Hosted/Facilitated by : Miranda Kennedy, NDI Technical Assistance Team

1. Ticket to Work Boot Camp: Advanced Operations Ticket Holder Assessment & Individual Work Plan (IWP) Assignment Hosted/Facilitated by: Miranda Kennedy, NDI Technical Assistance Team Presented by: Kevin Nickerson, NDI Technical Assistance Team Dennis Born, Technical Assistance and Support Center (TASC)

2. Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) DEI Projects at the state level and/or local level participating LWIBs are required to become Employment Networks under Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program. Training and Technical Assistance to DEI Projects in attaining Employment Network status and implementing effective EN operations is provided under U.S. DOLETA contract with NDI Consulting, Inc. and the National Disability Institute (NDI). Evaluation of the impact of the DEI Projects implementation and outcomes as Employment Network will be provided under U.S. DOL ODEP contract with Social Dynamics. 2

3. Upon completion of this webinar, DEI Project staff will: Understand Ticket Holder assessment strategies Have a better understanding of all the elements involved in assessing Ticket holders, including the following: Educating staff on how to identify Ticket holders Knowing whether we are able to provide services to meet the Ticket holder’s needs Assessing whether our EN will realize revenue from the Ticket assignment Know how to assign a Ticket to your Employment Network, an overview of the new IWP Have registration details for next Ticket to Work Boot Camp Webinar Learning Objectives 3

4. Agenda • Ticket holder Assessment Strategies • Assessment Strategies • Broad vs. Refined approach • Review of SSDI & SSI disability benefits • Assessment Desktop Guide review • Assessment Case Studies • Ticket Assignment • Review of the New Individual Work Plan (IWP) • Customized IWP • How the Look-Back Policy works • TtW Boot Camp Series Webinar Registration Logistics • EN Billing Options & Workforce e-Processes 4 4

5. Partnership Plus Ticket Assessment Strategies 5

6. To Assess or not to Assess…the Ticket that is… The Two Schools of Thought… Assign all Ticket Holders who are interested in working with you and hope some will yield a payment for the EN Assign only those Ticket Holders who you feel can benefit from your EN services, and who you think will yield a payment under the TtW Program 6

7. Assessment: Throwing the big net, assigning all Ticket holders In this process, an EN simply assigns as many Ticket holders as possible, or that have interest in working with the EN 7

8. Assessment: Refining the number of Ticket holders served, Individual Assessment In this process of assessment, each Ticket holder is reviewed based on the following: Services Needed : Do they fit our EN Business Model? Employment Goals : Are projected earnings consistent with required Milestones and Outcomes? Benefits Evaluation : Is the Ticket holder ready to move forward with gainful employment? (i.e. SGA level employment) Skills / Education / Experience : Is this consistent with Ticket holder employment goals, and with the current workforce need? Projected Revenue : Will we produce revenue if we serve this Ticket holder as an EN? Other : Health status at intake and restrictions, apparent motivation to return to work? 8

9. Assessment: A refined approach Today we will focus on the more refined approach to serving Ticket holders through the TtW program This approach requires fewer staff hours overall, as you will serve fewer Ticket holders, however, you will yield higher results to your EN not only in the form of revenue, but in the percentage of successfully placed SSA beneficiaries who are gainfully employed This approach will also help you maintain higher performance standards as measured in the new “EN Report Card”, an indicator of EN performance, used to assist beneficiaries in choosing an EN Before breaking down the Assessment process, we need to review… 9

10. Assessment: A review of SSA Disability Benefits Basics Ticket holders receive SSA disability benefits in the form of: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) The type of benefit a Ticket holder receives will determine the following for your EN: The amount of EN payments you are eligible for The length of time you will potentially serve your Ticket holder NOTE: See 2012 Payments at a Glance, to review payment potential, here: https://yourtickettowork.com/web/ttw/en-forms 10

11. SSDI Benefits in brief Aligns with Phase 1 Payments Aligns with Phase 2 and Outcome payments • Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) • 36 month period (continuous, use it or lose it) • Earnings under SGA = maintain cash benefits • Earnings over SGA = potential loss of cash benefits (Work Incentives should be considered) • Insurance is maintained regardless of cash benefits status • SGA = $1,010/month (non-blind), or $1,690/month (blind) for 2012 • Trial Work Period (TWP) • 9 Months available • (not consecutive) • Allows an opportunity to earn any amount of income without losing cash benefits or insurance • TWP months count when earnings exceed $720/month for 2012 11

12. SSI Benefits in brief SSI payments are based on the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR), which is based on family composition SSI payments are gradually reduced as earnings increase Work Incentives reduce the amount of wages SSA looks at in determining SSI payments when individuals return to work, making it financially beneficial SGA level earnings (the $1010 earnings ceiling) does not apply to SSI Section 1619(B) - Individuals can maintain a connection to SSI, and Medicaid, even if in a “non-pay status”, if their total earnings remain below the State’s Threshold amount. See link to SSA threshold list: http://www.ssa.gov/disabilityresearch/wi/1619b.htm) Next, we’ll review a basic SSI calculation showing SSI Work Incentives 12

13. SSI Budget Example – Earned Income Only NOTE: FBR = $698.00 (this is a single person living alone rate for 2012, using the federal benefit rate of $698 ONLY, State Supplements may apply) STEP 1: (calculate countable earnings) Earned income = $1200 Apply G.I.E. - $20 $1180 Apply E.I.E. - $65 $1115 Apply 2 for 1 rule / 2 Total countable income = $557.50 STEP 2: (adjust SSI based on FBR) FBR = $698 Subtract T.C.I. $557.50 $140.50 (New SSI) STEP 3: (Show total Monthly Income with new work income) Adjusted SSI = $116.50 Plus earnings = $1200 $1,316.50 Note: G.I.E. = General Income Exclusion E.I.E. = Earned Income Exclusion FBR = Federal Benefit Rate 13

14. Reminder If you have a comment or question please submit it to the host in writing via the Chat or Q&A Box to the right to be addressed.

15. Assessment: What all One-Stop staff should know When customers register for services at One-Stop Career Centers, all staff should be able to identify, at a minimum, who is Ticket eligible, as follows: Customer is between the ages of 18 and not yet 65 Customer is a current receipt of either SSI, or SSDI federal cash benefits Further assessment will be required to determine if the Ticket is available for assignment, and whether assigning this Ticket holder will be beneficial for both the Ticket holder and EN 15

16. Assessment overview Does customer receive SSI, or SSDI benefits, and are they in current pay status? Is the customer between the ages of 18-65? Can you provide the necessary services the Ticket holder needs? Is the Ticket holder interested in earning at least Trial Work Level (TWL)earnings (To achieve Phase 1 payments)? Or Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level earnings (To achieve Phase 2, and possible Outcome payments)? Has the Ticket Holder received SSA Disability benefits advisement? Is the customer’s Ticket available? Or is it In-Use with State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR)? Has VR Successfully placed the Ticket holder? Has the Ticket holder worked in the past 18 months above the TWL? Is the Ticket holder work ready? 16

17. Ticket Holder Assessment Guide 17

18. Case Study #1 Ticket Holder Information: 40 something At time of intake, receiving: SSI, Food Stamps, Section 8 housing choice voucher assistance High School Diploma Mild Cerebral Palsy, Seizure Disorder, physical restrictions Former work in nursing homes Wants to work as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Interested in assigning Ticket for assistance Has not worked in the last 2 years 18

19. Case Study 1:Additional Information you should consider Benefits advisement regarding SSI, FS, and Section 8 Voucher? Determined that SSI reduction, based on projected work is acceptable to Ticket holder Food Stampreduction is also acceptable Section 8 – Will employ Earned Income Disallowance for 2 years Specific work restrictions? Has lifting restriction of no more than 50 lbs. CNA certification status? Certification is up-to-date Work availability in area of interest? Work is available in area of interest Whether interested in F/T or P/T work? Interested in Full-time work, projected wage of $10/hour How motivated is this person to return to work? Ticket holder presents as very interested in returning to work Is Ticket available for assignment? Yes, no history with State VR 19

20. Would you assign this Ticket?Discussion Opportunity 20

21. Case Study #1 - Results Based on a similar case, these were the results achieved by one Ticket holder: Ticket was assigned Achieved Milestones 1-3 Achieved 29 Outcome payments Current status: case closed due to decline in medical condition Greatest accomplishment: Ticket Holder reported achieving a sense of self-worth again Will return to us if medical condition allows 21

22. Case Study #2 Ticket holder information: 50 something At time of intake, receiving: SSDI, Medicare Associates in Applied ScienceDegree, Electrical Technician Physical restrictions Former assembly and machinist work Interested in entry level job in electronics repair and diagnostics 22

23. Case Study 2:Additional Information you should consider Benefits Advisement regarding SSDI benefits? Benefits equated to approximately $1,400/month, no dependents, willing to lose benefits for right employment, in this case, advised to make approximately $2,400 / month or more to replace benefits Additional insurance needs? Prescription drugs needed, in this case, Ticket holder will be eligible for Medicaid Buy-In program if working Specific work restrictions? Unable to perform same task repetitively without breaks Work availability in area of interest? Work is available in area of interest, although limited in geographic region Whether interested in F/T or P/T work? Ticket holder wants full-time work How motivated is this person to return to work? Very interested in returning to gainful employment 23

24. Would you assign this Ticket?Discussion Opportunity 24

25. Case Study #2 - Results Based on a similar case, these were the results achieved by one Ticket holder: Ticket was assigned Achieved Milestones 1-4 Achieved all possible Outcome payments (60), our 2nd 60th Outcome result Ticket Holder achieved financial self-sufficiency Continues to work 25

26. O*Net Online: http://www.onetonline.org/ Compare current skills with required skills of various occupations Other DOL sponsored Online resources such as Job Zone (NYS): https://www.nycareerzone.org/jobseeker/login.do?url=%2Fjobseeker%2Fportfolio%2Findex.jsp Assessment Resources 26

27. Review of New Individual Work Plan (IWP):Maximus Version 27

28. Assigning a Ticket Ticket Assignment • What is the Individual Work Plan (IWP)? • Contract between beneficiary and Employment Network (EN) • Details goals of the beneficiary • Details services provided to meet those goals 28

29. eTicket Assignment “Can we use the Workforce Individual Employment Plans?”

30. Redesigned IWP • November 2011 • Based on new Request for Quotation (RFQ) and codicil • Social Security seeks to foster the relationship between the EN and the beneficiary • Changes • Statement of Understanding • Alternate contact information • Clearer guidelines for EN services • Easier to read

31. Completing the Individual Work Plan (IWP) Maximus has a NEW IWP template, with the most recent requirements, that you can use, or you can create your own IWP if you prefer The IWP includes Ticket Holder demographics, statements required by Maximus, and the type of work and services you will be assisting the Ticket Holder with The Maximus IWP template can be found here: http://www.yourtickettowork.com/selftraining/NEW%20IWP.doc 31

32. Statement of Understanding

33. Contact Information Provide the necessary information for your organization and the beneficiary XYZ Employment Network 12-3456789 (555) 555-5676 Jill.Assigner@XYZ_EN.net 789 Union St. Springfield, KY 40069 John Ticketholder 111-11-1111 John.Ticketholder@isp.net (555) 555-1234 123 Main St. Springfield, KY 40069

34. Alternate Contacts Beneficiary can provide up to 3 alternate contacts Jane Ticketholder (555) 555-4321 Jane.Ticketholder@isp.net 321 South St. Springfield, KY 40069 Bob Goodneighbor (555) 555-6789 Bob.Goodneighbor@isp.net 125 Main St. Springfield, KY 40069

35. My Vocational Goal and Expected Monthly Earnings Desired short term change in employment To become a cashier at a local retailer. Desired short term earnings should be above TWL $800/month. Desired long term employment goal To become a supervisor at a local retailer. Desired long term earnings should be above SGA $2000/month.

36. The Supports and Services the EN Agreed to Provide to Help Me Reach My Vocational Goal • Six categories • Matching of supports and services • Payment Request Form • Certification of Services

37. The Supports and Services the EN Agreed to Provide to Help Me Reach My Vocational Goal Required Assess work history and education as part of the development of the Services to assess beneficiary’s skills and background Individual Work Plan. Services that help employ beneficiary  Assist in development of resume Provide training regarding interview skills Provide job leads

38. The Supports and Services the EN Agreed to Provide to Help Me Reach My Vocational Goal  Provide customer service training to reinforce social skills. Services to help beneficiary excel with certain skills  Provide vouchers for public transportation Services/Supports to adjust work environment as needed

39. The Supports and Services the EN Agreed to Provide to Help Me Reach My Vocational Goal Required Quarterly contact to determine whether additional supports are necessary Provide assistance with monthly budgeting Services/Supports to help beneficiary maintain employment  Assist with course choices at the adult learning annex to help obtain management skills Any other services/supports to help beneficiary achieve self-sufficiency

40. My Recent Work History   Indicate whether there were earnings and when they may have taken place

41. My Recent Work History The Burger Place 9/2011 10/2011 $10.50 25 Month/Year is acceptable Ending wage Average weekly hours

42. Conditions related to the Success of My IWP There are no additional conditions. Indicate whether there are any additional conditions

43. Rights & Remedies XYZ Employment Network Provide EN name EN must provide ongoing support (555) 555-4234 Provide phone number of State P&A

44. Signatures and Dates Allows EN to contact employer to obtain earnings information John Ticketholder 11/5/2011 Jill Assigner 11/5/2011 Indicates Ticket Assignment date

45. Record of Career Counseling Provided During IWP Development 10/26/2011 1 Hour 11/5/2011 1 Hour Jill Assigner EN must certify that at least one hour was devoted to IWP

46. Customized IWP ENs have the option to customize the IWP to meet their own needs Must contain all required components You may add information beyond the required components, for example: Additional services Additional tracking information (i.e. job classification, distance willing to travel to job) A customized IWP has been developed, as an alternative to the standard Maximus IWP, for Workforce ENs 46

47. Review of Customized Workforce IWP

48. Additional Resources To order “Red Books”, which explain the basics of SSA disability benefits: To get multiple copies of SSA publications, write to: Social Security Administration Office of Supply and Warehouse Management Attn: Requisition and Quality Control Team 239 Supply Building 6301 Security Boulevard Baltimore, MD 21235 You can also get the publications via: Phone at (410) 965-2039, Fax at (410) 965-2037 or Email at: OPLM.OSWM.RQCT.Orders@ssa.gov

49. Summary In today’s presentation we covered the following: • Ticket holder Assessment Strategies • Assessment Strategies • Broad vs. Refined approach • Review of SSDI & SSI disability benefits • Assessment Desktop Guide review • Assessment Case Studies • Ticket Assignment • Review of the New Individual Work Plan (IWP) • Customized IWP • How the Look-Back Policy works • TtW Boot Camp Series Webinar Registration Logistics • EN Billing Options & Workforce e-Processes

50. Questions If you have a comment or question you can : A: Submit it to the host in writing via the Chat or Q&A Box to the right, or… B: Click on the “raise hand” icon to have your line un-muted and ask your question/make your comment.