Since 1988, ERI has pioneered community employment services for individuals with disabilities. Now serving people nationwide, our experienced team connects talented individuals with disabilities to meaningful career opportunities in their local communities.
Every person’s path to employment is unique. ERI provides personalized support services through the Social Security Ticket to Work Program. This ensures the Ticket holders have the resources and guidance needed to succeed in their career journey.
From small businesses to major corporations, ERI has successfully assisted over 14,000 individuals in finding rewarding positions across the United States. Our commitment to excellence has earned multiple state and national awards for employment services.
Work with a dedicated career counselor who will help customize your employment plan and guide you through the entire process.
Access employment supports with an individualized work plan, resume assistance, and job search/lead assistance.
Employment Resources Inc. will help you find and maintain employment while moving toward financial independence.
Learn more about Social Security’s Ticket to Work program through our comprehensive fact sheets. These guides cover everything from understanding your benefits while working to presenting yourself professionally to employers. Each fact sheet provides clear, detailed information to help you make informed decisions about your employment journey and take full advantage of the program’s resources and support services.
Learn about the Ticket to Work program and employment resources by joining Social Security’s complimentary Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) webinars.
Social Security hosts free online WISE webinars designed for individuals who receive Social Security Disability benefits. These sessions provide accessible educational opportunities to help you and your family members understand employment options and available work incentives. The webinars are generally held on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) are a valuable Social Security Work Incentive that can help people with disabilities transition to the workplace. These are costs for items or services that you need specifically to work because of your disability, such as specialized transportation, service animals, or medical devices. To qualify as an IRWE, the expense must enable you to work, be related to your disability, be paid by you without reimbursement, and be reasonably priced for your community.
If you receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI), Social Security will deduct approved IRWE costs from your countable income when determining your benefit eligibility. For SSI recipients, these deductions are applied after general and work exclusions. For SSDI recipients, IRWE deductions are considered when determining if your work meets substantial gainful activity (SGA) levels.
An expense can qualify as an IRWE even if you also use the item or service outside of work. For example, while an employer might provide an accessible telephone as a workplace accommodation, they wouldn’t provide a hearing aid that you use in all aspects of life. Since the hearing aid enables you to work effectively, its cost could qualify as an IRWE. To claim these expenses, you’ll need to provide proof of payment through signed statements, cancelled checks, or paid receipts.
Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE) are a valuable Social Security Work Incentive that can help people with disabilities transition to the workplace. These are costs for items or services that you need specifically to work because of your disability, such as specialized transportation, service animals, or medical devices. To qualify as an IRWE, the expense must enable you to work, be related to your disability, be paid by you without reimbursement, and be reasonably priced for your community.
If you receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI), Social Security will deduct approved IRWE costs from your countable income when determining your benefit eligibility. For SSI recipients, these deductions are applied after general and work exclusions. For SSDI recipients, IRWE deductions are considered when determining if your work meets substantial gainful activity (SGA) levels.
An expense can qualify as an IRWE even if you also use the item or service outside of work. For example, while an employer might provide an accessible telephone as a workplace accommodation, they wouldn’t provide a hearing aid that you use in all aspects of life. Since the hearing aid enables you to work effectively, its cost could qualify as an IRWE. To claim these expenses, you’ll need to provide proof of payment through signed statements, cancelled checks, or paid receipts.
Your resume and interview performance are crucial first impressions that can make the difference in landing your next job. A strong resume should highlight your contact information clearly, include both paid and volunteer experience, and be tailored to each specific job opportunity. Remember to proofread carefully and regularly update your resume to reflect new skills and experiences you’ve gained.
When it comes to interviews, preparation is key. Research the company beforehand to understand their mission and values, plan to arrive 10 minutes early, and dress appropriately for the workplace environment. Practice answering common interview questions to help you confidently discuss your experience and skills, and prepare thoughtful questions to ask the interviewer about the role and company.
Professional etiquette throughout the process is essential. During the interview, give your full attention by turning off your phone and maintaining good eye contact. Follow up afterward with a thank-you message that reiterates your interest in the position. These small details demonstrate your professionalism and genuine interest in the opportunity, helping you stand out as a candidate.
Source: choosework.ssa.gov
If you receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and are considering work, benefits counseling is a free service that can help you understand how employment will affect your benefits. Through the Ticket to Work program’s service providers, counselors can explain exactly how working impacts your SSDI/SSI, healthcare benefits, housing assistance, and other federal and state benefits.
Benefits counselors are experts who can guide you through Social Security’s Work Incentives, which allow you to transition to work without immediately losing your benefits. They’ll help you understand how to report wages properly to avoid benefit overpayments and can connect you with additional resources you may be eligible for. This personalized guidance is especially valuable as you make decisions about your employment future.
Getting started is simple – just call ERI at (918) 744-6202 to verify your eligibility and learn about service providers in your area. We offer benefits counseling alongside other employment support services to help you succeed in the workforce.
Source: choosework.ssa.gov
Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program offers free employment support for individuals ages 18-64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. This voluntary program connects you with dedicated service providers who help you prepare for, find, and maintain employment while working toward financial independence.
Through the program, you’ll work with either an Employment Network (EN) or your State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency. These providers offer comprehensive services including career counseling, job placement assistance, vocational training, and guidance on how working affects your benefits. Your chosen provider becomes part of your employment team, creating a customized plan to support your journey toward successful employment.
Getting started is simple – just call ERI at (918) 744-6202 to verify your eligibility and learn about service providers in your area. Whether you need career counseling, job training, or long-term employment support, the program’s services are designed to help you achieve your career goals while maintaining the benefits you need during your transition to work.
Source: choosework.ssa.gov
Adrienne, a young woman with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), was approaching high school graduation when her family sought guidance on her transition to adulthood. Through her school guidance counselor, they learned about Social Security’s Ticket to Work program and connected with Pennsylvania’s State Vocational Rehabilitation agency. This led them to Community Integrated Services (CIS), where they received benefits counseling that helped them understand how Adrienne could maintain her Medicaid coverage while working.
Through Project SEARCH, a school-to-work transition program, Adrienne secured an internship as a Departmental Aide in the Human Resources Office at Philadelphia International Airport. She excelled in her administrative role, maintaining the copy room, managing office supplies, organizing files, and supporting various departments. Her strong work ethic and organizational skills quickly made her a valuable team member.
After completing Project SEARCH, Adrienne accepted a full-time position with the city of Philadelphia as a Departmental Aide, eventually trading her SSI benefits for a regular paycheck. The experience has significantly contributed to her personal growth and independence, with her mother noting how work has given her a sense of purpose and self-esteem. Adrienne enjoys her job, particularly helping others and working with her supportive colleagues, and has proven that her disability doesn’t need to limit her capabilities.
Andy is one of seven million Americans living with an intellectual and developmental disability (I/DD), which can affect communication, problem-solving, task management, and social skills. Before finishing high school, Andy and his family learned about Social Security’s Ticket to Work program and Project SEARCH, which help people with disabilities enter the workforce. These programs connected him with various support services, including benefits counseling that helped him understand how employment would affect his SSI and Medicaid benefits.
Through Project SEARCH, Andy secured an internship with Montgomery County Parks Department Fleet Management Services, where his enthusiasm for cars and trucks made him an excellent fit. He started as a steward of vehicle parts, keeping them organized and clean, while receiving on-site job coaching from Seeking Employment, Equality & Community (SEEC) to develop his workplace skills and problem-solving abilities.
Now approaching his 10-year anniversary with the parks department, Andy has become an integral part of the team, with his supervisor praising his positive influence on safety and morale in the workshop. The experience has significantly improved his self-confidence, communication skills, and sense of independence. His mother Jean notes that having a sense of purpose through meaningful employment has helped Andy achieve his personal goals while becoming more self-reliant.
