Originally published: September 2025 | Reviewed by Perry Morrison
People with disabilities in North Carolina who get Social Security benefits often worry about losing those benefits if they start working.
The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program offers free counseling to help North Carolina residents understand how employment affects their disability benefits and connect them with local counselors.
North Carolina’s WIPA program serves people statewide through trained benefits counselors.
These counselors explain work incentives and help individuals make sense of the complex rules surrounding Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Finding the right WIPA counselor depends on your county, since different counselors serve specific areas across the state.
Knowing who covers your area makes it easier to get support for your employment goals while protecting your benefits.
North Carolina’s Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program helps people with disabilities make decisions about work and benefits.
The program guides individuals through employment choices and helps them maintain their disability benefits.
WIPA stands for Work Incentives Planning and Assistance. Social Security funds 74 WIPA agencies nationwide to serve all states and U.S. territories.
The program offers free and confidential services to eligible folks. You have to receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) to qualify, and you need to be interested in working or have a job offer.
Certified Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs) handle the counseling. These professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of benefit rules and work requirements.
The program helps remove barriers that prevent people with disabilities from returning to work. It shows people which work incentives they can use to reach their goals.
WIPA offers in-depth counseling on benefits and how a job might impact them. This service helps folks make good choices for their financial future.
Individuals with disabilities who receive certain Social Security benefits can utilize WIPA services in North Carolina. The program helps them understand how work might impact their benefits.
Primary Qualifying Benefits:
WIPA programs help those receiving Social Security disability benefits transition to work if they’re able. The service is available free of charge to those who qualify.
You need to be interested in working or already have a job. You should have questions about how employment will affect your benefits.
North Carolina’s WIPA program helps people with disabilities make informed decisions about work and benefits. Counselors work with people who want to achieve their job goals.
If you’re ready to get started, call us now!
| Eligible | Not Eligible |
| SSI recipients | People without disability benefits |
| SSDI beneficiaries | Those not interested in work |
| People planning to work | Workers without SSI/SSDI |
| Current workers with benefits |
The program focuses on helping individuals with disabilities find and maintain employment. Counselors provide one-on-one guidance about work incentives and benefit rules.
People can access WIPA services whether they’re considering a job, have just started a new job, or are already employed. The goal is to help them maintain their benefits while earning a living.
North Carolina splits WIPA services among several provider agencies that cover specific regions. Each provider takes care of multiple counties, and some cover as many as 45 counties in eastern NC.
Employment Source acts as a major WIPA provider in eastern North Carolina. This ServiceSource affiliate offers benefits counseling through several program options.
The eastern region encompasses rural and urban counties, extending from the coast to the Piedmont. Counties in this service area range from coastal communities to agricultural regions and small metro areas.
Employment Source counselors travel throughout their counties to meet clients. They offer in-person, phone, and virtual meetings—whatever works best for the client.
North Carolina makes sure WIPA services reach every county through its network of providers. Services are organized by region based on Local Management Entities and Managed Care Organizations established by NCDHHS.
The state divides all 100 counties among several agencies to keep caseloads manageable. Each provider covers specific counties, ensuring there are no gaps or overlaps.
Coverage includes:
Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWICs) deliver local WIPA services within county clusters. DVRS WIPA counselors cover specific geographic areas with assigned staff.
Jacqueline Lucas works as a CWIC based in the Rocky Mount Unit Office. She covers Cumberland, Franklin, Granville, Person, Vance, and Warren counties.
Each CWIC maintains regular office hours and conducts outreach visits to their counties. They coordinate with local disability organizations, vocational rehabilitation offices, and community centers to identify individuals who require assistance.
CWICs tend to specialize in the job landscape of their regions. Rural counselors are more familiar with agricultural work, while urban counselors tend to focus more on the service industry and professional jobs.
Finding a WIPA counselor in North Carolina is pretty straightforward—and free. People with disabilities can get help from trained Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs).
Contact Methods:
The helpline answers basic Social Security questions and connects you with the right WIPA program for your area.
North Carolina has specific WIPA regions with dedicated counselors. Each region serves different counties.
For example, some regions include counties like Chatham, Lee, Orange, and Person. Wayne Howell is the WIPA Project Director, and you can reach him at 919-855-3587.
CWICs are certified benefits planners who share information about work and Social Security work incentive programs. They help people see how working could affect their disability benefits.
All WIPA services are free. Since July 2021, Social Security has funded 74 WIPA agencies nationwide to cover every state and territory.
Need guidance finding your WIPA service area or counselor? Morrison Law Firm makes the process simple for NC residents. Don’t risk your benefits—schedule your personalized case review with us now.
If you’re ready to get started, call us now!
WIPA counselors in North Carolina assist individuals with disabilities in making informed decisions about employment and benefits.
They offer guidance that supports employment goals, and honestly, sometimes you just need someone who understands the system on your side.
Counselors dig into a benefits analysis before you take a job. They break down how wages might impact Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Benefits counselors help job seekers understand the potential benefits of employment for people receiving disability benefits.
This planning can nudge individuals toward financial independence, although it’s not always a straightforward path.
Once someone lands a job, counselors continue to show up. They help people make choices about work hours and pay, which can feel overwhelming at first.
Counselors walk through how wage increases might shake up your benefits, including:
WIPA counselors share info about available benefits and referrals to government programs. They’ll even help you get work accommodations if you need them—sometimes that’s the difference between quitting and sticking with a job.
They help people handle overpayment situations and break down those confusing benefit termination notices.
Job search planning and initiation support can make getting started feel less intimidating, which is a genuine relief for many people.
Prepare for meetings by gathering all relevant documents beforehand. Bring your Social Security award letters, pay stubs, and medical records—don’t leave them at home.
Jot down your questions before each appointment. You’ll feel more confident and it’s way easier to remember what you wanted to ask.
Be honest about work goals and financial needs. Your WIPA counselor can only help if you’re upfront about your situation and what you want.
Notify your counselor immediately if your income or employment status changes. Even small updates can significantly impact how your benefits are calculated.
Ask questions if something doesn’t make sense. WIPA counselors are there to break down complicated rules, but you’ve got to speak up.
Take notes during meetings, or request a written summary instead. It’s tough to remember all the details otherwise.
Follow through on your counselor’s recommendations, and try not to put them off. Reporting changes to Social Security late can really cause headaches.
| Do | Don’t |
| Bring all documents | Hide income or work activity |
| Ask for clarification | Assume you understand everything |
| Report changes quickly | Wait to contact your counselor |
| Take notes | Skip scheduled appointments |
Set up regular check-ins, even if things feel steady. Rules change, and your life probably does too.
Let your counselor know how you like to be reached at the start. Some people love a phone call, while others prefer an email—totally up to you.
WIPA coordinators want to help you make the most of your income and healthcare as you move into work. They’re rooting for you.
Your future and financial security matter. Morrison Law Firm supports North Carolina beneficiaries navigating WIPA and work incentives. Take control of your benefits today—contact us now to schedule your free consultation.
What is the WIPA program in North Carolina?
The Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) program provides free benefits counseling to SSDI and SSI beneficiaries in North Carolina. Certified Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWICs) explain how work affects benefits, healthcare, and income, helping individuals plan employment transitions without losing essential supports.
Who qualifies for WIPA services in NC?
Any SSDI or SSI beneficiary aged 14 and above can qualify for WIPA services in North Carolina. There are no income restrictions, and participation in Ticket to Work is not required to access free counseling.
Are WIPA services available in all NC counties?
Yes. North Carolina WIPA services are available in all 100 counties. Providers such as Employment Source (a ServiceSource affiliate) assign CWICs to specific county clusters, ensuring statewide coverage for both rural and urban residents.
How do I find my local WIPA counselor?
You can find your WIPA counselor by using the NC DHHS Work Incentives & Benefits Counseling page, Employment Source listings, or the Social Security “Find Help” directory. Enter your county or ZIP code to connect with your assigned CWIC.
What services do WIPA counselors provide?
WIPA counselors offer benefits analysis, explain Social Security work incentives, and advise on reporting income. They also provide referrals to vocational rehabilitation, job placement programs, and healthcare coverage options to ensure a smooth transition from benefits to work.
Do I need to be in Ticket to Work to use WIPA?
No. WIPA and Ticket to Work are separate programs. You do not have to enroll in Ticket to Work to receive WIPA counseling, though they can complement each other to support your employment goals.
Does WIPA cost anything for NC SSDI or SSI recipients?
No. WIPA services in North Carolina are completely free for eligible beneficiaries. Funded by the Social Security Administration, WIPA ensures that individuals receive professional benefits counseling at no charge.
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