Member Spotlight: Renee
What's your story? Tell us a little bit about yourself
Renee has been working in the Disability field for about 13 years. She has been a Certified Work Incentive Counselor and Benefits Analyst and a Social Security Administration partner since 2013. She currently works with IBA Resources, LLC. in Wausau, WI and works with people of all ages and disability types. She explains that she is a partner with the Social Security Administration and is trained by them to counsel individuals with Social Security and other Federal Benefits who also want to go to work.
She loves talking with individuals and families who receive Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, FoodShare, Veterans, and other benefits about how they can get a job in the community even if they are receiving those benefits! “I call myself a "Benefits Nerd" and am here to help if you are worried that getting a job will mean you will lose your benefits,” she exclaims!
How are you involved with self-determination? Why did you join the SD Network?
Renee shares that Self-Determination is so important in her field--being able to make good financial choices when you want a job and receive benefits is all about Self-Determination! Everyone should have input on what type of employment they want. Self-Determination can also mean having a goal of working off of Social Security or other Benefits. It is okay to want to work full time and there are many ways that goal can be achieved. To her, Self-Determination can also mean having all the tools and information you need to make the best choices in your life. She explains that knowing what type of Social Security or Health Care you have as well as knowing any other benefits you receive (for example FoodShare or Managed Care) and how these benefits are used is empowering information that can only help you with whatever goals you have. “That is the reason I joined the SD Network: Benefits knowledge helps tremendously with Self-Determination steps and goals,” she says.
Tell us some good news - what's the most exciting thing happening for you (or in Wisconsin) in terms self-determination?
One of the biggest tools Renee seen created in the last couple of years to help with Self-Determination is the creation of the MYSSA accounts on the Social Security website (www.ssa.gov). She explains that creating one of these accounts can give the ability to report wages from work, request a new Social Security card, check your earnings record, change your address or phone number and many other things. This website saves everyone time, transportation, and phone calls to your local Social Security office.
What tip or resource would you like to share with people who want to be more self-determined?
Renee encourages people not to be afraid to ask the big life goal questions if you receive Social Security or Medicare/Medicaid: Do you want to get married? Do you want to go to college? Or own your own business someday? Or work a full-time job? She says, “if you have a family member or loved one who is worried you will lose your Healthcare or Social Security, let's talk about how to keep those and reach your goals!”
She explains that everyone's Benefits puzzle looks a little different. What you can earn with work might be very different from a family member who also receives Social Security. Find out what the rules and safety nets go along with your own benefits!
What are some of your hobbies?
Outside of work, Renee is involved in the local Community Theater. She likes to direct plays and musicals. She also likes to play board games and travel around the U.S. She also has two very fluffy and naughty cats that she takes care of.
***We love hearing the views and opinions of Network members. We need to mention that the views and opinions expressed on this site are those of the person who is sharing them. They do not necessarily reflect InControl Wisconsin or any of our supporters and funders.
