Vocational Rehabilitation and Work Incentives in Hawai`i

HAWAI`I DIVISION OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION Career Counseling Presentation WIOA Section 511 Subminimum Wage Project

2 Why are we here? A new law requires us to come out and give information to everyone in Hawai`i who is working for less than minimum wage. We want to discuss what choices you have about work at minimum wage or above. We will give you information about how to get help finding a job at minimum wage or above if you want to. Minimum wage in Hawai`i right now is $9.25 per hour.

3 COMMON CHALLENGES To seeking competitive employment

4 Can I work if I am receiving SSI and/or SSDI? The short answer is, YES you can work! You are working now The key is planning. By meeting with a Certified Benefits Planner, you can make sure all of your concerns are addressed. You can then make an informed decision about whether to seek competitive employment. Ticket to Work is a free and voluntary program that can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, and become financially independent, all while they keep their Medicare or Medicaid. Individuals who receive Social Security benefits because of a disability program and are age 18 through 64 probably already qualify for the program.

5 SSI and SSDI Work Incentives What is a Work Incentive? Special rules make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid. Social Security calls these rules "work incentives." SSI & SSDI Work Incentives Impairment Related Work Expenses Subsidies and Special Conditions Unincurred Business Expenses Unsuccessful Work Attempts Continued Payments Under a Vocational Rehabilitation Program Expedited Reinstatement

6 SSI Work Incentives Blind Work Expenses Earned Income Exclusion Student Earned Income Exclusion Plan to Achieving Self-Support Property Essential to Self-Support Special SSI Payments for People Who Work Continued Medicaid Eligibility Special Benefits for People Eligible Under Section 1619 (a) or (b) Who Enter a Medical Treatment Facility Reinstating Eligibility Without a New Application

7 SSDI Work Incentives Trial Work Period Extended Period of Eligibility Continuation of Medicare Coverage Medicare for People with Disabilities Who Work Protection From Medical Continuing Disability Reviews

8 High Expectations Have you had someone in your life expect a lot from you? Have you ever done something you didn t think you could do at the start and then you did it?! How did that make you feel? High expectations or goals can result in people accomplishing more.

9 What is Self-Advocacy and Self- Determination? Making decisions about your own life Speaking up for yourself Choosing what job you want to do and where you want to do it It involves making choices, asking for help when needed and setting goals for your life. Image result for self determination

10 UNDERSTANDING YOU It is important

11 I Am Someone Who .. Enjoys_________ Hopes to_______ Collects_______ Believes in________ Likes to _______ Knows how to_______ Thinks that _____is the most important thing in life!

12 What Are My Strengths? What is one of your strengths? What do you do well? What kind of job or jobs can you do with those strengths?

13 How do I Decide what Jobs are Right for me? Look for jobs that match your interests and strengths RESEARCH information about your jobs of interest. TALK to someone who does that job. VISIT the workplace of that job. VOLUNTEER to get some experience related to that job. 13

14 FINDING AND KEEPING THE RIGHT JOB For You

15 Career Exploration Activity My dream job would be: A job that can help get me to that job is: My strengths are:

16 Labor Market Information: Helping you Understand Different Jobs Another way you can make informed choices about where you want to work is to look at Labor Market Information or LMI. Below is a source of LMI. The Career Index Plus ` Image result for labor market information

17 The Importance of Soft Skills What are soft skills? Getting along with others on the job (teamwork) Accepting feedback from your supervisor Showing up for work every day and on time Having good hygiene Dealing with stress

18 Types of Job Accommodations Modifying a work schedule Providing a reader, interpreter or job coach Using large print for written materials Examples of assistive technology:

19 Your Support Network People, such as .. Family/neighbors Guardian Friends Teachers/guidance counselor VR Counselor People in your community, clubs, church, etc. They can help you find and keep a job

20 WHAT NOW?

21 Where do you go from here? If you like where you are, you don t have to do anything more However; If you want help finding a job at minimum wage or above, you can apply for DVR services. DVR can write a plan with you to help ensure that you have what you need to be successful on the job. DVR can help you with training and job search basics and provide you with support on the job. Your packet includes information on other agencies that can help you find employment at minimum wage or above in the community as well.

22 Image result for star image CONGRATULATIONS You have completed the Career Counseling session!

23 Mahalo nui loa! Mahalo for participating in today s session. This content, and the content found in the Information and Referral packets has been developed, in part, with materials provided by the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, Maine Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and California Department of Rehabilitation. DVR would like to thank these agencies for their effort and willingness to share their work. We would also like to thank the WINTAC for their invaluable assistance in developing these materials.