A trained expert who can help you understand or apply for benefit programs. Their goal is to help you avoid financial complications while developing a sustainable plan for the future. To find a benefits planner in California, use the DB101 Benefits Planner Directory.

The federal government pays benefits planners in communities around the country to help people think ahead about work incentives and benefits issues. CWIC'S are benefits planners who are trained by the Social Security Administration to assist beneficiaries with programs including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in addition to other related programs.

Gernerally, the only time it is required to disclose a disabling condition at the workplace is when requesting a reasonable accommodation. Even then, the requirement is to present the employer with a request that a reasonable accommodation is needed for the person to perform the essential functions of the job.

Salaries, wages, tips, professional fees and other amounts received as pay for physical or mental work actually performed. Funds received from any other source are not included. (Contrast unearned income.)

Income before taxes and other deductions are made.

Reasonable accommodation protections from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) cover employers with 15 or more employees. California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) covers employers with five or more employees.

Living on one’s own, in the community, outside of an institution.

Services designed to assist an individual with a disability perform activities of daily living at home or in the workplace.

A request to an employer to make a modification to a job or workplace that allows an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of a job. The request can come from the employee, or an employee's friend, family member, or medical provider. Reasonable accommodation rules are case-by-case situations, and employers and employees can negotiate the terms under the law.

Physical or mental activity that is actually performed and results in earned income.

Services that enable an employee with a disability to perform the essential duties of a job.