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.

There are several ways to apply for disability benefits in Nebraska:

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
   • Apply online at SSA.gov
   • Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
   • Visit one of Nebraska's six Social Security field offices
2. Nebraska State Disability Program (SDP):
   • Contact Nebraska's Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program
   • Apply through your local Department of Health and Human Services office

When applying, you'll need to provide documentation of your disability, work history, and financial information. Processing times can vary from a few months to over a year, so it's best to apply as soon as possible.

Nebraska has one of the highest disability approval rates in the nation, but the process can still be complex. Consider working with an advocate or attorney if your initial application is denied.

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. These services help bridge the gap between school and adult life.

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 with classroom instruction, career exploration, and hands-on training.
• Certificate Programs - Specialized training partnerships between Nebraska VR offices, businesses, community colleges, and local schools offering hands-on training in fields like Electrician Helper, CNA, and Welding.
• Work-Based Learning Experiences - Opportunities for students to gain real-world work experience through internships, job shadowing, and part-time employment.
• Pre-Employment Transition Services - Services that help students explore careers, develop workplace skills, and prepare for post-secondary education.

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

There are several Nebraska resources to help teens with autism prepare for employment:

• Autism Center of Nebraska (ACN) - Offers transition planning for adolescents with autism and other developmental disabilities, preparing them for the move from school to adult life.
• Nebraska VR - Provides specialized employment services for individuals with autism, including career exploration, job placement, and on-the-job support.
• Autism Action Partnership (AAP) - Partners with autism service providers to develop social skills therapies in schools and prepare students for employment.
• PEERS® Program - A social skills program operated within Nebraska schools that helps students with autism develop appropriate communication and social behaviors.

Early preparation is key! These programs can help your teen build the workplace social skills, communication abilities, and vocational skills needed for successful employment.

Nebraska Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is a state employment program specifically designed to help people with disabilities prepare for, obtain, and maintain employment. VR services are individualized to meet your specific needs.

Services provided by Nebraska VR may 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, which means they also work with employers to help them recruit, train, and retain employees with disabilities.

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

1. You have a documented disability - This could be physical, mental, emotional, or a learning disability. Medical documentation may be required.
2. Your disability creates barriers to employment - Your disability has created challenges in finding or keeping a job, or would cause difficulties in future employment.
3. You can benefit from VR services - VR services would help you obtain or maintain employment.
4. You require VR services - You need specialized services to achieve successful employment outcomes.

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because of a disability, you are automatically eligible for VR services if you intend to find employment.

Eligibility is determined without regard to your age, gender, race, or nationality. You must be present in Nebraska and have the legal right to work in the United States.

Nebraska offers several job training programs for individuals with disabilities:

• On-the-Job Training (OJT) - Allows you to learn skills directly in a work environment while earning a wage. Employers may receive reimbursement for training costs.
• Certificate Programs - Short-term, specialized training in high-demand fields like healthcare, welding, and electrical work.
• Pre-vocational Skills Training - Helps develop fundamental workplace skills like punctuality, communication, and problem-solving.
• Supported Employment - Provides ongoing support for individuals who need additional assistance to maintain employment.
• Community College and Vocational School Programs - Financial assistance may be available for eligible individuals to attend career training programs.

Your Nebraska VR counselor can help you determine which training program best fits your interests, abilities, and career goals.

Nebraska offers specialized employment services for individuals with autism:

• Autism Center of Nebraska (ACN) - Provides supported employment, vocational training, and day services tailored to meet individuals with autism exactly where they are on their career path.
• Nebraska VR Autism Services - Offers specialized vocational counseling and job placement assistance for individuals with autism.
• Intermittent Employment Support - Provides additional assistance for high-functioning individuals with autism who need specific job skills training and guidance.
• Pre-vocational Skills Training - Helps individuals learn fundamental workplace concepts in a supportive environment.

These services typically include intensive interview processes to identify your specific interests and needs, followed by job matching, training, and ongoing support to ensure workplace success.

Many programs use skilled employment counselors who understand autism-specific needs and can help navigate the social aspects of the workplace.

Yes, the Nebraska Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired (NCBVI) provides specialized vocational rehabilitation services for Nebraskans who are blind or have low vision. These services include:

• Vocational Counseling - Career guidance and employment planning with counselors who specialize in blindness and visual impairments.
• Assistive Technology - Assessment, training, and provision of adaptive technology for education and employment.
• Skills Training - Instruction in Braille, cane travel, home management, and independent living skills.
• Educational Support - Financial assistance for college, vocational school, and other job training programs.
• Job Placement - Assistance with finding and maintaining employment, including workplace accommodations.

NCBVI also offers specialized programs for youth with visual impairments, including pre-employment transition services and work-based learning experiences.

For more information, contact NCBVI directly at their website or call their main office.

Nebraska offers comprehensive employment resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities:

• Nebraska Division of Developmental Disabilities - Administers service coordination and funding for employment supports through the Medicaid HCBS waiver program.
• Nebraska VR - Provides vocational rehabilitation services including job coaching, supported employment, and job placement assistance.
• Community-Based Service Providers - Organizations like the Autism Center of Nebraska offer day services, vocational training, and supported employment.
• Project SEARCH - A business-led, school-to-work transition program that takes place entirely in the workplace and provides real-world skills training.

These services focus on matching your abilities and interests with appropriate employment opportunities, providing necessary training and support, and helping you achieve maximum independence.

Employment services may be coordinated between multiple agencies to ensure comprehensive support that meets your individual needs.

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.

There are several ways to apply for disability benefits in Nebraska:

1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
   • Apply online at SSA.gov
   • Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
   • Visit one of Nebraska's six Social Security field offices
2. Nebraska State Disability Program (SDP):
   • Contact Nebraska's Aid to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (AABD) program
   • Apply through your local Department of Health and Human Services office

When applying, you'll need to provide documentation of your disability, work history, and financial information. Processing times can vary from a few months to over a year, so it's best to apply as soon as possible.

Nebraska has one of the highest disability approval rates in the nation, but the process can still be complex. Consider working with an advocate or attorney if your initial application is denied.