Ticket to Work Puts People Back in the Driver’s Seat
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: August 19, 2021
Social Security encourages people to rejoin the workforce when they are able. Ticket to Work is our free and voluntary program that helps people get vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals, and other employment support services.
This program is for people ages 18 to 64, who are receiving disability benefits, and need support re-entering the workforce or working for the first time. While many disabled individuals are unable to work and may never be able to return to work, we know that some are eager to try working again. Work incentives make it easier to work and still receive health care and cash benefits from Social Security while providing protections if people have to stop working due to a disability.
Social Security works with employment networks to offer beneficiaries access to meaningful employment. Employment networks are organizations and agencies, including state vocational rehabilitation agencies that provide various employment support services. Some services they may help with include résumé writing, interviewing skills, and job leads.
Ticket to Work gives individuals the opportunity to choose from several employment networks. Participants are free to talk with as many employment networks as they want before choosing one. If someone signs an agreement with an employment network, they’ll help the individual develop an employment plan. We’ll review their progress toward achieving the goals of their employment plan every 12 months. If they are making timely progress in their return to work plan, we will not conduct a medical review of their disability during the time they’re in the program.
Many people have successfully completed the Ticket to Work program. Anyone interested in the Ticket to Work program should call the Ticket to Work Helpline toll-free at 1-866-968-7842 (TTY 1-866-833-2967). More information on the program is available online on our Ticket to Work Program page.
Remember, Social Security is with everyone through life’s journey, providing resources that can help people reach their work and retirement goals.
Did you find this Information helpful?
About the Author
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Angela R.
I have a Ticket To Work. I had been working part time from October 2019 to March 2020 but had not yet reported employer info to the Social Security Administration. I did not secure the part time job through the Ticket To Work. Can I apply for unemployment due to layoffs due to Covid-19?
A.C.
Hi, Angela. For information on how unemployment may affect your Social Security benefits, visit here. Additionally, whether you are receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it is important to let us know promptly when you start or stop working, or if any other change occurs that could affect your benefits. Learn more information by reading our publication, “Working while Disabled- How We Can Help.” Thanks!
DAVID S.
I am on ssi. I have a payee. Why haven’t ssi recipients gotten there stlimus money yet? We are the most vulnerable. Yet, we have to wait longer then anyone else. We are dying out here we need our money please help.
Lorraine W.
I am blind and receive SSDI. I have been working and am in my extended work period and have been for quite some time. I just got a lay off notice from my employer due to staff reductions due to COVID. Am I eligible for unemployment while receiving SSDI? How do I keep the amount of unemployment below my SGA of $2110?
Haven’t received my economic impact check either. My SSDI is direct deposited but IRS claims they need my bank info even though they took my tax owed in 2018 directly from my checking account. Was reluctant to fill out bank info on IRS website. Do I need to do anything or just be patient.
Sheila d.
I need to know what I have to do to get my social security I am disabled I’m sick right now I am going to be home again in a couple of weeks if I know what to do I would get it done please help me thank you sheila Crumm Bakersfield California
A.C.
Hi, Sheila. We’re sorry to hear of your health condition. Social Security pays disability benefits to people if they have a medical condition that has prevented them from working or is expected to prevent them from working for at least 12 months. To apply online for disability benefits, visit here. You will still need to complete a Supplemental Security Information (SSI) application at your local office. Once you’ve completed the online disability application, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday to have one of our representatives schedule an appointment for you with your local office to complete your SSI application. Generally, you will have a shorter wait time if you call later in the day. If you need further assistance please contact your local office. We hope this helps.
Jay A.
I am over age 65 and an eligible participant in my employers welfare benefit plan. I would like to continue my High Deductible Health plan and received employer contribution to my Health Savings Account (HSA), but understand I cannot do that because I am eligible for Medicare Part A. Can I suspend my Part A?
L.A.
Hi Jay. Please contact Medicare for information on whether or not you can terminate Part A. You may call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048). You should also contact your local Medicare SHIP (State Health Insurance Program Coordinator) to discuss your health insurance options. We hope this helps.
Carol T.
I have seizures, but I did work in the past until it got worse. I would like to work ”maybe” a few hrs a week IF I can call my Dr into it for I am bored at home. I also need More then $799.00 a month. Prices are going up so quickly BUT not the checks. IF I was able to get a job, would I lose my Medicare. I worry for I need to see my Doctor and NEED my Medications. Do you know what would happen for no one would give someone who works PT. Thank you for your time.
L.A.
Hi Carol. It may be possible for you to work while you are receiving disability benefits. Whether you are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), it is important to let us know promptly when you start or stop working, or if any other change occurs that could affect your benefits. We have programs that may help you with your situation. You can learn more about how work can affect your benefits by reading our publication titled “Working while Disabled- How We Can Help.”
For your security, we do not have access to information about your account on this forum. We do ask that you contact your local Social Security office with questions about your specific case, or you can call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. You will generally have a shorter wait time if you call later in the week. We hope this helps.
michael h.
I can’t sign is as existing nor new. can’t get password through
Ruth A.
Problem: I need a copy of my salary and Medicare for the year of 2018 as I do not have a record of what my Social Security and Medicare payments to me each month is, separated out. I cannot access my online account. Maybe to make it easier, if you could tell me my percentage of Medicare on my monthly check. I can figure what the Social Security is as I have that as a deposit. Just need to know the Medicare amount so I can deduct it from my taxes. Thank you
Barbara A.
My husband and I are 75. For the last few years our benefits have continued to be reduced I claimed disability about 8 years ago (secondary progressive multiple sclerosis) and was collecting about $700, Now I’m down to $460. My husband is also down about $100, Is this because we gave our children money from our 401k thus raising our income?
A.C.
Hi, Barbara. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community to work with their local Social Security office on specific questions about their case. Thanks.
JAMES B.
I am collecting as. I am now 71 and going back to work. Will I be penalized?
V.V.
Hi James. Once you reach your full retirement age, earnings no longer reduce your benefits, no matter how much you earn.
Keep in mind, if you continue to work while receiving retirement benefits, your monthly benefit amount may increase. As long as you continue to work and receive benefits, we will check your record every year to see whether the additional earnings will increase your monthly benefit. If there is an increase, we will send you a letter telling you of your new benefit amount.
Kim W.
Is there any help for a mother & disabled child who have got behind on house payments ?