Benefits Advisement

     SILO recognizes that the following Benefit Advisement services are needed to allow individuals to address their benefit needs associated with employment and independent living options. Individuals are provided a comprehensive consultation on the range of benefit programs such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Medicaid, and Medicare.  The benefits advisement counselor reviews other benefits commonly received by individuals or available to them such as private insurance coverage, SNAP (food stamps), PASS plans,  public assistance benefits (i.e., Family Assistance or Safety Net benefits), student loans, financial aid benefits (TAP and PELL grants), and federal and state tax provisions which reduce tax liability. Each of these benefit programs have criteria for initial or continued coverage. Many are based on financial need criteria, and may have very specific rules governing how work and wages affect eligibility or benefit amounts; while others may allow individuals to exercise specific options while working. This service allows individual to make informed choices concerning the range of benefits they receive or which may be available to them as they participate in education, training, and employment.