Living with a Disability – How to Find Available Benefits and Services

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Disability Employment Guide Home Page for more information.​

When you start working toward reaching your career, training, and employment goals, whether you are a transitioning youth or just re-entering the workforce, it is important to learn about the benefits and services available and where to go to get them.

The idea of getting training or landing a new job is exciting; however, if you are receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) you might be worried how additional income could affect your benefits. To get a good understanding of how your benefits might change you can check out a benefits estimator. One of the best services available to you is the
Illinois Disability Benefits Estimator which you can use to learn about retaining or supplementing your benefits after an increase in income. The estimator will tell you if you might lose or keep your benefits, who qualifies, what you need, how long the process takes, and what benefits you could see. If you are a youth in transition the
Age 18 Redetermination article can help provide some specific information about the steps and process of redetermination.

Also, you should make sure that you are receiving all of the benefits and services that you are eligible for. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has provided all the information you will need for the
Health Benefits for Workers with Disabilities (HBWD) program. This program is a national movement to help people with disabilities return to work and has been providing benefits since January 2002.  

To ensure you know about all available resource locations near you, use the
Illinois workNet Service Finder. This tool provides a listing of all our partner agencies, programs, and organizations that offer various services to those with disabilities. Whether you are looking for help with your benefits or you want help with your resume, these locations are available to help you.

Additional resources are available to help you find information on services and opportunities in Illinois, specifically:

• The
  Social Security Administration has many online and in-person resources where you can learn about programs and other helpful information that can help you navigate entering the workforce with ease.
• The
  Illinois Assistive Technology Program is a great resource that can help you acquire assistive technology devices and services. Find the eligibility requirements, options, and costs by visiting their website or office.
• 
  Work Incentives are available that can help you promote your independence through economic and healthcare security.
• Additional resources to help you find information, assistance, and documents are available on the
  disabilityworks Resources Search.

If you need additional information on Social Security we encourage you to use the
Red Book for an overview of disability programs, working, employment support, resources, and health care. 

Click here to develop a financial management plan.