Ticket to Work

• Ticket to Work is a free and voluntary program for Social Security disability beneficiaries that provides support with returning to work, entering the workforce for the first time or changing jobs.
• The program is for individuals who are interested in working and increasing their financial outcomes, with the ultimate goal of reducing their reliance on benefits.

• Between the ages of 18 and 64 receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and/or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
• Committed to working and achieving employment goals.
• Interested in reducing reliance on disability benefits over time.

• Social Security disability beneficiaries have a symbolic “ticket” that they can choose to assign to a service provider to help them achieve their employment goals.
• Service providers within the Ticket to Work program include Employment Networks (such as the Arlington Employment Center) or Vocational Rehabilitation agencies (in Virginia, DARS and DBVI).
• A “Ticket” can only be assigned to one EN or VR agency at a time.
• Either the Ticketholder or service provider can unassign the Ticket at any time.

• The services and supports offered through the program are personalized and are outlined in participants’ Individual Work Plans (IWPs) along with short and long-term goals.
• Examples of available services and supports include:
  • Benefits counseling to understand the impact of work on Social Security disability benefits and ongoing management while working.
  • Assistance with looking and applying for jobs
  • Creating and/or editing resumes and cover letters
  • Preparing for job interviews
  • Goal setting
  • Regular check-in’s once someone starts working and guidance on workplace questions or concerns
  • Help with identifying and requesting reasonable accommodations

Career advancement counseling

• For individuals in the program who are making what Social Security determines to be timely progress towards achieving their employment goals, no new medical continuing disability reviews will be scheduled.
• The program provides long-term support to help with job retention and can offer assistance with maintaining employment or finding new work.
• It offers an opportunity for beneficiaries who are unsure about employment to have support and test out their ability to work. There is no penalty if someone joins the program and ultimately decides not to work.

• Social Security disability beneficiaries can attend one of our upcoming information sessions to learn more or contact Emily Hoban to speak one-on-one about next steps.
• Once it is determined that the program is the right fit, we will work together to develop an Individual Work Plan (IWP). After it is signed by the beneficiary and our EN, we will notify Social Security to assign the ticket.

• Ticket to Work: Your Path to Work for in-depth information from Social Security about the program.
• Work Incentive Seminar Events to learn more about the impact of work on benefits through monthly webinars from Social Security.
• Social Security’s Red Book for information about the employment-related provisions of Social Security’s disability programs.
• Job Accommodation Network is the expert resource for reasonable accommodations.