President Pens WIPA Into Budget Through 2011

Statement by the Press Secretary

On October 13, 2010, the President signed into law:

H.R. 946, the “Plain Writing Act of 2010,” which requires Federal agencies to use plain writing in certain government documents that are issued to the public;

H.R. 3219, the “Veterans’ Benefits Act of 2010,” which makes changes in several veterans' affairs programs and benefits, including: (1) insurance; (2) disability compensation and pension; (3) education, employment, and small business; (4) housing and homeless veterans' programs; (5) memorial affairs; (6) civil relief issues; and (7) construction;

H.R. 4543, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located in San Jose, California, as the “Anthony J. Cortese Post Office Building;”

H.R. 5341, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located in Brighton, Michigan, as the “Joyce Rogers Post Office Building;”

H.R. 5390, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located in Cleveland, Ohio, as the “David John Donafee Post Office Building;”

H.R. 5450, which designates the facility of the United States Postal Service located in Los Angeles, California, as the “Tom Bradley Post Office Building;” and

H.R. 6200, the “WIPA and PABSS Extension Act of 2010,” which reauthorizes, through FY 2011, Social Security Administration work incentive and support programs designed to help certain beneficiaries, including those with disabilities, return to the workforce.

Any questions may be directed to: rsi5@srt.com

WIPA and PABSS Pass!!!

Commissioner Astrue -

“I want to thank Congress and President Obama for the recent passage of the WIPA and PABSS Reauthorization Act of 2009. The bill extends funding authorization for the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) and the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) programs through fiscal year 2010.

There are currently 103 WIPA programs across the U.S. working with Social Security disability beneficiaries on job placement, benefits planning, and career development. With this vital support, beneficiaries are better equipped to make informed choices about work. The PABSS program provides much-needed advocacy services that help beneficiaries navigate through an often-confusing web of Employment Networks, Social Security rules, legal issues, and employment issues. I anticipate a continuing need and increased demand for both WIPA and PABSS services, and the extension of funding allows the opportunity to further evaluate these important programs.”

For more information about these programs and the Ticket to Work program, please see www.socialsecurity.gov/work.

Any questions may be directed to: rsi5@srt.com