VWII is actually several interrelated projects, held together by their common goal of maximizing the use of work incentives to benefit Vermonters with disabilities.

Bridges to Self-Sufficiency Project
The Bridges to Self-Sufficiency Project is a systems change grant from the Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) that funds benefits counseling services to transition-age youth.

Medicaid Infrastructure Grant (MIG)
The Medicaid Infrastructure Grant from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) funds a variety of research and policy development efforts designed to support competitive employment of people with disabilities. For more info, see our Fact Sheet.

SSDI Benefit Offset Pilot (1 for 2)
Vermont is one of four states under contract with SSA to test whether an alternative method of calculating SSDI benefits will encourage more SSDI beneficiaries to return to work. Under current SSDI rules, if a beneficiary earns above a "substantial" level ($830 per month in 2005) after a nine month Trial Work Period they can lose their entire cash benefit. However, if keep their earnings below $830 they keep their entire SSDI cash benefit. This feature of the SSDI program has sometimes been referred to as the "cash cliff" because of the precipitous loss of benefits once a person earns above a substantial level. For decades now disability advocates have cited the SSDI "cash cliff" as a major disincentive to employment. This pilot will allow beneficiaries to work above the $830 substantial level. Instead of losing their cash benefits entirely, benefit payments will be reduced progressively by one dollar for every two dollars earned over the $830 threshold.

SSI Waiver (completed)
The SSI Waiver, part of the SPI project, is designed to explore new work incentive provisions including the option to save earnings above the SSI resource limit and retain SSI and 1619B Medicaid eligibility.

State Partnership Initiative (SPI) (completed)
The State Partnership Initiative (SPI) is funded by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It supports the Adult Benefits Counseling Program and is designed as a research project to measure the impact of benefits counseling on work and earnings for SSI and SSDI beneficiaries.