WID developed the California Work Incentives Initiative (CWII) in 2000 to provide information on health coverage, work, and benefits to youth and adults with disabilities in California, and to develop community based public policy recommendations.

Through Disability Benefits 101 Information Services, CWII provides community outreach, training and web-based services, including one-on-one technical assistance at its website, Disability Benefits 101 (www.DB101.org). The site offers easy to understand, practical information on public and private benefits, employment services, and other programs, as well as interactive benefits calculators.

In addition to its information services, CWII also develops community based public policy recommendations.  As part of this effort, it staffs a statewide policy, education, and discussion forum on health, work, benefits, and disability - The California Work Group on Work Incentives and Health Care (the CWG).

CWII has received funding from the California Health Incentives Improvement Project, The California Endowment, the Social Security Administration, and individual training and event sponsors.

For more information, contact Bryon MacDonald, Project and Policy Development Manager, at bryon@wid.org.