These modules provide vocational rehabilitation counselors with information about topics that often come up when supporting a VR customer with self-employment. Topics currently covered in the series include the basics of business structures, the effect of self-employment on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the effect of self-employment on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Counselors are encouraged to complete all the modules but have the option to complete the one they need the most.
Time: 1 hour per module (average)
CRCs: Up to 3 CRCs (1 per module)
Module 1: Business Structures
During this module, you will learn the basics of common business structures and who can help VR customers understand and explore the common business structures, understand the impact of a business structure on taxation, registration, personal liability, funding, and benefits, and ultimately choose the best structure for their business.
Learning Objectives
- Identify the resources available to help VR customers choose a business structure.
- Identify the common types of business structures.
- Understand the tax and liability considerations for various business structures.
- Identify different types of business settings.
To receive a certificate of completion and / or CRCs:
- Take the pre-test
- Complete the eLearning module (download Navigating an eLearning Module for tips)
- Pass the post-test (score 100%, unlimited attempts)
- Complete the module evaluation
Estimated time to complete: 1 hour
Module 2: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Self-Employment
Vocational rehabilitation counselors play an important role in addressing concerns about self-employment and benefits by responding to questions with accurate information, providing reassurance, and referring people to benefits experts for additional support. To support you in fulfilling this role, this module provides an overview of SSDI and self-employment, including what counts as earnings, the basic SSDI work rules, the additional self-employment work rules, and three key steps you can take to make sure that people have accurate information about SSDI and self-employment.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the VRC's role with SSDI and self-employment planning.
- Describe net earnings from self-employment.
- Name the three phases of SSDI work rules.
- Identify the process for referring SSDI beneficiaries to a benefits counselor.
- Describe strategies for reinforcing the benefits advisement.
To receive a certificate of completion and / or CRCs:
- Take the pre-test
- Complete the eLearning module (download Navigating an eLearning module for tips)
- Pass the post-test (score 100%, unlimited attempts)
- Complete the module evaluation
Estimated time to complete: 1 hour.
Module 3: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Self-Employment
Vocational rehabilitation counselors play an important role in addressing concerns about self-employment and benefits by responding to questions with accurate information, providing reassurance, and referring people to benefits experts for additional support. To support you in fulfilling this role, this module provides an overview of SSI and self-employment, including what counts as earnings, the basic SSI work rules, the additional self-employment work rules, and three key steps you can take to make sure that people have accurate information about SSI and self-employment.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the VRC's role with SSI and self-employment planning.
- Describe net earnings from self-employment.
- Explain the effect of earnings on the SSI benefit.
- Identify the process for referring SSI beneficiaries to a benefits counselor.
- Describe strategies for reinforcing the benefits advisement.
To receive a certificate of completion and / or CRCs:
- Take the pre-test
- Complete the eLearning module (download Navigating an eLearning module for tips)
- Pass the post-test (score 100%, unlimited attempts)
- Complete the module evaluation
Estimated time to complete: 1 hour.