Benefits Counseling

Record last updated 2022/07/12 Comment on this info .Update this info

Contact Information

UMass Medical School Work Without Limits
Contact: Brian Forsythe, CPWIC, Work Incentives Counselor
Email Address: Brian.Forsythe@umassmed.edu
Phone: 508-856-2513
Alternate Phone: 877-937-9675
Fax: 508-856-6607

333 South Street Shrewsbury, MA 01545
Area Served: Central

Map Location Benefits Counseling

Narrative

Work Without Limits Benefits Counseling assists individuals with disabilities who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and are looking for employment or are currently working. We help them understand how work earnings or wage increases impact these and/or other public benefits. Work Without Limits provides two no-cost benefits counseling services:

 

Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA)

 

This service is for SSI/SSDI beneficiaries who are either:

  • Working
  • Have a job offer pending
  • Actively interviewing for jobs
  • Had an interview in the past 30 days
  • Have a job interview scheduled in the next 2 weeks
  • Exceptions (even if not actively pursuing work)
  • Veterans
  • Youth, ages 14 - 25

Territory:

Massachusetts Counties: Middlesex, Worcester, Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire

New York Counties: Albany, Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Schoharie and Washington

How to get started:  Complete, sign and submit the Referral Packet. The forms must be signed in ink. This is a Social Security requirement. The forms can be returned by U.S. or certified mail, email, or fax to our secure fax line: 508-856-6607. When all paperwork has been processed, one of our counselors will contact you to schedule an appointment. We ask for your patience as currently we only have one Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) serving all thirteen counties in MA and NY. For more information visit our Benefits Counseling page.

 

 

Service Types

  • Financial Assistance
  • Health Insurance

Program Type

  • Advocacy
  • Counseling
  • Financial Assistance
  • Financial Planning
  • Jobs
  • Vocational

Populations Served

  • All Disabilities

Ages Served

  • 14 - 18
  • 19 - 22
  • 23 – 59

Languages Spoken

  • American Sign Language
  • Spanish

Accessibility Features

  • Accessible Parking
  • Accessible Public Transportation
  • Accessible Restrooms
  • Elevators
  • Near Public Transportation
  • Services at School
  • Services at Work
  • Sign Language
  • Wheelchair Ramps

Additional Information

  • Accredited By: CWICs are Certified by Virginia Commonwealth University
  • Fees: Free Service