Disability, General, Medicare

Social Security Celebrates the Americans with Disabilities Act

July 21, 2022 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: August 9, 2022

Man standing This year, we celebrate 32 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). At Social Security, we’re committed to the principles and spirit of the ADA, and the many ways it improves the lives of our beneficiaries. That’s why we’re celebrating and sharing Matt’s story.

As a job seeker who is deaf and needs accommodations, Matt was reluctant to tell prospective employers about his disability. He worried that employers would not hire him if they knew about his disability.

That’s when Matt connected with our Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program. This program supports career development for people ages 18 to 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, approved service providers offer supports and services as participants move toward financial independence through work.

Matt’s service provider told him about the ADA and how it guarantees equal opportunity for people with disabilities and prohibits discrimination in the workplace. It accomplishes these goals through:

  • Anti-discrimination rules that prevent private employers from discriminating against qualified people with disabilities when they apply for jobs.
  • Regulations that require employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities.

Matt and his service provider identified accommodations that would allow him to demonstrate his capabilities both during the application process and on the job. They created a plan for him to disclose his disability and request accommodations.

Since Matt also wanted to know how his employment might affect his benefits, his Benefits Counselor told him about our Work Incentives. These rules and programs make it easier for adults with disabilities to enhance their job skills while maintaining access to benefits.

Matt also learned that our Medicare-Related Work Incentive allows him to pursue a career without worrying about health care coverage. Matt’s Medicare coverage will continue for more than seven years after he begins full-time work, even if his income exceeds the amount to qualify for disability benefits.

And if Matt’s disability interfered with work, he could return to receiving benefits without having to file a new application through our Expedited Reinstatement Work Incentive.

Matt now works full-time as a human resource analyst. Thanks to the ADA, he received accommodations for the interview process and on the job. He also found that the Ticket Program helped him find a path to a better future.

The Ticket Program is here to help no matter where you are on your career journey. To learn more, register for our free webinar, Ticket to Work and Reasonable Accommodations on July 27. For additional information, please visit choosework.ssa.gov.

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  1. Aadam

    Great post! It’s inspiring to read about Matt’s journey and how the Ticket to Work program, along with the protections provided by the ADA, helped him achieve financial independence through work. The program’s support for career development and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities is truly commendable. It’s clear that the Social Security Administration is dedicated to upholding the principles and spirit of the ADA and improving the lives of beneficiaries. Keep up the good work!

  2. Marvin

    Hello to whom it may concern, I’m a 72 year old and I’m a American Citizen, and I have currently receiving Social Security, as well I have a son who lives in another country who is disable, but he is not an American Citizen and he is 52 yrs old, Can I apply for some kind of SSDI Disability benefit for my son well being. Remember I’m an American Citizen. Can you respond As soon as posible please. I would really appreciated. Thank you very much! Marvin

  3. Pamela D.

    I’m on disability and I have to have my husband stay home with me cause I need help during the day with taking baths to fixing my meals. Can he draw under me, I’m 53 and he’s,55

    • Ann C.

      Hi, Pam Thanks for your question. Your spouse may be eligible for benefits when he is at least 62 years of age. For more information about spouse benefits, please visit our Benefits Planner. Also, we do not pay caregivers. However, you may be eligible to receive social services from the state in which you live. These services include free meals, housekeeping help, transportation, or help with other problems. To get information about services in your area and find out if you qualify, you will need to contact your state or local social services or welfare office. We hope this helps.

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