1. If VR is operating under an Order of Selection, check the priority category in which the person is placed and ensure they are in an open category or have been removed from the waiting list before proceeding with a Benefits Orientation.  Provide Information and Referral if the person is not in an open category or is on the waiting list.   If VR is not under an Order of Selection, proceed with providing a Benefits Orientation.  
2. VR Specialist discusses the purpose of a Benefits Orientation with the client and completes Benefits Orientation or refers to Benefits Orientation Specialist to complete it. The timing of this referral is based on the local office’s process but should be completed as soon as possible following eligibility determination to ensure timely provision of other benefits services are possible and IPE development is not delayed.
3. Determine status of client’s Ticket to Work (TTW). Refer to Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) for information about TTW eligibility and assignment. Information may be hand-written or typed on the BPQY or included on the fax coversheet sent by SSA. If TTW status is not found, email VR Assistant Director to obtain information.  See Ticket to Work chapter for details about unassigning TTW   https://webforms.nebraska.gov/program_manual_chapters/389
4. Check the date of the BPQY obtained for eligibility determination.  If it is more than 90 days old, obtain an updated one using release of information on file current to within 12 months.  Also, complete and have client/authorized representative sign ‘DHHS Authorization for Disclosure of Protected Health Information’ to obtain information about State benefits.   
5. Using current BPQY, information from DHHS, and any recent changes to benefits reported by client, verify accuracy of Social Security information on the Household Income Screen and Benefits and Services screen in QE2 and update as needed.
6. Refer to VR Benefits Orientation Specialist or schedule a Benefits Orientation with the client upon receipt of the Benefits Planning Query (BPQY). The Benefits Orientation may be completed in a face-to-face meeting, when possible, but a virtual or telephone conversation with the client may be acceptable.  This determination must be made on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the complexity of the client's benefits information, and the client's and, as applicable, authorized representative's, ability to understand the information presented.  See policy "Hosting/Initiating a Virtual Meeting" for considerations and accommodations for virtual meetings https://webforms.nebraska.gov/program_manual_chapters/749
7. Use the Benefits Orientation Checklist SSA Work Incentives list or the Guides attached in Forms for this chapter as the basis for discussion about Work Incentives applicable to the client. Discuss the following information with the client during the Benefits Orientation
   • Description of the type(s) of Social Security benefits the client receives
   • Amount of unearned income the client receives from these benefits  
   • Number of Trial Work Period [TWP] months the client has used to-date, and the number of months available for use, if applicable
   • Start and end date for the Extended Period of Eligibility [EPE], if applicable
   • Next Continuing Disability Review [CDR] date
   • Types and amounts of other assistance the client receives [e.g., Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Housing Assistance, Energy Assistance, etc.]
   • How earning at the Federal Benefit Rate [FBR], Substantial Gainful Activity [SGA] rate, or estimated rate the client is likely to earn by working would affect his/her benefits. This provides a frame of reference in the plan development process for the client to make informed decisions about a job goal and hours to work and is foundational information for use in the provision of Benefits Analysis Services
   • The client's Ticket to Work status as noted on the SSA documentation or received from VR Assistant Director. Additional discussion points about the Ticket to Work program are included in the Background and Training section of this policy. Also see Ticket to Work chapter for details about how and when to support the client to unassign their ticket, if applicable, so it may be assigned to Nebraska VR. Explain the Ticket to Work program, including rights and benefits related to the assignment of the ticket, so the client can make an informed decision about ticket assignment to Nebraska VR when the IPE is signed.  
8. Document the above information in a task note titled 'Benefits Orientation' and enter Benefits    Orientation as an authorized team service in QE2. 
9. File copies of the Benefits Orientation Checklist, and BPQY as directed by program manual chapter "Documentation” https://webforms.nebraska.gov/program_manual_chapters/729 and your local office practice.Using BPQY received, verify accuracy/correct the Social Security information on the Household Income Screen and enter information/update the Benefits and Services screen in QE2.
10. Discuss the availability and importance of Benefits Analysis Services with the client (For discussion points, see #13 NOTE, below.)
11. Refer to client's selected Benefits Services Provider for identified benefits services.  Obtain signed release of information for Benefits provider to obtain current BPQY if document is or will be more than 90 days old when Benefits Analysis Service are provided.  See Benefits Analysis Services Chapter for referral process OR,
12. For a client declining Benefits Services:  During the Benefits Orientation, discussion of the importance of receiving Benefits Services is vital.  A client who does not understand work incentives may be limiting their ability to maximize income and benefits to reach greater economic self-sufficiency.  Clients must be aware of how all federal, state, and local benefits will be affected by earned income.  Finally, support provided by a benefits service provider can ensure that a client applies for and accesses all benefits for which they may be eligible, further leveraging earnings for living expenses. The VR Specialist (and Benefits Orientation Specialist, as applicable), play a key role in educating clients on the importance of accessing Benefits Analysis Services.  VR staff should discuss that Benefits Analysis Services are free to them, with VR paying the cost, and such services aid in:

• Identifying and clarifying work incentives and other tools so that needed benefits are retained while maximizing earnings
• Providing basic support for budgeting earnings and income
• Addressing concerns with Social Security records found to be incorrect or incomplete
• Providing training and information on the importance of properly reporting earnings
• Supporting application and access to additional benefits not current received, but for which the person may be eligible

If, given all this information, the client declines a Benefits Services referral, the client will be notified he or she may request Benefits Services at any time while their VR case is still open. Have the client sign the declination form and document the declination in a Customized Task note, titled, "Benefits Services Declined." Include the reasons why the person declined the service at this time.

When Nebraska VR is in Order of Selection, individuals being served in an open priority category whose local, state, and/or federal benefits will be affected by earning income will be provided a Benefits Orientation as a part of the career planning process. This information is vital for the client to have in making an informed decision about working and provides foundational information prior to referral for Benefits Analysis Services. Individuals in a closed priority category under Order of Selection will not receive a Benefits Orientation.  Such individuals will be provided Information and Referral, including referral to Employment Networks that may provide benefits consultation, as well as the link to the Social Security site which provides information on work incentives for Social Security beneficiaries. 

When Nebraska VR is not in Order of Selection, all individuals whose local, state and/or federal benefits will be affected by earning income will be provided a Benefits Orientation so they may make an informed choice about working after they have received information about how earnings will affect benefits.   

Benefits Orientation provides a client a basic overview of their benefits, an explanation of Work Incentives that may be applicable to them, and information about the Ticket to Work (TTW) program, linked above.

The explanation of the Ticket program identifies available supports that enhance the client's ability to work or, if already working, to increase earnings and attain economic self-sufficiency to the greatest extent possible.  That explanation includes the following details:

• When receiving employment support under the Ticket to Work program the client is agreeing to make a steady effort to achieve greater self-sufficiency
• All adults age 18-64 who are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries are eligible to participate in the TTW Program
• If a client's Ticket to Work is determined to be assigned to another entity (as identified by information received from VR Assistant Director), support to unassign the ticket so it may be assigned to Nebraska VR is provided by the Benefits Orientation Specialist, per details in Ticket to Work chapter
• The client's Ticket to Work is considered In-Use with Nebraska VR when it is not assigned elsewhere and the IPE is signed  
• When a client's Ticket is In-Use with Nebraska VR and the client is making progress as defined by SSA, the client is, in most cases, exempt from a Continuing Disability Review (CDR)
• Assignment of the Ticket to Work to Nebraska VR may allow VR to be reimbursed by Social Security for services provided to the client 
• When VR closes the case the ticket is no longer In-Use with VR and the client may continue receiving employment support by assigning his/her Ticket to an Employment Network within 90 days of closure
• VR will provide support to reassign the ticket at closure, as applicable
• The client can get more information about the Ticket to Work program by visiting www.choosework.net, can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1.866.968.7842/866.833.2967 (TTY/TDD) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, or can send an e-mail to support@chooseworkttw.net