Beneficiary Fact Sheet

What Is A Ticket?

The Social Security Administration (SSA) issues Tickets to beneficiaries with disabilities. The Ticket can be used to obtain services and support from approved service providers (called Employment Network or ENs) under the Ticket to Work Program. The goal of the Ticket to Work Program is to assist beneficiaries in obtaining employment and working towards financial independence. SSA pays ENs when the beneficiaries they are working with achieve certain milestones and outcomes related to earnings from employment. The program is a free and voluntary service. This means you can use your Ticket if you choose, but there is no penalty for not using it. If you’ve lost or misplaced your Ticket, don’t worry. You do not have to have the Ticket to participate in the program. Simply tell your SSA caseworker or an EN near you that you would like to use your Ticket. If you are interested in working, the Ticket Program may be your key to accessing vocational rehabilitation, training, and placement services, as well as other services and supports to help you reach your employment goals. The program is available for people with disabilities ages 18 through 64 who are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.

While participating in the Ticket to Work Program, you may be able to use a combination of other “Work Incentives” that can assist you in finding a job that is right for you. Using the Ticket to Work does not make you ineligible for other Work Incentives. If your work attempt is unsuccessful, the Ticket to Work Program makes it easy for you to get back on benefits when and if needed.

What Are Work Incentives?

Work Incentives are SSA rules that make it possible for people with disabilities receiving SSDI and SSI to explore work options and still receive benefits until they reach their work goals. Social Security Work Incentives help beneficiaries remove barriers to work by offering support services and providing a safety net to assist beneficiaries in finding meaningful employment and succeeding in the workplace.

One Work Incentive connected to the Ticket to Work Program is the delay of Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs). SSA reviews disability cases periodically with CDRs to see if beneficiaries still meet the medical requirements for disability benefits. In some cases, disability cash benefits will stop based on the results of this review if the beneficiary no longer meets SSA’s requirements for disability. While you are using your “Ticket,” SSA will postpone your medical disability review as long as you are working towards your employment goal.

To learn more about SSA’s “Work Incentives,” check out Social Security’s 2008 Red Book on line at www.socialsecurity.gov/redbook/.

Work Incentive Planning & Assistance (WIPA) Projects

SSA has approved local organizations in every State and Territory to serve as WIPA projects.

• WIPA staff are trained and certified to provide information and planning services about work and Work Incentives to individuals 14 through 64 years old who are eligible for SSDI and/or SSI benefits.
• WIPA staff can answer questions about how part-time, full-time, or seasonal work would affect your benefits.
• WIPA staff can discuss your individual employment goals, assist you in identifying possible barriers to reaching those goals, and help you find the resources or services to overcome those barriers.
• WIPA services are FREE.

Employment Networks (ENs)

ENs are private organizations or public agencies, including State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, that have agreed to provide employment services to beneficiaries with disabilities.

You can contact any EN in your area to see if the services and supports they offer are right for you. Both you and the EN must agree to work together to attain your employment goals. If you need help in choosing an EN, visit www.yourtickettowork.com or call MAXIMUS at 1-866-968-7842 (v), 1-866-833-2967 (tty).

You are free to talk with as many ENs as you choose without having to assign your Ticket. If you have assigned your Ticket to an EN and later changed your mind about working with that EN, you can un-
assign your Ticket and begin working with another EN.

State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies

State VR agencies are ENs that provide a wide variety of training and services to help you return to work, enter a new line of work, or enter the workplace for the first time.

Protection and Advocacy Programs (P&As)

P&As are publicly funded entities that provide protection and advocacy services free of charge to individuals with disabilities.
P&As assist you in obtaining information and advice about receiving vocational rehabilitation and
employment services.

P&As provide advocacy or other related services that you may need to secure or regain gainful employment.

Many P&As administer Client Assistance Programs (CAPs) that assist you in securing services from State VR agencies.

Find your local WIPA, P&A Program or State VR agency at www.socialsecurity.gov/work, click on Service Provider Directory.

Learning More

To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, visit: www.socialsecurity.gov/work, or call MAXIMUS
toll-free at 1-866-968-7842 (v), 1-866-833-2967 (tty).

Social Security Administration
Office of Employment Support Programs
SSA Pub. No. 63-032
ICN 342361
August 2008