The KBCN Website is sponsored by the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation of Kansas as part of a cooperative agreement[i] with the Social Security Administration.  It was developed to support the Kansas Benefits Counselors Network.

The Social Security Administration cooperative agreement formerly known as the Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach (BPAO) project is now called the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) project.  Every State and U.S. territory has or will have at least one project, but the grant recipient may develop and name their program uniquely. 

What is the Kansas Benefits Counselors Network?

The KBCN "network" is a partnership of counselors, case managers, employment specialists and service organizations across the State of Kansas, who are interested in education, training on, and benefit management of Social Security disability programs.  By participation in the network, disability service provider staff can provide basic benefit education and management for the individuals they serve and use the KBCN Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWIC's) for technical assistance, education, and support.

Who can benefit from KBCN services? 

Anyone who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can contact the KBCN for information and assistance about their benefits.  We know that the SSA work incentives can be challenging and difficult to understand.  We provide Network service provider staff  quarterly continuing education and support as needed after we have completed an analysis for one of their customers.  We can provide individuals an analysis about their SSA benefits and ongoing support for the purpose of their return to employment and security of financial interdependence.  The focus to educate and support ensures long-term financial management and individual freedom of choice.