Ticket to Work Program
Financial Independence Through Hard Work
Building Self Confidence and Self Sufficiency
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— This program is designed to offer vocational services to individuals that receive Social Security disability benefits.
What is Ticket to Work?
Ticket to Work is a free program through the Social Security Administration that encourages disability recipients to return to work. The Ticket Program expands the vocational services available to people on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and provides additional protections to people’s disability benefits as incentives for them to attempt to return to work. This is not a mandatory program and is strictly voluntary. If someone chooses not to participate, their benefits will not be affected.
— The Ticket to Work program is designed to offer free vocational services to recipients of Social Security disability benefits.
Employment Networks
Employment Networks (ENs), which are generally made up of vocational services, nonprofits, and other entities, provide vocational training, job readiness, resumé writing, and other services to SSDI and SSI beneficiaries. Rather than ticket holders paying a fee for services, ENs are compensated by SSA for certain employment-related Milestones and Outcomes are achieved.
Each EN has its own way of achieving employment. When you choose ERI as your Employment Network, we will work with you to customize the services you need to achieve employment.
Choosing Work Can Change Your Life
There are many benefits to working. ERI can assist you on your journey to achieve your career development and financial goals. The Ticket to Work program and Work Incentives allow individuals to receive training, support, and work experience while still receiving disability benefits. These programs allow you to keep your benefits while you explore employment, receive vocational support and gain work experience.
Career development is the process of choosing a career, gaining experience and knowledge, improving skills, and advancing in your journey. It’s a lifelong process, but it has to start somewhere and the Ticket to Work Program allows individuals with disabilities to get started down the road of independence.
Who is Eligible?
Most SSDI and SSI recipients are eligible for the program, but there are some stipulations and certain individuals might not qualify.
To qualify you must:
- Be between the ages of 18 through 64
- Receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
If you have questions about your eligibility, please contact us today!
While in the program, individuals might be able to use a combination of other work incentives in finding a job. Participating in the Ticket program does not make clients ineligible for other work incentives.
One of the most frequently asked questions is “Will I lose my Medicare eligibility if I participate in the program?” The answer is no. If you are involved in the Ticket Program, you will not lose your Medicare eligibility as long as you continue to receive SSDI benefit payments. There are also work incentives available that allow you to continue your medical coverage when you start to make enough money that you stop receiving SSDI payments.
While in the program, individuals might be able to use a combination of other work incentives in finding a job. Participating in the Ticket program does not make clients ineligible for other work incentives.
One of the most frequently asked questions is “Will I lose my Medicare eligibility if I participate in the program?” The answer is no. If you are involved in the Ticket Program, you will not lose your Medicare eligibility as long as you continue to receive SSDI benefit payments. There are also work incentives available that allow you to continue your medical coverage when you start to make enough money that you stop receiving SSDI payments.
Our Staff and Services
The Bottom Line
The Ticket to Work program assists individuals receiving Social Security disability benefits to eventually decrease their dependence on disability benefits. The program promotes increased self-sufficiency and greater independence through work for people receiving Social Security disability benefits.
Remember, the Ticket program is free and voluntary.
You pay nothing.
Contact Us Today To Get Started
Our focus is your individual needs and helping you succeed.
At ERI, we believe in your power to make choices and supporting you reach your vocational goals.
