Supportive Services

Benefits Planning and Counseling Services

Benefits Planning and Counseling Services are tailored to the needs of the person. It is available for beneficiaries in any stage of their employment journey. These services can help an individual:

• Who receives Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income learn how working could impact their benefits.
• Learn how work incentives may be used to lessen the impact to their cash and health insurance benefits.
• Ask questions and receive easy-to-understand answers.
• Make an informed choice on whether employment is a financial gain for them.
• Reach their goal of financial independence.

Benefits counseling is an individualized service tailored to the needs of the person. It is available for beneficiaries in any stage of their employment journey.

What to Expect

1. A benefits consultation gathers information about the individual’s employment plans and verifies the type(s) of benefits received. The individual will receive information on how earnings may impact their cash and health insurance benefits and what work incentives they may be able to use.
2. A benefits analysis gives a more in-depth view of how working could impact a person’s benefits. This phase gives different scenarios so a person can see their options. A plan for effectively reporting information about work to Social Security and other federal, state or local entities will be developed.
3. Follow-ups are provided to see if there are any updates or life changes.
4. Other services offered are Analysis Update, which follows a person through their employment journey and assistance developing a Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS). These services are good for an individual who has already had the benefits analysis completed.

These services are funded by a Provider Agreement with the PA Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, Medicaid Waiver funding (code W1740) and local contracts with the Office of Mental Health.

Contact
Adele Bond, Community Partner Work Incentives Coordinator
Phone: 267.580.9860
Email: abond@yourgoodwill.org 

Clubhouse of Lehigh County

The Clubhouse of Lehigh County offers individuals with a mental illness a safe, healing environment to explore their personal and vocational potential and receive support in achieving their goals. Instead of traditional therapy, the work of the house is the rehabilitation. As members contribute meaningful work to the house, they build confidence and a sense of purpose.

Be a Member – It’s Free

Membership in the Clubhouse of Lehigh County is open to any Lehigh County resident who is 18 or older and has a history of mental illness. Membership is free for life.

Clubhouse Guarantees

• A right to have a place to come
• A right to meaningful relationships
• A right to meaningful work
• A right to belong

Drop-In Center

The Drop-In Center of Lehigh County provides a stress-free atmosphere for individuals 18 and older who have experienced mental-health issues.

The Drop-In Center Offers

Activities

• Games
• Outings
• Holiday gatherings

Recovery

• Employment
• Education
• Community Resources

Empowerment

• Helps participants achieve their goals
• Enhances quality of life
• Encourages leadership