Benefits Planning for People with Disabilities

Worry surrounding the potential loss of Medicaid and Social Security can stop people with disabilities from pursuing the career they really want. Our Benefits Case Managers help individuals and families understand how wages affect public benefits. Through a unique analysis of each case, they show how individuals can start work or increase their hours without losing their safety net.

Private Consultations

During a private meeting, you’ll learn about important topics that can help you make informed decisions about work and public benefits, including:

Types of Benefits: Understanding Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits—and why the differences matter

Reporting Wages: How and when to properly report your wages

Medicaid and Work: An overview of 1619 and Ticket to Work Health Assurance

Understanding Paperwork: Guidance on Social Security eligibility, denials, overpayments, reconsiderations, and waivers

ABLE Accounts: What they are and how they can support long-term financial planning

Group Meetings

We also offer a monthly group meeting to discuss applying for Social Security and Medicaid, ABLE accounts, and the transition from high school to adulthood.

All of these services are generously funded through the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board and Productive Living Board. For more information, call 636-875-5238 or book an appointment now.

Photo of Diana Barber, a woman with long blonde hair wearing a yellow shirt

Diana Barber
Certified Benefits Practioner

Primarily serving St. Charles County residents

LaMonte Hamilton BCI

LaMonte Hamilton
Benefits Counselor

Primarily serving St. Louis County residents

Book An Appointment Now

Testimonials

Casting Light into the Darkness

My son Bryan and I were thrust into a new way of life after an unfortunate event in 2021 resulted in him becoming paralyzed from the chest down. Over the past few years, we have faced extreme obstacles, relearning daily tasks while navigating systems meant to assist those in need but often set up to guarantee failure when life is already in chaos. During this journey, we were referred to Diana when we had far more questions than answers and were beaten down by bureaucracy. She helped us understand how the program works, our responsibilities, and how to complete the required tasks. She has been a gift straight from heaven, casting light into the darkness through her follow-up, availability, and compassion. We are forever grateful for her support and assistance as we rebuild our lives.

Randy H.

Helpful With Questions

I want to thank Diana for her services and help. She pointed me in the right direction. She is very outgoing and always makes sure I have the correct information. She has been terrific in answering my questions. I’m very grateful to have Diana on my side and would definitely recommend her services to others. 

Bryan H.

Invaluable Help from Diana

I recently met with Diana Barber to better understand how my son’s part-time job would affect his SSDI benefits, and she was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. She not only explained everything clearly but also followed up with an email recap that included detailed notes and additional documents about SSDI, Medicaid, and next steps. Having this information to refer back to is a tremendous help. I’m so grateful for her kindness, expertise, and willingness to support families like ours.

Jacob's Mom

BCI is accredited by CARF
for Comprehensive Benefits Planning