

6. Is the customer’s Ticket available? Or is it In-Use with State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)?

7. Has VR Successfully placed the Ticket holder?8. Has the Ticket holder worked in the past 18 months above the

TWL?9. Is the Ticket holder work ready?

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Ticket Holder Information:◦ 40 something◦ At time of intake, receiving: SSI, Food Stamps, Section 8

housing choice voucher assistance◦ High School Diploma◦ Mild Cerebral Palsy, Seizure Disorder, physical restrictions◦ Former work in nursing homes◦ Wants to work as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) ◦ Interested in assigning Ticket for assistance◦ Has not worked in the last 2 years

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Benefits advisement regarding SSI, FS, and Section 8 Voucher?◦ Determined that SSI reduction, based on projected work is acceptable

to Ticket holder◦ Food Stamp reduction is also acceptable◦ Section 8 – Will employ Earned Income Disallowance for 2 years

Specific work restrictions?◦ Has lifting restriction of no more than 50 lbs.

CNA certification status?◦ Certification is up-to-date

Work availability in area of interest?◦ Work is available in area of interest

Whether interested in F/T or P/T work?◦ Interested in Full-time work, projected wage of $10/hour

How motivated is this person to return to work?◦ Ticket holder presents as very interested in returning to work

Is Ticket available for assignment?◦ Yes, no history with State VR

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Based on a similar case, these were the results achieved by one Ticket holder:

◦ Ticket was assigned◦ Achieved Milestones 1-3◦ Achieved 29 Outcome payments◦ Current status: case closed due to decline in medical

condition◦ Greatest accomplishment: Ticket Holder reported achieving

a sense of self-worth again◦ Will return to us if medical condition allows

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Ticket holder information:◦ 50 something ◦ At time of intake, receiving: SSDI, Medicare◦ Associates in Applied Science Degree, Electrical

Technician◦ Physical restrictions◦ Former assembly and machinist work◦ Interested in entry level job in electronics repair and

diagnostics

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Benefits Advisement regarding SSDI benefits?◦ Benefits equated to approximately $1,400/month, no dependents, willing

to lose benefits for right employment, in this case, advised to make approximately $2,400 / month or more to replace benefits

Additional insurance needs?◦ Prescription drugs needed, in this case, Ticket holder will be eligible for

Medicaid Buy-In program if working Specific work restrictions?

◦ Unable to perform same task repetitively without breaks Work availability in area of interest?

◦ Work is available in area of interest, although limited in geographic region

Whether interested in F/T or P/T work?◦ Ticket holder wants full-time work

How motivated is this person to return to work?◦ Very interested in returning to gainful employment

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Based on a similar case, these were the results achieved by one Ticket holder:

◦ Ticket was assigned◦ Achieved Milestones 1-4◦ Achieved all possible Outcome payments (60), our 2nd 60th

Outcome result◦ Ticket Holder achieved financial self-sufficiency◦ Continues to work

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O*Net Online: http://www.onetonline.org/ ◦ Compare current skills with required skills of various occupations

Other DOL sponsored Online resources such as Job Zone (NYS): https://www.nycareerzone.org/jobseeker/login.do?url=%2Fjobseeker%2Fportfolio%2Findex.jsp

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Assessment Resources

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Ticket Assignment

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What is the Individual Work Plan (IWP)?

•Contract between beneficiary and Employment Network (EN)•Details goals of the beneficiary•Details services provided to meet those goals

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“Can we use the Workforce Individual Employment Plans?”

eTicket AssignmenteTicket Assignment

• November 2011• Based on new Request for Quotation (RFQ) and

codicil• Social Security seeks to foster the relationship

between the EN and the beneficiary• Changes

◦ Statement of Understanding◦ Alternate contact information◦ Clearer guidelines for EN services◦ Easier to read

Maximus has a NEW IWP template, with the most recent requirements, that you can use, or you can create your own IWP if you prefer

The IWP includes Ticket Holder demographics, statements required by Maximus, and the type of work and services you will be assisting the Ticket Holder with

The Maximus IWP template can be found here: http://www.yourtickettowork.com/selftraining/NEW%20IWP.doc

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XYZ Employment Network

12-3456789

John Ticketholder

111-11-1111

123 Main St.

(555) 555-1234 John.Ticketholder@isp.net

789 Union St.

(555) 555-5676 Jill.Assigner@XYZ_EN.net

Provide the necessary information for your organization and the

beneficiary

Provide the necessary information for your organization and the

beneficiary

Springfield, KY 40069

Springfield, KY 40069

Beneficiary can provide up to 3

alternate contacts

Beneficiary can provide up to 3

alternate contacts

Jane Ticketholder

(555) 555-4321

321 South St.

Jane.Ticketholder@isp.net

Bob Goodneighbor

(555) 555-6789

125 Main St.

Bob.Goodneighbor@isp.net

Springfield, KY 40069

Springfield, KY 40069

Desired short term change in

employment

Desired short term change in

employment

Desired short term earnings should be

above TWL

Desired short term earnings should be

above TWL

Desired long term employment goalDesired long term employment goal

Desired long term earnings should be

above SGA

Desired long term earnings should be

above SGA

To become a cashier at a local retailer.

$800/month.

To become a supervisor at a local retailer.

$2000/month.

• Six categories

• Matching of supports and services◦ Payment Request Form◦ Certification of Services

Services to assess beneficiary’s skills and background

Services to assess beneficiary’s skills and background

RequiredRequired

Services that help employ beneficiaryServices that help

employ beneficiary

Assess work history and education as part of the development of the

Assist in development of resume

Individual Work Plan.

Provide training regarding interview skills

Provide job leads

Provide customer service training to reinforce social skills.

Services to help beneficiary excel with certain skills

Services to help beneficiary excel with certain skills

Services/Supports to adjust work environment as

needed

Services/Supports to adjust work environment as

needed

Provide vouchers for public transportation

Quarterly contact to determine whether additional supports are necessary

Services/Supports to help beneficiary maintain

employment

Services/Supports to help beneficiary maintain

employment

RequiredRequired

Assist with course choices at the adult learning annex to help obtain management skills

Any other services/supports to help beneficiary achieve self-

sufficiency

Any other services/supports to help beneficiary achieve self-

sufficiency

Provide assistance with monthly budgeting

Indicate whether there were earnings and when

they may have taken place

Indicate whether there were earnings and when

they may have taken place

The Burger Place 9/2011 10/2011 $10.50 25

Month/Year is acceptable

Month/Year is acceptable

Ending wageEnding wage Average weekly hours

Average weekly hours

Indicate whether there are any additional conditions

Indicate whether there are any additional conditions

There are no additional conditions.

Provide EN name

Provide EN name

Provide phone number of State

P&A

Provide phone number of State

P&A

EN must provide ongoing supportEN must provide ongoing support

XYZ Employment Network

(555) 555-4234

Allows EN to contact employer to obtain

earnings information

Allows EN to contact employer to obtain

earnings information

Indicates Ticket Assignment dateIndicates Ticket

Assignment date

John TicketholderJill Assigner

11/5/2011

11/5/2011

EN must certify that at least one hour was

devoted to IWP

EN must certify that at least one hour was

devoted to IWP

10/26/2011 1 Hour

11/5/2011 1 Hour

Jill Assigner

ENs have the option to customize the IWP to meet their own needs

Must contain all required components You may add information beyond the required

components, for example:◦ Additional services◦ Additional tracking information (i.e. job classification, distance

willing to travel to job) A customized IWP has been developed, as an

alternative to the standard Maximus IWP, for Workforce ENs

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To order “Red Books”, which explain the basics of SSA disabilitybenefits:To get multiple copies of SSA publications, write to: Social Security AdministrationOffice of Supply and Warehouse ManagementAttn: Requisition and Quality Control Team239 Supply Building6301 Security BoulevardBaltimore, MD 21235 You can also get the publications via: Phone at (410) 965-2039, Fax at (410) 965-2037 or Email at: OPLM.OSWM.RQCT.Orders@ssa.gov

In today’s presentation we covered the following:Ticket holder Assessment Strategies

◦ Assessment Strategies Broad vs. Refined approach

◦ Review of SSDI & SSI disability benefits◦ Assessment Desktop Guide review◦ Assessment Case Studies

Ticket Assignment◦ Review of the New Individual Work Plan (IWP)◦ Customized IWP◦ How the Look-Back Policy works

TtW Boot Camp Series Webinar Registration Logistics◦ EN Billing Options & Workforce e-Processes

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If you have a comment or question you can :

A: Submit it to the host in writing via the Chat or Q&A Box to the right, or…

B: Click on the “raise hand” icon to have your line un-muted and ask your question/make your comment.

Michael Yozzi Workforce Initiative LeadTechnical Assistance and Support Center (TASC)Email: workforce@maximus.com

Kevin NickersonNDI Technical Assistance TeamPhone: (607) 272-7570 Ext. 136Email: knickerson@ndi-inc.org

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