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Discover Edwards Center's Benefits Counseling Services!

At Edwards Center, we provide comprehensive Benefits Counseling Services designed specifically to help individuals with developmental disabilities understand and manage their public benefits while pursuing employment. Our personalized approach empowers clients to navigate the complexities of public benefits, ensuring they can make informed decisions about their future.

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Overview of Benefits Counseling Services:

Our Benefits Counseling Services, as part of the ODDS Employment Path Community Services, are available in two specialized levels:

Level One: Information & Referral

This initial level offers essential information about public benefits and work incentives. Our services include:  

  • Discussions about your current circumstances. For example: SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, etc.

  • Identification of potential issues requiring further support. Including: resource management with ABLE accounts, overpayments, etc.

  • Review of helpful fact sheets and materials on benefits and work incentives

  • Preliminary guidance on managing your benefits while working

  • A written summary of your discussion

 

This level is typically completed in one meeting, providing a solid foundation for understanding your options.

 

Level Two: Work Incentive Summary (WIS) or Benefits Summary & Analysis (BSA)

For those needing more in-depth assistance, Level Two offers a detailed analysis of your benefits and work incentives:

  • An in-depth interview and verification of your current benefits

  • Identification of specific benefit issues and relevant work incentives

  • Creation of a comprehensive report:

    • WIS: Tailored for individuals without a job goal, outlining how work incentives can enhance your financial situation

    • BSA: Designed for those with specific earning goals, analyzing how earnings will impact benefits and recommending optimal work incentives

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Who Can Benefit from Level Two Services?

 

Level Two services are ideal for individuals who:

  • Receive Social Security benefits and are currently working

  • Plan to start work within the next two months

  • Are interested in utilizing a Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS)

  • Receive a reduced Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) and need clarification regarding their benefits

 

At Edwards Center, we are committed to supporting you in achieving your employment goals while navigating the benefits system. Let us help you unlock new opportunities for financial independence and fulfillment. 

Contact us today to learn more about our Benefits Counseling Services!
Sheila Barker, SHRM - CP | Benefits Counselor | Benefits and Eligibility Manager
503.642.1581
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HEADQUARTERS

PO BOX 6269

Aloha, OR 97007-0269

503.642.1581

Fax 503.591.5577

 

COMMUNITY CENTER

4375 SW Edwards Pl

Aloha, OR 97078-2116

503.642.1581

Fax 503.591.5577

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Edwards Center, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

Our federal tax ID number is 93-0630002.

Edwards Center, Inc. is DBA Edwards Center, our Oregon ABN

is 190014598.

 

@2022/2025 Edwards Center • All Rights Reserved

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