Benefits Planning Information


Working in the community can allow you to earn your own money. Working can help you increase your independence and empower you to create more opportunities for the way you live your life. Considering employment can also be a big change - and it may bring lots of questions about what that means for you. You may be afraid that you will lose your benefits if you work. You may be concerned about how to get your benefits back if you stop working or need to work fewer hours because of your disability. You may be afraid that you will lose your health benefits if you go to work. We also know that working opens doors and offers you more choices. Arm yourself with information so that you can make decisions based on facts, not fear. Here are some contact options for you:

Work Incentives Planning and Assistance

Your County Board/SSA. Click here
Ohio Consumer Medicaid Hotline 1-800-324-8680
1-800-Medicare
Social Security 1-800-772-1213
Your RSC/BVR/BSVI Counselor


 Disability Benefits 101 (DB 101)

The Disability Benefits 101 (DB 101) link is now live and can be accessed for Ohio! DB 101is an integrated suite of online tools, information, and training where people with disabilities can directly access plain-language information about work and benefits and health coverage programs. Three calculators have been developed: Work and Benefits, School To Work; Medicaid Buy-In. DB 101 is a resource for families, job seekers and professionals that can be used to help analyze the impact of employment on an individual's benefits. While DB 101 does not replace a comprehensive benefits analysis, it can help to provide a general understanding about employment and benefits.

Disability Benefits 101 Introduction

Disability Benefits 101 Ohio Website


 If you have been out of work or financially impacted by the COVID–19 pandemic, you are not alone.

The pandemic has disrupted the personal finances of many Americans. As a result, large numbers of people — including those with disabilities — are making employment–related decisions based on their new financial situation. You may be one of them.

We all need clear and accurate information to secure our financial well-being. This toolkit provides a path forward, based on where you are in your employment journey. Just click on any of the topic areas below — Preparing for a Job, Starting a Job, Maintaining a Job, Changing or Losing a Job, and Retiring from a Job — for answers to important questions, including tools and resources to help you meet your financial goals.

For more information, please visit the Secure your Financial Future - Toolkit for Individuals with Disabilities.


 

Social Security Disability Benefits Guide 

TheSimpleDollar.com published a guide and tool to help people understand social security disability benefits. This guide will not only answer common questions, such as how to qualify, but also features a calculator that can help estimate monthly and annual benefits. TheSimpleDollar.com was created to help people make better and informed decisions about working and benefits. 

View TheSimpleDollar.com Social Security Disability Benefits Guide

View The SimpleDollar.com Social Security Disability Benefit Calculator


 2014 Work Benefits You Workbook

Learn more about how work can benefit you and how working can interact with your benefits. Fairfield County Board of Developmental Disabilities created a workbook to help individuals learn more about their benefits and working.      

View the workbook


Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities

The Medicaid Buy-In for Workers with Disabilities (MBIWD) program allows individuals with disabilities who are working to qualify for Medicaid with higher income and resource limits, and buy into Medicaid by paying a premium based on income. The program went into effect April 1, 2008.

To view the Medicaid Buy-In Game Board please click here.


ABLE Accounts

ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for individuals with disabilities and their families. The money in these accounts can be saved and used by the individual for many purposes while maintaining the individual’s benefits (such as Medicaid). These accounts are possible as a result of the passage of the Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 or better known as the ABLE Act. Learn more about ABLE accounts at the ABLE National Resource Center website. In Ohio, these accounts are called STABLE accounts. Please visit their website for more information.