Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach BPAO and DPNs

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Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach (BPAO)
and DPNs

• Laura Gallagher Watkin
• IL Division of Rehabilitation Services

2004
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Agenda for today

• What is Benefits Planning
• What services do we provide
• How and when should you refer your customers.
• Ideas for DPNs to work more with BPAO

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IL Disability Program Navigator

• DRS BPAO served 60 counties in IL.
• There are 4 Disability Program Navigators in our
  service area.
• Each navigators area has different needs so the
  relationship with BPAO may differ.
• The BPAOs role in the community is the same
  nationwide but you should contact your BPAO to
  learn how their program works.

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What is Benefits Planning?

• It is a program funded by an award from Social
  Security to explain to customers how working will
  affect their State and Federal Benefits through
• Outreach Presentations
• Individual Benefits Information Information and
  Referral, Problem solving, Benefits Analysis,
  Benefits Support Planning, Benefits Management

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• What type of Benefits do BPAOs explain?
• Benefits can include, TANF, Food Stamps, Workers
  Compensation, Unemployment, Subsidized Housing,
  Medicaid, Medicare, SSI or SSDI.

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1) Outreach Presentations

• BPAOs can provide "ongoing, systematic efforts
  to inform individuals of available work
  incentives, as well as the services and supports
  available to enable them to access and benefit
  from those work incentives." This can include
• Health Insurance Medicaid and Medicare
• Transition Youth Work Incentives PASS, SEIE
• SSI and SSDI Work Incentives
• Self Employment and SSI/SSDI

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What kind of questions can BPAO answer?

• If I take this job will I lose my health
  insurance?
• I only want to work part-time, I am worried
  about my benefits
• If I go to work will my rent increase?
• If I work will I still get a Social Security
  check?

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2) Benefits Analysis Management

• We can provide a detailed written Benefits
  Analysis so customers will know exactly what to
  expect when they return to work. Can give a copy
  to DPN with customers permission
• If customers have questions about their benefits
  once they are on the job they can call us What
  happens if I get a raise?

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BPAO are the experts

• Benefits information changes often and it is our
  job to be well trained on these issues
• DPNs should build a relationship with their
  Benefits Specialist so they are confident making
  referrals to BPAO

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Ideas to work with BPAO

• Invite them to any relevant meetings at the
  one-stop
• Coordinate a community presentation at the one
  stop on a benefit issue
• Refer a customer and ask to be a part of the
  Benefits Analysis process at least once so that
  you understand what is involved.

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Referrals to BPAO

• Who to Refer for Benefits Planning Services?
• Any SSI/SSDI cash recipient between 14 - 64 who
  wants to know how working will affect their
  benefits.
• If the person knows approx. how much they will
  earn on the job we can complete a detailed
  analysis of how that level of earnings will
  impact their state and federal benefits.