Welcome to Work Incentives Connection

What's New?

Click here to see the Connection's Newsletter, Winter 2013

On October 1, 2011, the Work Incentives Connection merged with Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota.  As a program of Goodwill/Easter Seals, the Work Incentives Connection will be able to grow and thrive. This partnership with Goodwill/Easter Seals will ensure the long-term sustainability of the Connection's comprehensive benefits assistance services for the benefit of Minnesotans with disabilities, their families and the community.

New Look, Same Extensive Resources on Work and Benefits

You may have noticed that this website has a different look. This change is part of our transition to Goodwill/Easter Seals Minnesota mentioned above. Although the site will look different, it will continue to include all of the same resource information related to the impact of work on benefits for Minnesotans with disabilities.

The Work Incentives Connection can teach you the effect work will have on your government benefits, uncovering new choices and opportunities for you to be more in charge of your life.

The staff at the Connection are called Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs). This person is responsible for helping you understand how all your government benefits are affected by working. CWICs have been trained and certified by Virginia Commonwealth University to provide in-depth and individualized benefits assistance and planning. Each staff member has passed a Social Security Administration background and suitability screening. The CWIC will offer you individualized services based on your interests and needs.

Services include:

• Answers to questions about benefits and work
• Help in solving benefits problems
• Advocacy
• Referrals for additional services
• Updates about changes in work incentives
• Benefits Analysis
• How work affects all your benefits
• Work incentives that apply to you
• Health care options
• Financial situation before and after working or taking a promotion
• Tracking wages and benefits
• Ongoing follow-up and support

The Connection serves people with all types of disabilities and those who assist them in going to work. Services are available everywhere in Minnesota and most are free of charge.