Work Incentives Planning & Assistance Services

Frequently Asked Questions

Who does M-PIC serve?
Individuals with disabilities ages 14 through retirement who are receiving SSI or SSDI and want to work or earn more at the jobs they already have are eligible for services.

How does the program work?
Trained Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWIC)are available throughout the state to meet with beneficiaries and learn as much as they can about the beneficiary’s situation. They ask questions about disability, work history, and day-to-day life. CWICs also discuss the beneficiary’s goals and desires, fears and concerns. Services are free and available on an ongoing basis.

What does it cost?
The services are FREE. The program is funded by the Social Security Administration to help individuals with disabilities understand their work options and the employment supports that are available to them so that they can make informed choices regarding employment.

Where will a CWIC meet with people?
M-PIC CWICs can meet with qualifying individuals in their communities at local WIN Job Centers, MDRS offices, schools or other places convenient for both beneficiaries and the CWIC.

Will the CWIC tell me if I should work?
No. You will decide whether or not to work.

Will M-PIC help people who have disabilities find a job?
No. That is the job of vocational agencies and Employment Networks. Our purpose is to educate and assist individuals with disabilities with work incentives planning.

What if I start working and cannot continue?
If you enter the work force and it becomes difficult for you to continue working due to your medical condition, you can return to your previous status and continue benefits. This is a new work incentive called Expedited Reinstatement of Benefits.

What if I decide that I am not interested in working?
The decision to work is a personal one that each person must make. There is no penalty for deciding not to use work incentives.

What will M-PIC do with the information obtained from individuals who are provided services?
Social Security is requesting some basic information. M-PIC will release this information with written permission of the people we counsel.

Can a CWIC help me file an appeal or complaint with the Social Security Administration?
No. CWICs are prohibited from assisting you in filing an appeal, or assisting you with complaints against the Social Security Administration. Their main job is to show the effect that work would have on your benefits based upon the information you provide to them.

These links go to pages outside of our site. Use the “back” button at the upper left of your screen to return to M-PIC and the Frequently Asked Questions site.

• When will my benefits stop?
• What about people who are blind?
• Can people who work receive SSI?
• What if I’m in school?
• How can I use my Ticket?
• How can I contact Social Security?
• Can I keep my Medicare coverage if I return to work?
• Can I keep my Medicaid coverage if I return to work?

For advocacy assistance with return to work issues, including accessing needed service supports and accommodations, contact:

Mississippi Protection and Advocacy System, Inc.
5305 Executive Place, Suite A
Jackson, MS 39206
1-800-772-4057
Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Program