Disability: Part of the Equity Equation
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: October 28, 2022
Everyday people with disabilities play an important role in a diverse and inclusive workforce. In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), we’d like to tell you about Amy and her path to financial independence through work.
Meet Amy
Amy has a developmental disability that affects her speech, learning, and social interactions. When she was ready to find a path to financial independence through work, Amy turned to her State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency for help. Amy’s VR counselor told her about Social Security’s Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program.
The Ticket Program supports career development for people with disabilities who want to work. Adults ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) qualify for this free and voluntary program. Through the Ticket Program, service providers offer free employment support services.
Amy had questions about how employment could affect her benefits. Her State VR counselor connected her with Full Circle Employment Solutions. Full Circle is an Employment Network (EN) with benefits counselors on staff who explained how working might affect her disability benefits.
Amy’s benefits counselor also told her about Work Incentives. Work Incentives make it easier for adults with disabilities to enhance their job skills and gain work experience. They do so while receiving Medicaid or Medicare and Social Security or SSI benefits.
With a better understanding of these supports, Amy was ready to explore her employment options. She pursued an internship with Project SEARCH, a training program for young adults with developmental disabilities. Through Project SEARCH, Amy landed an internship that led to a permanent position with her local government.
Amy earned her way to financial independence and no longer receives SSI. Now, she’s a union member, receives benefits through her job, and enjoys the security and stability that come with full-time employment. She’s grateful for the support she received through the Ticket Program and looks forward to building the future she always hoped for.
“This job makes me feel needed and welcomed,” she says. “I have learned about what motivates me and how to keep going, even when things get hard.”
Learn More
To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov where you also can see a list of service providers. Or you can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, and ask for a list of service providers.
You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or you can text TICKET to 474747 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.
Please share this information with friends and family who need it.
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Tags: Disability, General Information, Medicare, social security disability benefits
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Rebecca
I’m 63, have had MS for 31 yrs and am on disability. I know I receive part A for hospitalization, but do I qualify for part B? Was always on hubbys insurance, but now that he’s retiring, I’m left without anything…
A.C.
Hi, Rebecca. Thanks for visiting our blog. Generally, people who receive Social Security disability benefits and are covered under a group health plan from either their own or a family member’s current employment also have a special enrollment period (SEP) and premium rights similar to those for workers age 65 or older. For more information about an SEP, please visit here. For specific questions, you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Maronita
My question is if a a person is on SSDI and don’t have Medicare yet and turn 65 will SSA automatically send them a Medicare card or does the person need to know to apply for Medicare.
A.C.
Hi, Maronita. Thanks for visiting our blog. If the individual is receiving Social Security Disability, they will receive Medicare after you receive disability benefits for 24 months. They will be automatically enrolled in Medicare. We start counting the 24 months from the month they were entitled to receive disability, not the month when they received their first check. For specific questions about their case, and when their Medicare begins, they can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. They can also contact their local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Anita
My question is this. If a person is 100% disabled and they attempt to work a public job : 1} is their benefits taken away? 2} why would their benefits be taken when all they are doing is trying to better themselves< lets face it disability pmts are not enough to live on. 3} how long can a disabled person work and how much can they earn before their benefits are taken away?
I am unfortunetly on disability due to a severe back injury. I recently have been trying to get a job and try to work part time. less than 24 hours a week. probably less than 16 hours a week.
A.C.
Hi, Anita. Thanks for visting our blog. If you are referring to Social Security disability benefits, special rules allow you to work temporarily without losing your monthly Social Security disability benefits. After your nine-month trial work period, we still provide a safety net that allows you to work another three years risk free. During those three years, you can work and still receive benefits for any month in which your earnings do not exceed a certain limit. For 2023 those limits are: $2,460 for blind individuals; or $1,470 a month if you are not blind. For more information about working while receiving Social Security disability benefits, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Michael F.
ssi payments and paydays
Hari K.
Recently a small country has also started giving out Medical Allowance in Nepal for those who are suffering from chronic diseases.
Some say it is a waste of taxpayer’s money while some are happy finally govt helping those who needs.
Brent V.
Im great full to hear this as an individual received Disability at the age of 54 i have worked Farming and Welding My whole life o was just Recently diagnosed with a bone disease in my hip and femur boned..I will be undergoing several surgeries and bone and joint replacements as well as both my knees will have to replaced!! So as i read this article realized that id felt so bad having to get disability payments but i on the other hand had to look at it as I’ve paid into this for many years and i now need it!! So i see it as if you have a need for assistance and it is there for you or others in need just as i needed it!! Glad your country is helping you and others!!
Tracy B.
Good evening Brent, My name is Tracy, I too have bone/joint disease. To date, I have had 12 surgeries. My problems surround both hips and low back, all of which are related to nursing. I am a Registered Nurse, and just can’t wait for 66 and 10 months..I am told my case will be 10 months. Don’t feel bad about receiving money, you paid into the program. However, you will have to fight to get benefits. I had to get an attorney. Good luck and God’s speed.
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Shahbaz
I really Likes your blog, It is very short & upto the point
Johny D.
When I moved to the United States, I was surprised at the level of support for people with disabilities from social support services and businesses. Of course, not all rooms have a sufficient number of programs, but the situation is changing. While reviewing the business ethics essay https://paperap.com/free-papers/business-ethics/ I was surprised how students with disabilities can get an education and find a job in order to feel needed for society and how it resonates at a local business. I am glad that there is a business ethic in society to support people with disabilities.
Josephine D.
Hi I’ve been on SSDI over 15 yrs. and now work almost 35 hours a week and just past my year anniversary at the market.I’m much more healthier and enjoy completing a work day. I’m grateful for the financial assistance but would much rather be apart of growing my financial future.