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FEDERAL BENEFITS TRANING

Jeanette Flanders

Community Work Incentive Coordinator (CWIC)

Endependence Center

(757) 351.1573 Direct, text & fax

(757) 461.8007 Office

Jflanders@endependence.org

https://endependence.org

Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program

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Federal Benefits –� �What we will be talking about today…

What benefits are available

Who they are for

Where to apply in Virginia

We will talk more about these topics

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Why This Training Matters��Benefits help pay for…

- Income

- Health care

- Food

- Housing

- Utilities

Knowing about benefits helps you make informed choices

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What Are Federal Benefits?

Programs funded by the Federal government
Many are run by the state
Some are managed by Virginia agencies
Rules may differ by program

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Social Security Benefits

Why Social Security Matters

Provides income for retirees, people with disabilities, and families

Offers financial protection during life changes

Supports millions of Americans each month

What Is Social Security?

Federal insurance program administered by the Social Security Administration

Funded through payroll taxes (FICA)

Provides retirement, disability, and survivor benefits

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Some Types of Social Security Benefits

Retirement Benefits
Disability Benefits (SSDI)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Survivors Benefits
Dependent Benefits

There are other types of social security benefits. Check out SSA.gov for more information.

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Retirement Benefits

Retirement Option	Age Range	Monthly Benefit Amount	Key Rules	Things to Remember
Early Retirement	62 – before Full Retirement Age (67)	Reduced benefit (about 70–75% of full benefit if taken at 62)	Benefits are reduced about 6.67% per year for the first 3 years before FRA and 5% per year beyond that	Reduction is permanent. If working before FRA, benefits may be temporarily withheld due to the earnings limit.
Full Retirement Age (FRA)	67 for people born in 1960 or later	100% of your retirement benefit	Based on lifetime work history and earnings	No earnings limit reduction once FRA is reached. This is the baseline amount SSA calculates for you.
Delayed Retirement	67 – 70	Increased benefit	Earn delayed retirement credits of about 8% per year for waiting past FRA	Waiting until age 70 provides the highest monthly benefit (about 124%). No additional credits after age 70.

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Example Retirement Benefits

If full retirement benefit = $1,500/month

• Age 62 → about $1,050–$1,125
• Age 67 → $1,500
• Age 70 → about $1,860

https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/1957-delay.html https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement https://www.ssa.gov/oact/quickcalc/early_late.html

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Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

For individuals with a qualifying disability
Disability must last 12 months or more
Requires sufficient work credits https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/credits.html

40 is standard but varies by age and disability

5‑month waiting period
Medicare after 24 months
Ticket to Work program available

https://choosework.ssa.gov/

https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11001.pdf

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Needs-based program
For those with Limited income and resources
Automatic Medicaid eligibility in Virginia, you have to apply

1619(b)

Benefits adjust with earnings

About two months behind

Work incentives may apply

https://www.ssa.gov/ssi

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SSDI & SSI�� – Key Points

You can receive both at once

Different programs –Different rules (work)

Work incentives

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Survivors & Family Benefits

Benefits for spouses, children, and dependents
Survivor benefits for families of insured workers https://www.ssa.gov/survivor
Some family members may qualify for SSDI https://www.ssa.gov/family
Survivor benefits- cannot apply online

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Benefits for Children

SSDI (work-based benefits)
Child may receive benefits on the parent’s record
Must be unmarried and under 18 (or 18–19 in school)

Childhood Disability Benefit- disabled before age 22

Child has disability, household has a limited income = SSI

SSI (needs-based)
Household income and resources matter
Disability with functional limitations
Must last 12 months or longer

Benefits for Children with Disabilities, SSA pamphlets - https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026.pdf & https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10085.pdf

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Benefits for Those Who Are Homeless

You do not need a permanent address
Use a shelter or case manager’s address
Expedited processing may be available
SOAR program can help with applications
Benefits may continue while in shelter

Where to get help:

Local SSA Office: Locate your local field office on the Social Security website.
SOAR Works!
https://www.prainc.com/
HOMELESS - https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-homeless.htm

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Medicare & Social Security

Medicare after 24 months of SSDI

Medicare eligibility at age 65

Coverage continues during work

More details coming later

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Working While Receiving Benefits

Ticket to Work program is voluntary & free

Work incentives exist

Earnings limits may apply

Contact benefits counselors for help

If you are on SSDI and earning over SGA, contact the Ticket to Work Helpline at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) and ask to be referred to a WIPA Benefits Coordinator.

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How to Apply for Benefits

Apply online at SSA.gov
Apply by phone: 1-800-772-1213
Visit your local office- https://www.ssa.gov/locator
Documents needed

social security cards, birth certificates, W-2 form(s), and/or self-employment tax return, proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status, etc.
Find document lists and checklists for different benefit types here- https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/applying5.html

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SSA RECENT STRUCTURAL CHANGES

The Social Security Administration (SSA) continues to implement several structural changes that represent a shift toward centralized, federalized processing and a "digital-first" approach to customer service.

1. Centralizing Medical CDRs

2. Overhauling the 800-Number

3. Modernizing Access & Scheduling

4. The Payroll Information Exchange (PIE)

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QUESTIONS?��1-800-722-1213�https://www.ssa.gov�

TRUE = THUMBS UP

FALSE- THUMBS DOWN

BRAIN BREAK

EVERYONE CAN PLAY:

IN-PERSON & ONLINE

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MEDICAID

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Medicaid – Health Coverage

What Is Medicaid?

Joint federal–state entitlement program
Provides health coverage to eligible low-income individuals

How Medicaid Works

Funding

Federal government matches state spending (50%–83%)
Virginia’s standard match: 50% federal / 50% state

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Medicaid – Health Coverage

How Medicaid Works, continued

Federal Eligibility (Mandatory Groups)

Low-income families

Pregnant women and children

SSI recipients

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Medicaid – Health Coverage�Service Delivery

MCOs receive a fixed monthly payment per member

Are paid a set, per-member-per-month fee.

Most states use Managed Care Organizations (MCOs)

private insurance companies contracted by state governments to manage, deliver, and pay for health services for Medicaid beneficiaries

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Medicaid Coverage Categories��

Special Populations

Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)

Covers children whose family income is too high for Medicaid
Federal–state partnership program

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND

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Medicaid Coverage Categories

Federal Medicaid Categories

Categorically Needy – Standard coverage for low-income individuals and families
Medically Needy – For those with high medical expenses who exceed income limits
Aged, Blind, and Disabled (ABD) – Coverage for elderly or disabled individuals
Long-Term Care (LTC) – Nursing homes and homes & community-based services (waivers)

You can find a list of Virginia’s different Medicaid programs here - https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/for-members/benefits-and-services/other-programs-and-guidelines

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Medicaid in Virginia

Virginia’s Medicaid program is Cardinal Care
Managed by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS)
Provides full Medicaid and FAMIS (CHIP) coverage
Includes additional services such as:

Non-emergency medical transportation
Care coordination through MCOs
Behavioral health services
Home and community-based waiver services

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Key Impacts for 2026 –��ACA & Coverage Changes

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allowed states to expand Medicaid eligibility to nearly all low-income individuals under age 65 with incomes up to 138% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Background

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Key Impacts for 2026 – ACA & Coverage Changes�

Expiration of Enhanced Subsidies

Enhanced premium tax credits from the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 expired December 31, 2025
Many individuals now face much higher out-of-pocket premium costs

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Key Impacts for 2026 – ACA & Coverage Changes�

Rising Premiums

Without these enhanced subsidies, net Marketplace premiums are increasing significantly

driving up premiums and pushing thousands of Virginians off their coverage, forcing families to choose between insurance and necessities.

Update- A bipartisan effort to extend the subsidies for three years passed the US House of Representatives, but the US Senate has yet to take it up — and it hasn't received support from President Donald Trump.

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�Virginia-Specific Impacts�

Virginia’s Health Insurance Marketplace

Operates its own exchange: https://www.marketplace.virginia.gov/.
2026 Open Enrollment: Nov. 1, 2025 – Jan. 30, 2026

Special Enrollment – Lost health coverage, getting married, having a child. More information here - https://www.marketplace.virginia.gov/special-enrollment.

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Medicaid’s Work Requirement Rules�Key 2026/2027 Rules and Details:��

Who It Applies To

Adults (19-64) in Medicaid Expansion
Income below 138% of the Federal Poverty Level

Activity Requirement

80 hours per month of one or more of the following:

Employment
Job training
Education (at least half-time)
Community service

Income Alternative

Monthly income equal to 80 hours at federal minimum wage ($7.25/hr) may meet the requirement

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Medicaid’s Work Requirement Rules�Key 2026/2027 Rules and Details:�

Exemptions

Pregnant individuals
People with disabilities
Caregivers of children age 13 or younger

Verification

Eligibility and participation reviewed every 6 months

Timeline

Begins January 2027 under new federal requirements

https://www.dmas.virginia.gov/news-updates/work-community-engagement-requirements/#:~:text=Starting%20January%202027%2C%20a%20new,disability%20or%20over%20age%2064.

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MEDICAID WAIVERS

Medicaid waivers are federally authorized but state-designed programs that allow states to modify standard Medicaid rules to provide home- and community-based services (HCBS), with oversight and funding support from CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services).

There are two types of Waivers, CCC Plus and DD Waivers.

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Virginia Medicaid Waiver Programs

Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus Waiver (CCC Plus)

Serves individuals of all ages with significant medical or nursing needs
Includes individuals living in assisted living or needing nursing-level care
Services may include:

Personal care
Respite services
Assistive technology

No waiting list

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Developmental Disability (DD) Waiver Comparison

Waiver	Who It Is For	Level of Support
Building Independence Waiver (BI)	Adults 18+	Minimal supports
Family and Individual Supports Waiver (FIS)	All ages	Moderate supports
Community Living Waiver (CL)	All ages	High / 24-hour supports

Has waiting list

Administered by:�Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, here - https://dbhds.virginia.gov

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Medicaid Waivers In Virginia�Eligibility and Application�

Requirements: Eligibility requires meeting specific financial, functional, and diagnosis criteria. Functional needs are assessed via the VIDES tool for DD waivers and the UAI for CCC Plus.
Waiting Lists: While the CCC Plus waiver does not have a waiting list, the DD waivers often do, requiring a request for services to be submitted.
Application: Individuals can start the screening process by contacting their local Community Services Board (CSB) for DD waivers or the Fairfax County Health Department (or local Department of Social Services) for the CCC Plus waiver.
Parents' income is generally not considered for children under 18 applying for these waivers.

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BREAK

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MEDICARE

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MEDICARE�A Federal Health Insurance Program

Who Qualifies? (Eligibility)

Age-Based: Individuals age 65 or older who are U.S. citizens or permanent legal residents.
Disability-Based: Individuals under 65 who have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months.
Immediate Eligibility: Those with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease) qualify for Medicare as soon as their disability benefits begin (no 24-month wait).

End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) starts 4^th month of dialysis, person begins home dialysis training, the month of transplant, or earlier.

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PARTS OF MEDICARE

Part	Covers	Premium cost?
A	Hospital	Usually free
B	Doctors	Yes
C	Advantage Plan	Varies
D	Prescriptions	Yes

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MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS

It includes Part A (Hospital), Part B (Medical), and usually Part D (Prescription Drugs) in one single plan. Also known as Medicare Part C.

Extra Perks: Most plans offer benefits that Original Medicare doesn't cover, such as:

Vision (exams and glasses)
Dental (cleanings and X-rays)
Hearing (exams and aids)
Fitness (gym memberships like SilverSneakers)

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Comparison Chart

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MEDICARE AND WORK

Continuous Protection: coverage continues as long as you’re still disabled.
TWP
Extended Period of Medicare Coverage (EPMC)- Safety Net
7 years & 9 months after completion of TWP (93 months)

Costs During Work:

Part A- Free during 93 months of EPMC

Part B- $202.90/ month

Deducted from SSDI
Billed quarterly once SSDI stops
Can set up monthly payments

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PROGRAM	WHAT IT COVERS	2026 MONTHLY INCOME LIMITS
MEDICARE SAVINGS PROGRAM (MSP)	Pays Part B premium & can cover deductibles/ co-pays.	$1,816- single $2,455- couple
EXTRA HELP (LIS)	Lowers Prescription Drug costs (premiums, deductibles, and co-pays).	$2,015- single $2,725- couple

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��Hold up pen/ pencil = Medicare�Hold up cell phone = Medicaid�Hold up two hands = Both�Arms crossed = Neither��

BRAIN BREAK

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FEDERAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

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PROGRAM	RENT BASED ON INCOME	WHO MANAGES IT	WAITING LIST?
HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER (SECTION 8) Participant finds housing in the private market	Yes- 30% of adjusted income Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority \| NRHA	Local Public Housing Authority	Yes- often long
Public Housing Unit-based housing owned by a housing authority	Yes- 30% of adjusted income	Local Public Housing Authority	Yes – Often long
Section 811 (Disability Housing) Section 811 Supportive Housing for Persons with Disabilities. For Very Low-Income adults w/ disabilities. Often includes supportive housing.	Usually income-based Section 811 Portal \| HUD.gov / U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)	Nonprofit / Property manager (HUD-funded)	Yes – Limited units
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Tenants must meet income limits. Provides tax credits to developers to build affordable housing.	Not always – Rent is capped by unit VirginiaHousingSearch.com \| Virginia Apartments \| Virginia Rental Homes	Private property owner	Sometimes

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FEDERAL HOUSING ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

Important Notes:�• Waiting lists are common�• Income limits apply�• Rent may be income-based OR capped�• Apply early when possible

Each locality has its own waiting list and policies

Priority & Preferences

Some waiting lists prioritize:

People experiencing homelessness
Individuals with disabilities
Families with children
Veterans

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2026 HUD POLICY CHANGES: OLD VS. NEW

Feature	Old Rule (Pre-2026)	New 2026 Policy
Eviction Notice	30-Day Mandatory Notice	Revoked. As short as 5–14 days.
Work Mandates	Rarely used (<1% of agencies)	New Opt-In: Up to 40 hrs/week*
Term Limits	No limits (stay as long as eligible)	New Opt-In: Limits as short as 2 years*
Notice Info	Must list aid/debt "cure" info	Removed. No "help" info required.
Family Status	Allowed "prorated" assistance	Proposed Ban: All must have legal status.
LIHTC Rehab	50% Bond test (harder to renovate)	Expanded: 25% Bond test (faster builds).

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TANF�& �Federal Child Care Programs

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TANF: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

The "Four Pillars" of Federal TANF

Time-Limited Support: Federal law sets a 60-month (5-year) lifetime limit on cash assistance for adults.
Work Participation: Requires "work-eligible" parents to engage in work activities (jobs, vocational training, or community service) for 30+ hours/week.
State Flexibility: Funded by a Federal Block Grant, allowing states to design their own eligibility rules and "diversion" payments.
Family Preservation: Funds must be used to keep children in their own homes and reduce out-of-wedlock pregnancies.

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TANF: 2026 Policy Highlights�

Outcome Tracking: New focus on Job Retention and Median Earnings (how much they make) rather than just "closing the case.“
2Gen Strategy: Bundling parent employment services with early childhood education to break the cycle of poverty.
Exemptions: New 2026 federal guidance clarifies protections for victims of domestic violence and parents of children with disabilities.

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Federal Child Care & Early Childhood Programs

Child Care and Development Fund (CCDF)

Purpose: Federal block grant that helps low-income families pay for childcare so they can work or attend school.
2026 Policy: States are now required to use "Consumer-Friendly" application portals and cannot charge more than 7% of a family's income for co-payments.
The "Safety Net": Provides stable funding to providers even if a child is absent, ensuring care remains available in high-need areas.

Federal Child Care Programs

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FEDERAL HEAD START PROGRAMS

Head Start (Ages 3–5)

Focus: Comprehensive early childhood education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services.
Eligibility: Generally for families at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL).
2026 Update: New federal "Categorical Eligibility" means families receiving SNAP benefits are now automatically income-eligible for Head Start.

Early Head Start (Birth to Age 3)

Focus: Intensive support for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers to promote healthy prenatal outcomes and early development.
Home-Based Option: Offers weekly home visits to support parents as their child's first teacher.
Transition Support: Includes mandatory transition planning to move children into Head Start or other preschool programs at age 3.

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FEDERAL FOOD PROGRAMS

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SNAP (Food Assistance Program) 🍎�Food Assistance Programs

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps individuals and families buy food.

Provides monthly benefits on an EBT card
Can be used at grocery stores, some farmers markets, and approved retailers
Amount depends on income, household size, and expenses
Helps reduce food insecurity and improve nutrition
Must meet financial and citizenship/immigration requirements
Some adults must meet work requirements

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SNAP (Food Assistance Program) 🍎�Food Assistance Programs

SNAP Changes – Work Requirements & Eligibility

Work requirement age increased to 18–64 for many adults without dependents
Must work, volunteer, or participate in training at least 80 hours per month
Benefits may be limited to 3 months in 3 years if requirements are not met
Exemptions may apply for:

People with disabilities
Pregnant individuals
Caregivers of children under age 14

States are conducting more frequent eligibility reviews

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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SNAP (Food Assistance Program) 🍎�Food Assistance Programs

2026 SNAP Changes – Food Rules & Program Updates

Some states may restrict purchase of certain foods such as sugary drinks or candy
These restrictions vary by state and may require federal approval
Goal is to encourage healthier food choices
States will begin paying more administrative costs starting late 2026
Changes may affect program operations and access to services

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/work-requirements

https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/work-requirements?utm_source=chatgpt.com

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WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program) 👶🥛�Food Assistance Programs

WIC provides nutrition support for certain families.

Serves pregnant women, postpartum women, infants, and children under age 5
Provides healthy foods such as milk, cereal, fruits, vegetables, and formula
Offers nutrition education and breastfeeding support
Helps connect families to healthcare and community resources
Income guidelines apply

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School Meal Programs �Food Assistance Programs�

School meal programs help students access nutritious food during the school day.

Offers free or reduced-price breakfast and lunch
Some schools provide universal free meals to all students
Helps improve student concentration, attendance, and academic performance
Families may need to complete an application based on income
Meals must meet federal nutrition standards

https://www.fns.usda.gov/schoolmeals

https://www.fns.usda.gov/nslp

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YOUR PROTECTIONS

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Your Rights When Receiving Federal Benefits

People with disabilities are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Individuals have the right to reasonable accommodations when applying for or managing benefits
Offices must provide accessible communication and services
Fair Housing protections help people who use housing benefits like vouchers or public housing
Individuals can file complaints if they experience discrimination

https://www.ada.gov

https://www.ada.gov/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

https://www.ada.gov/resources/disability-rights-guide/

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Advocacy Supports With Federal Benefits

Centers for Independent Living (CILs) Five Core Services Are:

Peer Mentoring
Information & Referral
Independent Living Skills Training
Transition
Individual and System Advocacy

Services are typically free and community-based

https://www.hudexchange.info/programs/fair-housing/

https://ncil.org

https://endependence.org/

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Key Takeaways

Many supports are available

You may qualify for more than one program

Applying can take time

Ask for help when needed

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Questions & �Next Steps

Who to contact for help

ENDEPENDENCE CENTER

757-461-8007

https://endependence.org