The Works

The Works is a regular news feature apearing in the Coalition Briefs. [see past columns in the archives]

May 5, 2004

Understanding Benefits: A Three Day Training

Ed Lopez-Soto, Esq. conducted a comprehensive training at the Work Exchange on April 19, 20, and 21 entitled "Understanding Benefits: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Entitlements for Individuals with Psychiatric Disabilities." Forty-eight individuals from various mental health agencies throughout the city including social workers, case managers, and persons with disabilities participated.

Specifically, the training simplified the very complex benefits system so that attendees could return to their agencies and apply this information in a productive and disentangled way. It provided information on how employment can affect such benefits as SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and Medicaid.

The promotion of career development through work incentives was discussed at length. Other topics covered: overpayments and how this can complicate a consumer's income; eligibility requirements for SSI or SSDI; subsidies; and Plans for Achieving Self-Support. New legislative changes were touched on as well.

Mr. Lopez-Soto returns to the Work Exchange for the popular Benefits' Breakfast on May 26th to discuss the details of Medicaid Buy-In including: key features; what it offers people with disabilities; understanding eligibility criteria; and strategies for overcoming barriers to the program. An update will be given on the implementation of the program on both a state and city level with a close look at what is working and what isn't.

The NYWE Web Site Modifications

The Work Exchange web site has undergone changes over the past few months. One of the most significant and timely changes has been the "Critical Issues" option. This option has up to date information on topics of current importance within the mental health field including: PROS and specific employment information on this new initiative from the State Office of Mental Health.

There is a current informational page on both the Medicaid Buy-In and the Ticket to Work with the latest statistics on Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) and Employment Networks (EN) within NYS and nationally. All of these pages will be updated continuously as the Work Exchange obtains new information.

In addition to these changes, look for "Other Resources" which provides information on Professional Development, Funding Links and T.R.A.I.N. Professional Development is a new page that provides visitors with educational and training opportunities, facts on relevant organizations, and publications that pertain to employment and mental health. This link can assist individuals in the field with professional enrichment and advancement. Funding Links presents a list of funding sources that are federal, state, and city based. T.R.A.I.N., the database of NYC help programs, aids providers with training program knowledge for their consumers within NYC. "Our Projects" collates information from many of the Work Exchange research, technical assistance, and demonstration projects. Visitors can access each project's purpose. "The Workbook", a comprehensive listing of NYC mental health programs assisting individuals in employment, can still be accessed on line. The "Job Listing" option will remain the same.