In recent years, work incentives provisions have been added to most public benefits programs, so that beneficiaries can continue to access needed benefits while also earning income and building a career. However, the level of earnings of beneficiaries has not shown an increase, due to the fact that many consumers remain unaware of these provisions, are reluctant to trust the information they receive, or avoid programs that have not been explained in simple language.
The Work Incentives Resource Center (WIRC) was a website developed by the Institute on Disability as part of a larger effort in collaboration with Granite State Independent Living and the New Hampshire Granite State Employment Project to expand employment for individuals with disabilities through greater awareness and use of work incentives. Due to the project ending and the information no longer being updated this website has been discontinued.
The website was designed to present information to consumers, families and service provider staff in readily understandable formats with a user-friendly website design and navigation. The content of the site includes topical fact sheets, calculation tools, links, notices of upcoming trainings, and a password-protected section where full-time work incentives specialists share more in-depth information and resources. Information at WIRC is (a) targeted specifically to New Hampshire’s service system, (b) expressed in as easy to understand language as possible, (c) presented in a friendly, personal format and is easy to find, and (d) is approved by Social Security or other applicable agencies for accuracy.
As a collaborating partner, Granite State Independent Living provides toll-free telephone assistance, work incentives specialist training and a database of trained staff, and staff certified by the Social Security Administration to provide Work Incentives Planning and Assistance to ensure the accuracy and quality of information provided. The project is overseen by a statewide Advisory Committee.
The WIRC project is funded by an eight-month, $75,000 subcontract of the Granite State Employment Project (New Hampshire's Medicaid Infrastructure Grant) through Granite State Independent Living.
Project Partner
This project is subcontracted to us by Granite State Independent Living, with funds originally received from the Granite State Employment Project (New Hampshire’s Medicaid Infrastructure Grant). The project Advisory Committee and the Granite State Employment Project’s State Project Team both oversee and advise on the project.
