Frequently Asked Questions

Working while receiving disability benefits can be complex, but there are programs to help you transition to employment without immediately losing your benefits:

• Social Security Work Incentives - Programs like Trial Work Period (TWP), Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), and Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) allow you to test your ability to work while keeping some or all of your benefits.
• Ticket to Work Program - A free and voluntary program that helps Social Security disability beneficiaries return to work while keeping their benefits during transition periods.
• Benefits Planning - Nebraska has benefits counselors who can explain how working will affect your specific situation and help you make informed decisions.
• Medicaid While Working - Nebraska offers programs that allow you to keep Medicaid coverage even when your income increases through employment.

The impact of working on your benefits depends on many factors, including the type of benefits you receive, how much you earn, and your specific situation.

It's always recommended to speak with a benefits counselor through Nebraska VR, Easterseals Nebraska Ticket to Work, or the Social Security Administration before making employment decisions.

Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the Nebraska Fair Employment Practice Act (NFEPA), qualified employees with disabilities are entitled to reasonable accommodations that allow them to perform the essential functions of their job.

Examples of reasonable accommodations may include:

• Modifying work schedules or allowing flexible hours
• Providing assistive technology or adaptive equipment
• Making facilities physically accessible
• Adjusting or modifying workplace policies
• Providing interpreters or readers
• Restructuring job duties (without eliminating essential functions)

Employers are not required to provide accommodations that would cause "undue hardship" or fundamentally alter the nature of the job.

Nebraska VR, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN), and the Assistive Technology Partnership can help identify and implement appropriate accommodations.

In Nebraska, transition planning for students with disabilities can begin at age 14. This aligns with federal requirements that help students prepare for life after high school.

By age 16, a student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) must include transition services focused on post-school goals related to education, employment, and independent living.

For more information, contact your school's special education department or Nebraska VR's transition services team.

Nebraska offers several pre-employment programs for students with disabilities:

• Project SEARCH - A school-to-work program that takes place entirely in a workplace setting.
• Certificate Programs - Specialized training partnerships in fields like Electrician Helper, CNA, and Welding.
• Work-Based Learning Experiences - Opportunities for internships, job shadowing, and part-time employment.
• Pre-Employment Transition Services - Services that help students explore careers and develop workplace skills.

These programs aim to provide students with the skills, experience, and confidence needed for successful employment after graduation.

Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a state employment program specifically designed to help people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment.

Services include:

• Career counseling and guidance
• Job search assistance and placement
• On-the-job training and support
• Education and skills training
• Assistive technology and workplace accommodations
• Self-employment assistance

Nebraska VR uses a "dual client" approach, working with both job seekers and employers.

To qualify for Nebraska VR services, you must meet four main eligibility criteria:

1. You have a documented disability
2. Your disability creates barriers to employment
3. You can benefit from VR services
4. You require VR services

If you receive SSDI or SSI because of a disability, you are automatically eligible for VR services if you intend to find employment.

Nebraska offers several job training programs for individuals with disabilities:

• On-the-Job Training (OJT) - Learn skills in a work environment while earning a wage.
• Certificate Programs - Short-term training in high-demand fields.
• Pre-vocational Skills Training - Develop fundamental workplace skills.
• Supported Employment - Ongoing support for maintaining employment.
• Community College and Vocational School Programs - Financial assistance may be available.

Nebraska offers specialized employment services for individuals with autism:

• Autism Center of Nebraska (ACN) - Provides supported employment, vocational training, and day services.
• Nebraska VR Autism Services - Specialized vocational counseling and job placement.
• Intermittent Employment Support - Additional assistance for job skills training.
• Pre-vocational Skills Training - Fundamental workplace concepts in a supportive environment.

Yes, the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI) provides specialized services including:

• Vocational Counseling - Career guidance with counselors who specialize in blindness.
• Assistive Technology - Assessment, training, and adaptive technology provision.
• Skills Training - Braille, cane travel, and independent living skills.
• Job Placement - Finding and maintaining employment with accommodations.

Working while receiving disability benefits can be complex, but there are programs to help:

• Social Security Work Incentives - Test your ability to work while keeping benefits.
• Ticket to Work Program - Return to work while keeping benefits during transition.
• Benefits Planning - Counselors to explain how working affects your situation.
• Medicaid While Working - Keep Medicaid coverage even with increased income.

There are several ways to apply:

1. SSDI and SSI - Apply online at SSA.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a Nebraska field office.
2. Nebraska State Disability Program (SDP) - Contact AABD or apply through your local DHHS office.

Nebraska offers several resources:

• Assistive Technology Partnership (ATP) - Connects Nebraskans with assistive technology.
• Nebraska VR - Assessment and funding of assistive technology for employment.
• Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired - Specialized technology training.
• Protection & Advocacy for Assistive Technology (PAAT) - Helps when technology is denied.