NADBS

NADBS Newsbrief Summer 2008

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National Association of Disability Benefits Specialists

NADBS Newsbrief

Summer 2008

Volume 1, Issue 2

The Benefits Counseling-Employment Connection

Discussions about benefits and benefit counseling inevitably involve employment. Access to most benefit programs is linked in one way or another to assets and earnings. Many people think of this primarily in terms of initial program eligibility. However, most public and private benefit programs encompass a range of incentives intended to encourage individuals to return to work as well.

This, of course, is where benefits counseling comes in. As is the case with most public policy, the slate is rarely wiped clean with new programs and incentives developed from scratch. Instead, layers of new policy are added to existing programs over time. Oftentimes this strengthens programs, and frequently this complicates them.

A large part of our role as benefits specialists is to help interpret these complicated rules, policies, and logistics with the beneficiaries we serve. In doing so we frequently work with individuals who are in various stages of returning to work. Many beneficiaries find themselves in better financial situations when they return to work in at least a part-time, if not fulltime, capacity. Full utilization of the work incentives available across programs should be encouraged and mindfully incorporated into a strategic asset development plan with each individual. We will provide you with more information on strategic Asset Development in our next issue.

New Ticket to Work Regulations Effective July 21st

Have you heard that the new Ticket Regs went into effect July 21^st? Our guess is YES given that the Social Security Administration has been actively outreaching and providing good information since April. You may be asking yourself, so what are the new Ticket Regs, what do they mean, and how do I incorporate these changes into my work? In order to answer these questions, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the new information by participating in one of the many training opportunities available. Teleconferences, webinars, meetings, and material are all available at no charge.

Please visit the following sites for more information:

http://www.yourtickettowork.com/training

www.ssa.gov/work/events.html

http://www.ssa.gov/work/formsandpubs.html

http://www.ilr.cornell.edu/edi/register/TicketToWork2.cfm

www.cessi.net/WISE

Seeking 2009 NADBS Directors for National Board

Are you interested in getting involved on the NADBS Board of Directors? We are gearing up for our first official election this fall and will have several seats available. We are seeking directors who are excited about the field and looking for a great leadership opportunity.

The following positions will be open:

President Elect-3 yr term

Secretary-2 yr term

Member at Large-2 yr term

Board member duties include:

Participation in monthly 1 hour Board meetings held by toll-free conference calls

Interested and excitement in furthering the field of benefits counseling

Willing to assist as needed

Membership in NRA is required. If you're interested in this fun opportunity, please send your name, contact info and a brief letter of intent to Dr. John Lui at luij@uwstout.edu no later than SEPTEMBER 15, 2008

Benefits Counseling Practice Analysis

Many of you have been working in the field of Benefits Counseling for several years. It has been exciting to see the field develop, evolve, and now move toward professionalizing.

However, in order for a developing field to truly “professionalize”, several critical areas need to be evaluated. One of the first steps in doing this is to conduct a practice analysis of practitioners in the field. A practice analysis provides valuable information on the knowledge, skills, and assets required to perform the job. It also helps provide a solid foundation for developing quality assurance measures in the field.

Dr. John Lui from UW-Stout will be conducting a practice analysis with Benefits Specialists soon.

It is highly likely that you will be asked to complete this survey so we thank you in advance for your help. Your input, experience, and honesty are essential in providing future direction for the field.

NRA ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Join NADBS at the National Rehabilitation Association's Annual Conference in beautiful St. Lours, MO October 23-26, 2008. NADBS will be hosing an open Board/Membership meeting, more details will follow soon.

Promoting Individual Choice and Enhancing Social and Economic Independence

2008 Board of Directors

Cayte Anderson

President (608) 266-2126

Anderca1@dhfs.state.wi.us

John w. Lui

Immediate Past President

(715) 232-2470

Luij@uwstout.edu

Patricia Murphy

Secretar

(330) 635-8180

Pjmurphy0900@aol.com

David A. Rosenthal

Treasurer

(608) 263-5751

Drosenthal@education.wisc.edu

Spencer L. Mosley

Board Member at Large

(920) 435-4234

Smosley@new.rr.com

Shirley Brown

Board Member at Large

(601) 898-7001

Sbworn@mdrs.state.ms.us

Joe Entwisle

Board Member at Large

(312)401-3909

Jentwisle@hdadvocates.org

Jennifer Jones

Board Member at Large

(907) 264-6259

Anjj@uaa.alaska.edu

Paul Andrew

Board Member at Large

1-888-281-6531 x112

Pandrew@carf.org

Sheila Stoeckel

Board of Member at Large

(641) 422-1500

Sheila.stoeckel@iwd.iowa.gov

Ron Swain

Board Member at Large

(614)294-7117

Rswain@cova.org

Help us keep costs down by sending you future information electronically. If interested, please send your email address to:

Pjmurphy0900@aol.com

We’ll add you to our list!