Becoming a Benefits Counselor

​Benefits counseling is a very important part of ca​reer decision making for DORS consumers who receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Certified benefits counselors are skilled in helping these consumers determine the effect working will have on their benefits and are knowledgeable about the work incentives available to SSI and SSDI recipients.

Benefits Counselor Application Documents

DORS approves qualified benefits counselors to provide services to consumers through a fee-for-service model. To obtain approval as a benefits counseling vendor, applicants are required to have completed a training course before submitting the documents below.

• DORS Provider/Vendor Application
• DORS Benefits Counselor Application – Addendum
• DORS Ethical Standards Agreement for Benefits Planning Vendors

Other Benefits Counselor Resources

• Benefits Planning Desk Reference for DORS Counselors & Fee-for-Service Providers (LARGE print)
• Benefits Planning Fee-for-Service FAQs
• ​​ Benefits Planning for SSI/SSDI Beneficiaries Fact Sheet (RS-1k)​ (LARGE print)
• Benefits Planning Reports QA Review/Training, May 2024

Mindy Ober, Staff Specialist for Benefits Planning
410-554-9307
​[email protected]