The Consortium Leadership and Independence through Managing Benefits (CLIMB) program serves to enhance the delivery of services to individuals with disabilities through benefits counseling by trained Benefits Specialists. At One-Stop centers, program participants receive benefits counseling regarding:

• the impact of earnings on benefits.
  
• how to manage their benefits as they enter employment.
  
• reducing barriers to employment presented by public support programs.
  

In addition, training in budgeting earned income to replace public support benefits and developing an Individual Budget Plan (IBP) are an integral part of the process.

Climb participants review a wide variety of programs including:

• TANF
  
• SSI
  
• SSDI
  
• Medicaid and Medicare
  
• Housing Assistance
  
• Food Stamps
  
• Vocational Rehabilitation
  

A Consortium of key state and federal agencies in cooperation with a Consumer Advisory Board help to identify barriers and implement strategies to reduce them, thus enabling individuals with disabilities to find employment.

• CLIMB to Employment Release Form
• CLIMB to Employment Referral Form

Do you:

• Have a disability?
  
• Receive SSI, SSDI, or other financial assistance?
  
• Have a fear of losing your benefits?
  
• Have a Ticket to work from SSA?
  
• Want to increase your income?
  
• Think of returning to work?
  

If you or someone you know can answer yes to any one of the above questions. CLIMB Benefits Specialist are available at no cost to help develop a plan to increase your income earnings without the possibility of losing benefits. For an appointment with s Benefits Specialists nearest you call:

• Wilmington - (302) 761-8275 ext.8841
  
• Newark - (302) 453-4350 ext. 208
  
• Dover - (302) 739-5478
  
• Georgetown - (302) 856-5730 ext. 265
  

For more information regarding the CLIMB Program contact: Ed Tos, CLIMB Program Manager at (302) 761-8275 or mailto:etos@state.de.us