Will benefits experts still be able to help my family member after they have a job?
Generally they would be available on request even after the person has been working.
Local banks can also be helpful in providing (free) guidance for your family member how to set up checking and savings accounts, use online banking, make automatic savings deposits and other practical money management approaches.
Some of the vocational programs also provide some guidance on these matters directly.
How can I help my family member maximize income once they are working?
You can remind your family member to use the appropriate work incentives built into Social Security, Housing, and other benefits. These included incentives such as the Program to Achieve Self Support (PASS); Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE); Period of Extended Evaluation – if applicable; Formula for housing authority calculations – if applicable. Your family member might also benefit from periodic reviews with a Benefits Specialist.
They might also need assistance with taxes and how to reduce tax burden; this is available for free for persons with disabilities.
Your family member may benefit from this video on managing and saving money.
Are there methods and resources for saving money for future goals?
Employees can usually have portions of their pay which go directly into a savings or retirement account. In many states employees could utilize an Individual Development Account to save money and have it matched by federal and local agencies.
There are also many ways to obtain more inexpensive food (food stamps, food banks, co-ops); clothing (thrift shops, donations to programs; special shops that provide work clothing to low income people); automobiles (special programs for low income employed persons); tax programs and many other resources that help to stretch the dollar so that funds can be put away for future goals.
Your family member may benefit from this video on managing and saving money.
Individual Development Accounts By State
Learn more about IDAs and how these accounts vary from state to state.
Individual Development Accounts (IDA) and Plans to Achieve Self Support (PASS): Exploring the Opportunities
Includes information about IDA and PASS, as well as examples about how PASS affects one’s SSI benefits and a comparison of both IDA and PASS.