Benefits Counseling Program

 

The Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) has a Benefits Counseling program that can help individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) make a successful transition to work and greater financial independence.  

Our Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor (CPWIC)/Benefits Counselor will provide a one-on-one benefits counseling service to help understand how working may affect SSI, SSDI, Medicare, Medicaid, and other state benefits.
Schedule your appointment today by going to our Bookings website, by emailing MOPDBC@cityofchicago.org, or by speaking directly with our CPWIC, Jocelyn Romasanta (phone: 312-746-5743, email: Jocelyn.Romasanta@cityofchicago.org) 

MOPD Benefits Counseling Program - Frequently Asked Questions

SSI (Supplemental Security Income) provides cash benefits for people who are disabled, with little or no work history, and who have low income and resources.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance)provides cash benefits for people who are disabled who have a work history and who paid into the Social Security (FICA) tax system.

CPWIC or Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor is a person who has taken specific training to become a certified counselor who can help you understand how working may affect your federal, state and local benefits.

These are rules set by the federal government that make it possible for people with disabilities who receive SSI or SSDI to work and still receive monthly cash benefits as well as Medicare or Medicaid.

There are certain work incentives where you may be able to keep your SSDI and Medicare when you work. A MOPD Benefits Counselor can provide more information specific to your situation.

Not necessarily. There are work incentives available to you where you can still keep some of your SSI and Medicaid. Contact a MOPD Benefits counselor to learn more.

No, you will not have to reapply. You will just have to contact Social Security and a MOPD Benefits Counselor can walk you through the process.

Yes, you have to tell Social Security you are working and report wages every month. A MOPD Benefit Counselor can walk you through the process of reporting your wages.

A MOPD Benefits Counselor can work with you to answer questions regarding your benefits while working in more detail.

For our first meeting we will need you know which benefits you are receiving (SSI, SSDI or both benefits).

Each appointment may vary depending on your questions, concerns and situation. It may take from 15 minutes to 30 minutes.

At your meetings you will better understand how work may affect your benefits, and gain the confidence to work towards your financial independence.

You can book an appointment by clicking: MOPD Benefits Counseling
- Emailing: MOPDBC@cityofchicago.org
- By calling an MOPD CPWIC directly at: Jocelyn Romasanta: 312-746-5743

Visit MOPD's website.
Call our main numbers:
312.744.5070 - City Hall, 121 N. LaSalle St. Room 104:
312.746.5773 Central West Community Center-Field Office- 2102 W. Ogden Ave

A PDF version of the frequently asked questions can be found here: MOPD Benefits Counseling Program Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)