Benefits and Work Incentives

​​​​​​​​​​​​Understanding SSA Benefits and Employment​

Understanding SSA Benefits and Employment is a free six-hour training conducted by the Work Incentives Network. Attendees are those interested in learning the basics about work incentives and the impact employment has on benefits. They will learn facts to combat the common myths, how to access available work incentives, and when to refer a participant to a certified benefits and work incentives coordinator.

For 2023, the Work Incentives Network will schedule three trainings to be held virtually via Zoom. The trainings are free and will be split into two half-day sessions from 9am-noon. Participation in both half-day sessions is required in order to successfully complete the training.

​Sessions are scheduled for: 

• March 28-29, 2023​​
• July 25-26, 2023
• November 14-15, 2023

Pre-registration is required and the sessions are limited to 50 participants. Please register through the Understanding SSA Benefits and Employment listing on Workday Learning​. 

Call or email WIN Central if your organization would like to schedule a training or a presentation.

WIN Central

• 800-661-2571 - WIN Help Desk (​win.refer@odhsoha.oregon.gov)
• 971-701-5751 - Katie Mijares Thompson (katherine.thompson@odhs​.oregon.gov)
• 503-871-2703 - Josh Goller (josh.goller@odhs.oregon.gov)

Community Work Incentives Initial Training Program

This program is the certification training offered by Virginia Commonwealth University's (VCU) National Training Center, in contract with the Social Security Administration. The free five-day training is offered monthly, and it has moved to a virtual format since 2020​​. A six-week certification process follows the five-day training and a commitment to the whole process is required. Please note that registration does require suitability clearance for trainees not part of WIPA project staff, VR staff, EN staff and affiliate agencies. ​

Find more information about the training and certification process as well as training dates and locations on the VCU National Training Center website.