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WorkVT2.0

Vocational Rehabilitation | Division of Vocational Rehabilitation

Let WorkVT2.0 Help You Create Your Own Comeback Story

Make more money. Attain financial freedom. Live happier.

That can be hard to do if you are relying on SSI and SSDI benefits and worried about what working might do to those benefits. But we know customers that have transformed their lives and now enjoy the money and freedom that comes from replacing their benefits with a good paycheck. Getting support for career planning, career-specific training, job search and accommodations, and help navigating benefits issues can be the key to success. That’s why we created WorkVT2.0.

What is WorkVT2.0?

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) is conducting a study called WorkVT2.0 for beneficiaries who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).WorkVT2.0 is a unique opportunity to dream big around your career goals. The purpose of WorkVT2.0 is to assist individuals reach financial independence by replacing their SSI or SSDI benefits with a higher paycheck. Because it’s a research program, eligibility is limited to residents of Chittenden and Rutland counties who are SSI or SSDI beneficiaries between the ages of 18 and 58 with a history of working in the past 5 years.

What is the benefit of enrolling?

WorkVT2.0 provides strong support services around benefits navigation, career counseling, and employment supports. Your team will consist of a VocRehab Counselor, a VocRehab Benefits Counselor, a VABIR Employment Consultant, and a Job Coach. Support from your team can remain in place long after WorkVT2.0 ends. In addition to having a support team, an exclusive perk of WorkVT2.0 is that participants receive up to three WorkVT2.0 achievement payments ($250, $750, and $1,000) when reaching specific employment milestones. WorkVT2.0 is a great way to explore work options and opportunities in Vermont.

What if I want to wait to enroll until I am further along with my plan?

It is ok for you to wait, however the WorkVT2.0 project only enrolling 200 people overall, split between Chittenden and Rutland counties. When the slots are full, enrollments will end. If you think you are potentially interested, it is better to be engaged than to miss out!

If I choose to disenroll from WorkVT2.0, what will happen? Will I lose VocRehab and VABIR supports if I disenroll from WorkVT2.0?

All VR and VABIR supports will remain available if you choose to disenroll. However, you will no longer be eligible to receive WorkVT2.0 achievement payments if you disenroll. Since there are only advantages to staying enrolled, it’s beneficial for all participants stay enrolled for the duration of the study. 

What strings are attached?

There are no strings attached! WorkVT2.0 will provide you with valuable information and you can make decisions that are best for you. WorkVT2.0 is designed to help clients explore higher earnings opportunities, but there is no commitment to full-time work or your Social Security benefits stopping.

Do I have to be employed within certain timeframes?

The project will last two years, ending on December 31, 2023. If you don’t reach the employment benchmarks within the two years, you simply don’t earn the WorkVT2.0 achievement payments.

What happens if I continue to receive my Social Security benefits?

This is a study to learn what helps people earn enough so that they no longer need their Social Security benefits. If you reach the employment benchmarks for the WorkVT2.0 achievement payments, that is great! If not, there is no penalty. You can continue to participate in WorkVT2.0 to reach the goal that is right for you. You will also have a chance to tell us what worked and what didn’t work, based on your individual experience.

If I agree to participate in WorkVT2.0, what happens next?

Call VABIR: 1-800-639-2909

or

Call the VocRehab office nearest you:

Rutland office at 802-786-5866

Burlington office at 802- 863-7501

Our team is here to provide more information, answer questions and to start the enrollment process. The deadline to enroll is November 30, 2021, which may end earlier if the maximum number of participants is reached. You will be working with a designated VR Counselor to complete the consent form, which is part of the IPE (Individualized Plan for Employment). Through the duration of the study, you will also work with other WorkVT2.0 team members.