Jayme Pendergraft >> Good afternoon, my name is Jayme Pendergraft. And I'm the Director of Communications and Outreach for Social Security's Ticket to Work Program. I'd like to take a moment to welcome you to today's webinar and also introduce my colleague, Derek Shields. He will be today's moderator. Derek has 28 years of experience working in the areas of disability, inclusion, employment, accessibility and reasonable accommodations. Derek has his master’s degree in management and Disability Services from the University of San Francisco. And in addition to his contributions to the Ticket Program, he is also President of ForwardWorks Consulting, and a Co-Founder and Board Advisor of the National Disability Mentoring Coalition. It's now my pleasure to turn the microphone over to Derek.    

Derek Shields >> Jayme, thank you so much for the kind introduction. And I'd also like to share my welcome to everyone for joining today. Today I have the opportunity to serve as your moderator. And we welcome back our guest presenter Ray Cebula. For today's WISE Webinar, titled “Five Frequently Asked Questions about Working While Receiving Disability Benefits.” As Jayme mentioned, I am a member of the Ticket Program Manager Team, and I'll be your moderator. And I'm delighted to be re-joined by Raymond Cebula to serve as our presenter today. And I'll introduce Ray a little bit more appropriately in a moment. Thank you though, for joining us for this very popular session that we tend to hold about once a year, covering the most frequently asked questions that we hear from beneficiaries of Social Security, or ticket holders. Along with the service providers that support them. 

Today we're going to learn, of course, about the Ticket to Work Program. If you're not familiar with that, we'll cover that. And then we'll get into those questions about eligibility and how to connect and participate in the program. But we'll leave that to Ray, as our presenter today, to address those five FAQ's, really help you in either starting your path through work to financial independence, or perhaps you know, continuing education or expanding that path. And as we each have our own employment journey; we hope that you will gather some information today that will better support you in your path to employment. So let's get started by reviewing some of the functions of the platform that we're using, so you can interact and get the most out of today's webinar. 

And with that, we will go through a series of slides to help you. First, you can manage your audio using the audio option at the top of your screen. The audio option is an icon that looks like a speaker. To select speaker from the menu option, as noted in the device speaker image on the screen now. Next, please note that all attendees will be muted throughout today's webinar. When asked how do you want to join the meeting’s audio, please select the device speaker option. This will enable a sound to be broadcast through your computer. Please make sure that your speakers are turned on or your headphones are plugged in in order to access that sound. If you do not have sound capabilities on your computer, or just prefer to listen by telephone, you can do that. Please dial 1-800-832-0736. And then enter the access code, 4189148#. You can also use the join the meeting audio via receive a phone call, as shown in the image on the screen. And entering that same number in access code. 

Now let's review the platform itself. We use the Adobe Connect platform. First, you'll notice different boxes on your screen, they're in different shapes. We call these the presentation pods. This is where the slide deck appears, that's in the largest of the boxes or pods. Below that is an open space. And you can place the captioning pod there. The top right corner is the Q & A pod. Below that is the Web Links pod. We'll talk about all these pods in more detail in just a little bit. But first, let's talk about accessibility. 

If you do need assistance navigating Adobe Connect, an accessibility user guide is available to you, with a complete list of controls. This is at http://bit.ly/adobe-accessibility. The link is also available to you in that Web Links pod in the bottom right of the screen. It's labeled Adobe Connect Accessibility User Guide, that's item number four. You can select that to get that directly. Real-time captioning as I mentioned is also available and is displayed in the captioning pod. This can be placed below the presentation pod in that somewhat empty gray box area. You can show or hide the captioning display. You can also choose the text size and text color combinations to best meet your preferences. To open closed captioning, select the CC option from the top menu bar. The captioning link can also be accessed in the Web Links pod, under the title Web Captioning. That would be captioning for today's webinar at item number five. You can also access captioning online in a separate viewing window. That choice is up to you, and your personal preferences. 

If you're fluent in American Sign Language, and would like to, like support during today's webinar, please follow the link that provides instructions on how to connect with an interpreter through the Federal Communications Commission Video Relay Service. The ASL user guide can be found in that Web Links pod at item number six. 

Okay we are here today to answer your questions. So we want to make sure that you know how to send us those questions. Please do so at any time throughout the webinar by typing them into the Q & A pod. We'll then direct the questions to our speakers during the Q & A portions of the webinar. We have two different points during the presentation for Q & A. So please send us those questions, and we also have the team providing responses throughout. It is important to make sure that you don't ask anything too personal or specific, because we're not prepared to answer your personal questions today. We will provide another resource that you can use to ask those questions. 

If you are listening to by phone, and not logged in, you may ask your questions of us by sending us an email. Send that to webinars@choosework.ssa.gov. Another available resource that we have is these Web Links pods that I've been mentioning. You'll find this pod again in the bottom right corner of your screen and it lists all the resources covered in today's webinar. To access this, just select your topic and then access that resource to learn more. If you're listening by phone, and not logged in, you may email webinars@choosework.ssa.gov for a list of those resources, or you may reference your confirmation email for today's webinar to access that list as well. 

Please do note that Social Security cannot guarantee and is not responsible for the accessibility of external websites. Now we do have archived events and today's webinar is being recorded. A copy of it will be available within two weeks on the Choose Work website. That's available at http://bit.ly/wise_ondemand. This link, as well as others can be found in the Web Links pods. And this is at WISE on demand at item number seven. You might want to explore that to access some of the other WISE events if you missed those. Now we hope everyone does have a great experience today. However, if you experience technical difficulties, our team is available, please use that Q & A pod to send us a message. Or if you need to you can use our email address, webinars@choosework.ssa.gov. 

So now back to the presentation today. As I mentioned my name is Derek Shields, and I am your moderator. Today we have Ray Cebula with us as our presenter. In a minute you'll hear from Ray. But first let me share a few highlights about Ray and his background and career. Ray received his law degree from the University of New Hampshire's Franklin Pierce School of Law. He spent 23 years providing legal services to individuals with disabilities and their interactions with Social Security. Ray then became part of Cornell University's Work Incentive Support Center. And in 2005 joined the staff of Cornell's Yang Tan Institute on Employment and Disability. He now serves as the Program Director of YTI online, Cornell’s Work Incentive Practitioner Credentialing Program. We are delighted to have Ray back with us as our presenter today. And I'll now turn over the platform to Ray to provide an overview of the webinar and then dig into the Five FAQ's. Ray.   

Ray Cebula >> Thank you Derek. It's great to be back with everybody. We are going to, this is one of my favorite webinars. I like these questions. And one of the sad parts about it is that they've been around for the 40 years that I've been working with Social Security recipients. So we had to take every one of these frequently asked questions and urban myths if you will, to heart. And I'll tear them apart today for you. And so what we're going to do today is cover what is Social Security's Ticket to Work Program? Am I eligible for the Ticket Program? How can I participate in the Ticket Program? Can I work while receiving Social Security benefits? And what is Substantial Gainful Activity? So hopefully when we're finished with this, you'll have a really good sense of what these concepts are and can help make a decision about whether you're ready to return to work or not. 

And so what is that Ticket to Work Program? We get questions all the time about what is Ticket to Work. It came about as a result of the Ticket to Work Act in 1999, signed by President Clinton just as he was leaving office. And it provides an overlay to Social Security Work Incentives that allow you to access some really, really valuable services and supports, to help on your journey to work. 

But before we start getting really deep into that, let's talk about the two disability programs that Social Security administers. As you can see on the left column, we have SSDI, Social Security Disability Insurance. And on the right side we have SSI, Supplemental Security Income. They are two incredibly different programs directed at two different populations. Notice the word "insurance" in SSDI. As an insurance program, you have bought and paid for credits that will allow you to become eligible for SSDI, should you need those benefits. You pay for these credits through taxes being withheld. Those FICA taxes that are deducted from your paycheck are buying both insurance status and retirement status. And the other side of that page, SSI, this is Supplemental Security Income. Notice it doesn't say anything about Social Security. It is a needs-based welfare program that is housed and administered by Social Security to provide minimal income to people who have not worked or have not worked enough to have insured status for SSDI. So they have two very different programs. Very important that you know which benefit you're receiving before you consider working, so that the people who can provide you with the support and the planning that needs to be done will be talking to you appropriately about your benefits. 

Sign up for my Social Security account. Speaking of finding out which benefit you're receiving; this is a great thing to do. I have an account. I hope everybody who is working with me has an account. And I hope you all sign up for accounts really, really soon. These are personal accounts. You get your own window into your benefits situation. And you'll be able to tell which benefit you're on, if you have dependents receiving benefits based on your work account, how much money they're receiving. And you can, you know I'm getting close to retirement age. So I am looking at it regularly. To see what's going to happen. If I retire today, what will I be eligible for? What will my spouse be eligible for? Are there any dependents who might be collecting money from me? And it's going to give you all of that information, and more importantly than anything it's going to tell you if you're receiving SSDI or SSI. How much you're receiving and what the status of those payments are. Lots of great information. And I'm telling you right now if you have an account, it's going to be much quicker to move into the planning process. So please go onto www.ssa.gov and get that process going now, so that you'll be ready when you need it. And it's always good to have this type of information. 

So the Ticket to Work Program. I gave you a little introduction of how long it's been around. So it's 24 years now. It's a long, long time. The Ticket to Work Program is free and voluntary. And that's an important part. You don't need to use your Ticket to Work if you don't want to. No harm, no foul. But if you do want to go to work, it's a good option for you because it is going to provide you with extra services. It offers career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security Disability Benefits and want to work. Now there's one little catch to those 18-year-olds. If you're younger than 18, you're determined to be eligible as a child. When you're 18, you're an adult. There's a redetermination review that happens to make sure you meet the adult standard for disability. So before the 18 year old gets a ticket, they're going to have to go through that age 18 review. And how can the Ticket Program help? It can help in a, yeah it's just, I can't tell you how great this program is. It really, really is good. It's going to connect you with those free employment services to help you decide if work, including self-employment is right for you. To help you prepare for work. To find a paid work opportunity. And notice that last bullet, succeed at work. We're not going to just get you a job and say good luck, goodbye. We're going to provide on the job supports that might be necessary for you to succeed. 

We want everybody who is going to work to have a very positive and successful experience. You can learn more at what is Social Security's Ticket to Work Program in the Web Links guide. And this is a self-guided tutorial to take you through the steps of assigning your ticket, what kind of benefits you might get from it. It's a very nice program. Yet you could possibly just need your resume prepared, update that resume to cover the period. Were you out of work on disability benefits? And get some interviews. Get some practice to have those interviews. And get directed to employers in your area that might be hiring. It could be that simple. It could also be getting job coach services while you're on the job, after your vocational rehabilitation experience has ended. So that you're able to keep them. 

So why choose work? Earning a living through employment is not something that everybody can do. By definition, if you're receiving benefits, you have a severe disability. However, once people understand the free services and the supports that are available to them, they often find out that the risks, you know that come with returning to work, come with reduced benefits, come with losing some of your benefits outweighed by the benefits of work. Clearly there's a paycheck. The right planning you can make sure that you will bring in through earnings more than what you're receiving from benefits. 

So there, with the proper plan, taking the proper steps, the risk is really small. You know? But we're going to find out that a lot of people who take that chance and get information are willing to take a chance. You are the only person who can decide for you whether work is the right choice. So regardless of what information you receive, regardless of what kind of planning services you receive, the decision is still in your hands. We're here to give you an informed choice to make. 

Am I eligible for that Ticket to Work Program? If you're aged 18 through 64, as we just discussed, and you receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income you're eligible. You're eligible. These are free services that are provided by Employment Networks, that are provided by VR agencies, Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, to help you get the education you need, get your skills updated. If you're going into computer work, my God that changes every day. So you might have to take a course to get up to speed with today's set ups. But we can help you do all of that. 

How can I participate? A couple of steps. You determine your eligibility for the program. If you need help to determine your eligibility, contact the Ticket to Help, the Ticket to Work Help Line, I'm sorry, at 1-866-968-7842, or for TTY users 1-866-833-2967. Now you're going to find out if you're eligible. And now you need to find a service provider that offers the services you need by using the find help tool. And that is on the Social Security website. In the Web Links pod you'll find a link to that. Or you can contact that Ticket to Work Help Line. So there are a couple of ways of finding out if you're eligible and what types of service. The find help tool can be a little hard at first but after you've used it a few times, it's fairly easy. And you'll be able to make contact with people in your area who can give you specific services. 

You might find an Employment Network that focuses on people with blindness. Well that wouldn't be the one for you to pick if you have a physical disability. But you can home in on the services that are being provided, and that you need to limit your contacts with those providers. Then you've got to contact that provider to determine the steps to create a work plan. Part of this process is pretty much form a little contract like agreement. Saying that yes you and this provider have agreed to work together. Here is the plan that we will take X number of steps and get you back to work. The provider will contact Social Security to let them know that you're working together and that your ticket is assigned to that provider. 

Now the Ticket to Work Help Line is toll free of course, just get questions answered and to support you at the beginning of this journey to work, or if you need new information during that journey. You, again you may not exactly know what benefits you receive. You can call the Ticket to Work line to help line with that question, or you can set up your My Social Security account to do that. That Ticket to Work Help Line is available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. And the number again is 1-866-968-7842 or for TTY users 1-866-833-2967. 
So who can help you achieve your goals? As you're thinking about returning to work and possibly changing your career, you may have lots of questions, and you may need some support. Connecting with a Ticket to Work provider can help you develop achievable goals and create steps to find and maintain employment in your new career. That's very important support service for you. You will know what steps will be necessary. You will know the proper order for those steps. You certainly have the ability to talk with your provider, to rearrange some of those steps if they're not fitting with your progress. Very good services. Very good services. The Ticket Program serves, service providers could help you identify the types of careers you might enjoy or one of the transferrable skills you may have. 

You know, we all have skills. And if I were practicing law and became disabled, one of the first questions we have to figure out is what kind of skills have I got to transfer to a new job? And what kinds of jobs are available in my local area? So you got to look, take an inward look at yourself. Even if you've never worked before, what type of skills do you have? We all develop living skills and there's a lot that can be transferred to the workplace. Never undersell yourself. Your employment team, there is a team here who is going to work with you. And you can have every one of these members or a couple of them. Whatever you need to get yourself on that journey to work. 

So these providers are Employment Networks, Workforce Employment Networks, state VR agencies, Vocational Rehabilitation agencies. Many states have a separate agency for people with blindness, but calling the state agency will get you there. Work Incentives Planning and Assistance. Those are the benefits planners who will help you determine as you're returning to work, what will happen to your benefits? And show you that at every step of the way, there's going to be more money at the end of the month than remaining on benefits only. 

And then the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security, the PABSS Program. It is the legal end of this program. If you do encounter the need for legal services, on that journey to work. For instance, in job discrimination, maybe you're an interviewer and the employer, your perspective employer asks some very inappropriate questions. PABSS may be able to help you with that. How do I request a reasonable accommodation? The PABSS agency can talk to you or help you request that reasonable accommodation. 

Now let's talk about each a little bit more. An Employment Network or EN is a private or public organization that has an agreement with Social Security to provide free employment services to people who are eligible for tickets. We talked about that, the 18 to 64 and receiving SSDI or SSI. You know many state public workforce systems, such as the American Job Centers are workforce EN's. The other EN's are again, small, public or private or sometimes a little bit larger programs that can also assist you because of that agreement with Social Security. The American Job Centers, I just want to give them a plug here. That's a great place. They really are great at providing you with assistance to build resumes. With assistance to find who is hiring in your area. All kinds of free access to computers so that you can start working on that resume or do some searches as to what types of education you might need to get, or what kinds of skills you need to ramp up so that you're able to do things four or five years ahead into the future. And to hone those skills so you're able to enter the workforce now. 

So how can working with an EN help you? I hope I've shared a little bit of information about that. But services and supports are designed to help you on the path to financial independence through work and may include identifying your work goals. You know, I work with lots of people who just don't know what they want to do or what they can do. And you really, again have to look inward and find out what types of skills you have. Whether you've worked in the past or not. We all have skills that we can bring to a workplace. So we need to look at focus on what is available to us, and what we can do. 

You know, writing your resume. As I've said many times my resume, the last one I created was about 25 years ago. And they don't look the same as they did 25 years ago. I would need help getting a resume put together if I were to seek a new job. Preparing for interviews, sounds like an interview is a simple enough thing. But you know, if your perspective employer asks you if you have any questions for them, you got to be prepared for that. You got to have some good questions. You ask questions about how their business operates, ask questions about what your potential for promotions, etc. might be. Ask a little bit about their operations. 

How about requesting those reasonable accommodations? As a person with a disability, you may need an accommodation. You may need a standing desk or one that's adjustable so you can sit and stand at will. That's something you could request. And the question is are you ready to have that discussion with your employer. If you're not, your Employment Network can have that discussion with you, suggest how you might ask for it. The PABSS program could potentially have that discussion with you and the employer. And receiving benefits counseling. I think it's very important that you are aware when in the future your benefits will be affected. And what your financial situation looks like as those benefits are being affected. And how long are you going to keep those healthcare benefits? Those are going to be critically important as you move into the work world. We'll get good news for all of that. We got good news for all of that. But benefits planners can help you determine exactly when things will happen. Better now than be surprised. 

State VR, the Vocational Rehabilitation agencies in your states. Big agencies. They tend to be the agencies that will get you that two or four year degree or get you some education or vocational training. They provide a wide variety of services to help people with disabilities return to work, enter new lines of work or enter the work force for the first time. The State VR agency may offer benefits counseling and may also be able to help you with vocational training or training in education. I missed that first one, Vocational Rehabilitation. So that you are work ready. And then potentially education and training for the specific job that you want. Again, some states have a separate agency to serve individuals who are blind. But calling the general state agency will certainly get you where you need to be. 

So how can working with a VR agency help you? They usually work with individuals who need more significant services. You know their pockets are a little deeper than the small private Employment Networks. In some states this includes intensive training, education or rehabilitation. I like to say the more education that you have, the more you can sit down. And if I were a construction worker, and injured myself severely, so that I could not do that heavy type of work… More education in the construction field, in the business aspects of that might allow me to get back to work in the same industry that I was working with prior to my disability. And they also provide career counseling, job placement assistance, as well as counseling about how earnings from work will affect your benefits. 

You know it's always good to make sure that you're asking questions all the way through this process. Particularly when it comes to what's going to happen to your benefits. And if you need a benefits counselor, or want that service, by all means the VR people can get you to those people. Notice, everybody is connected here. And we can all get you to the services that you need. 

Work Incentive Planning and Assistance projects, the WIPA Programs. WIPA programs are funded by Community Work Incentive Coordinators, or CWIC's and they provide free benefits counseling to working or self-employed Social Security Disability beneficiaries, about how earnings will affect your SSDI, your SSI, your Medicare, your Medicaid or other public benefits you might have: SNAP or food stamp benefits. You might have public housing. All of these benefits are going to be impacted by earned income. It's really important that you know what that impact is and when it will occur, so that you're able to prepare for it. 

They're going to have… help you understand Social Security Work Incentives. And how they apply to you. There are dozens of Work Incentives out there. And you don't want to miss them. They're very beneficial, exclusions or deductions, not to count all of your income for Social Security purposes. To keep that buffer going. They basically help you with a comfortable transition from benefits to financial independence. They're going to explain the potential benefits of employment and dispel these myths that are out there about working. Truth of the matter is if you go to work you are not going to lose everything immediately. It's going to take a long time before you lose benefits. And we want you to understand that it is a safe choice to make. 

For general information about Work Incentives and if you are working at any level, to be referred to a WIPA service in your area, call that Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or for TTY users 1-866-833-2967. And remember you also have that find help tool. You can find your WIPA agencies there as well. 

The Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security, the PABSS Program. That was my last legal job before I joined the staff at Cornell. And what we did was provide free legal assistance to people who received Social Security benefits based on disability and have disability-related employment issues. The PABSS services include legal support, yeah I might have a discussion with you. This is how to request that accommodation and these are your rights while you're being interviewed, and making these types of requests, or advocacy services. If you're not provided with that reasonable accommodation, I might have to talk to your boss. And we might have to do other things if that boss isn't going to cooperate with us or give you information about resolving employment related concerns, if Social Security issues, Employment Networks, state rehab agencies. 

Every once in a while, there's going to be a glitch, you know? The road to work can have a pothole. But please know that between your Employment Networks, between the Social Security Administration, between PABSS and WIPA. Yet you have somebody to help navigate those potholes. Or, if you hit one, help you advocate your way out of this issue and resolve that issue, so that you can get back on the journey to work. 

How to find the service provider. We've told you this early and often, and we're going to continue to tell you this. For a list of all of the providers in your area, you could contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7843 or for TTY users 1-866-833-2967 Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or you can use that find help page. If you get onto the Social Security Administration's website, or go into that Web Links pod, you'll find that find help page. Easy enough to type in www.ssa.gov/findhelp and you'll get to it. you can search by zip code. You can search by the services that these employment providers can give you. Some focus on particular types of disability. If you want somebody, if you do have blindness and you want somebody to, who is an expert at working with people who are blind, by all means that's a great search. And that's going to get you the results you want. 

How about the languages spoken? If you would prefer to speak in your native language, by all means you can search for an Employment Network or any of the other people we've talked about, the services we've talked about to get your services in a language that you're more comfortable speaking. And the provider type. You're going to find me on there. And I'm on the site a lot to try to help people find people in their areas as well. But if I want to go in there and find you your state PABSS agency, I'm going to click that box that says PABSS. Because I'm not going to see the EN's, the workforce EN's or the VR agencies, or the benefits planning agencies. I'm only going to see the PABSS agencies. So if you limit that search to what you're looking for, where you're looking for them, you're going to get a much shorter list and a much more precise list to meet your needs. All right Derek, that brings us to the first Q & A box.   

Derek Shields >> Thank you Ray, this is Derek. Thank you for covering these first frequently asked questions and for providing some really helpful details, certainly about different service providers that can help as you were just going through them. Now I'm going to start off by answering the question for everybody. It's a common one, but I want to make sure that folks know that. We were asked a couple times are these materials available afterwards. Like the slides. And as I mentioned a recording is available on the Choose Work website, under the website webinar area. And the WISE on demand. You can also access the presentation slides there, in a couple formats. So you can get the slides and the recording of this entire session at Choosework.ssa.gov and go to the webinars on demand section. All right, so with that we did have some questions come in, as usual. And I want to cover a couple. You started out discussing a little bit about the Social Security Disability Benefits, the disability insurance and the Supplemental Security Income. Somebody asks, how can I know whether I'm receiving SSI or SSDI? They're just not sure. Can you review that again for them please?  

Ray Cebula >> Sure. If you're not sure, by all means call that Ticket to Work Help Line; that's one way to do it. And I have those numbers some place. But I'll read them to you again. You've heard them four times. But call that number. They can tell you pretty immediately. If you've got a Social Security notice hanging around the house, the top of that page is going to tell you which benefit you're receiving. And last but not least, set up a My Social Security account. Those accounts are going to give you really quick and easy access. You'll get your own password, your own username. It's incredibly secure. And you'll be able to keep track of your benefits that way. So there are several options for you.   

Derek Shields >> Thanks Ray. This is Derek again. Yeah it sounds like choose the option that's right for you. But definitely reach out and connect there. Another question we have is do I need to use the Ticket Program to find work? What if I find a job on my own and can I just apply?   

Ray Cebula >> You certainly don't need the Ticket. I said that this program was free and voluntary. If you're able to locate a job that you want on your own and get that job, you don't need to use the Ticket for that purpose. But there is other, there are other reasons for you to use that ticket. You might get a job and find out maybe I should know something about how my benefits are going to be impacted by this new job. So you might want to go to benefits planning services to figure that out, so you're aware of what's going to happen down the road. It could be that you want to work with an Employment Network. Maybe you're finished with VR. The State VR Agency and they have closed your case. But you're thinking you're having that job coach, for just a few more months might help. Employment Network. And maybe the Employment Network will be able to provide those job coaching services. While you're on the job working, to be able to keep you at that job. So you don't need it to start, you don't need it to find a job. But you may find some of these services available to you, after you found your own job.   

Derek Shields >> Thank you Ray, this is Derek again. We have two questions. You went through when we think of the FAQ's, you covered what is Social Security's Ticket Program? Am I eligible for the program? And how can I participate? The third one, how can I participate? We've had a couple questions around that. So can the Ticket Program support folks who haven't worked before? That's the first one. What about those who are listening?   

Ray Cebula >> Absolutely Derek. It's very important. We were having a discussion just the other day about this. And we often call these services return to work services. And it was one of those lightbulb moments the other day where I said these words really matter. This isn't a return to work only program. This is most certainly available to people who have never worked in the past. You know, consider transition age youth. Somebody between 16 and 24 years old. They really haven't had an opportunity to work. But maybe finding them a paid work experience during the summer. You know, it puts them on the road selecting that first job that they may want to accept. And maybe your disability has prevented you from working, or you thought it prevented you from working. And you realize that I really want to give this a try. And you've never worked before. By all means I want you to look inside, because you've got skills, you've been surviving. So you have at least survival skills. You've got many more than that. What part of those skills can you bring to a job? This program is available to everybody who has a benefit and wants to work.   

Derek Shields >> This is Derek again. Thanks for that Ray. I really appreciate you mentioned transition age youth. You know the Ticket Program, we covered eligibility when you turn 18, that group can reach out to those Employment Networks. They're ready to support. And one of the best sayings I've ever heard is you know, work early, work often. So we can support young people into positions and they're more likely to lead to other positions. So when you think about that, and you think about part time and full time work, there's a couple questions out there like you know, do I have to work full time, or as I try work for the first time, might I ramp into this with a seasonal position or part time work? What about that?   

Ray Cebula >> Absolutely. Yeah, the goal of the program is to see you leave the benefits programs, to see you as a financially independent worker. But that, there are lots of things you have to go through to get there. You know, as Derek said, work early and work often. He sounds like my father. And that's exactly what I do. You know, and there were lots of jobs that I had when I was a kid and when I was going through undergrad and going through law school that I would never choose to go back to. But they were jobs that got me through school, ended up getting me the jobs that I have now. 

So there are lots of ways to do this. And starting seasonally that's a great thing. Maybe you're really into gardening. Maybe you're really into plants. I love to spend time in my garden. Well okay. I can do that. I know a little bit about plants. But maybe if I try to work during the summertime, I can determine how much capability I have to work. How many hours am I going to be able to work? What am I going to be able to do during that job? The things I can or can't do that are in that job description. And potentially, during the wintertime if I want to continue to work, I work in a garden center that's open all year round. And maybe get some more involvement with the business part of it. So that's a great, that's actually a great example, Derek. Start seasonally, a job you like. A job you're interested in. And that could potentially turn into a part time or a full-time job. Part time and full time, it's what your capacity is. You know, rather than do I have to work full time. you don't have to do that if you're unable to do that or you choose not to. But you know we're going to give you information to help you make that choice.  

Derek Shields >> This is Derek again. Thanks for that Ray. Understanding that the ultimate goal of the program for those that can do it, is to get the full-time employment and then eventually eliminate the reliance on the benefits. Like you say, however when you say earning a paycheck that will be more than what you're receiving on benefits. But as it happens, when we do these Q & A's, time flies by. So I'm going to turn this back to you, so we can continue and hear from you about these next two FAQ's. So keep going Ray. Thanks.   

Ray Cebula >> All right, thank you Derek. Okay, can I work while receiving Social Security Disability Benefits? Of course you can. Of course you can. The answer to this question is that you may be able to, you know? You can. The question is how comfortable are you? It depends on everybody's circumstances. So if we got 500 people listening in today, we have 500 different situations that we have to develop. That's what all of these employment team members are. Social Security wants to help you get started or return to the workforce without having to worry about your benefit status. 

We've got a new focus for you now. You got to focus on getting to work, learning your job and succeeding at work. And we don't want you to have to worry about the benefits as well. The Ticket to Work or other Work Incentives are in place to help you see if work is right for you. It's going to be a lot of learning going on, as we progress into the workplace. And there is some balancing, but we want you to have that information that you need to make choices. Your earnings from work will affect your disability benefits, but Social Security has many safety nets. Work Incentives that are in place to help you. And those planners that we mentioned are there to tell you if you do X, Y is going to happen. But if it doesn't work out, there's a safety net for you. You can get back into the benefits program easier. And every step of the way you'll see there are safety nets for you. And it can be very, very comfortable. 

You know, whether you're looking for a job for the first time or returning to work after an injury or illness, Work Incentives can help you transition to work and progress towards financial independence. Social Security Benefits are limited. You know whether you're on SSDI or SSI, and you know work from employment isn't as limiting as that. It's going to provide you with more. And more money provides you with more choice. It provides you with better options, it gets you spending money in the community. Gets you more active. It's all good. And we want you to at least try. At least try to get there. 

So the Work Incentive spotlight. The Trial Work Period. This is the first Work Incentive that is available to people who receive SSDI. Now if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance, your Trial Work Period or TWP allows you to test your ability to work for at least nine months. Yeah, this is a great program. Yeah you can work for nine months. They don't have to be consecutive. And there will be no impact on your benefits. You'll receive a full SSD benefit, SSDI benefit regardless of how much you earn. As long as you report your work activity and continue to meet the disability rules. 
So if I'm receiving $1,700 in SSDI and I have Medicare, I can go to work in March, starting March 1, which is right around the corner, and earn $5,000 a month. I receive all of my $1,700 cash benefit and Medicare coverage. If I'm earning $5,000 a month, I'm probably doing a whole lot of work. But during those nine months, if I realize I'm working too much, and I'm not physically or mentally able to keep this pace up, I can adjust my earnings down. A little less work. And help find that balance. Where is that sweet spot, where you're able to work at your maximum capacity and maintain both the job and your well-being? That's what we're trying to find out. And that nine-month period can help you do that. It's a great, great Work Incentive.

So how is that period calculated? The TWP continues until you accumulate nine months. I said they were not necessarily consecutive, within a 60-month period. And that period continues to roll on. As you work in March of this year, March five years ago falls off the radar. Little confusing, but you'll get the hang of it once you're doing it. Social Security uses the amount that you have earned in a month before taxes. So it's your gross wages. To decide if that month counts as a Trial Work Period. 
In 2024, if you earn $1,110.01 you have used a trial work month. If you are self-employed, if you worked 80 hours in a month, you're considered to have used a Trial Work Period. Or they're going to look at your income, how much actual income do you have? We all know that if you start your own business and you're self-employed it could take several months of hard work before your business starts making a profit and is able to pay you a wage. So we're calling those service months. You either earn more than $1,110 or work more than 80 hours in self-employment. 

Learn more about that Trial Work Period or TWP. Take a look at our Trial Work Period fact sheet in the Web Links pod. To learn more about this period, the TWP and about other Work Incentives that are available when you complete that Trial Work Period. 

The next phase of Work Incentives is called the Extended Period of Eligibility. And that's a period for 36 months where you will receive your full check if your wages are below that $1,110 figure, $1,110 or if your self-employment ever is below 80 hours. 

Substantial Gainful Activity. That's a big term. So what is SGA? And how does it apply to you? It's a very important part of the SSDI Program. Social Security uses Substantial Gainful Activity to describe a level of work activity and earnings. If you receive it, SSDI, Social Security uses Substantial Gainful Activity to determine if you're eligibility for benefits continue after you return to work. And complete the Trial Work Period. So this is a difference between TWP and EPE when Substantial Gainful Activity kicks in, we're looking at whether or not you're eligible for cash and healthcare on a monthly basis. Social Security compares monthly earnings to set amounts known as earnings thresholds to evaluate your work activity. Now this is not gross wages. This is your gross wages and think about discounting that gross wage to what's called accountable wage. You know, and there are a lot of things that can be subtracted. And we'll talk a little bit about those to get you down to that countable income level. To determine if you are performing substantial gainful activity. 

Now the amounts that are set for 2024, you know if your disability is other than blindness, Substantial Gainful Activity threshold is $1,550.01. Social Security specifies a higher SGA for statutorily blind individuals and people who receive SSDI on that basis have the Substantial Gainful Activity level of $2,590.00. So that's going to be a separate category for people with blindness rather than those with other disabilities. So that's a whole lot of information to have. Just think about TWP, that Trial Work Period as gross wages. Think about Substantial Gainful Activity and that Extended Period of Eligibility as Substantial Gainful Activity which is countable wages. 

And we always have success stories. And these are some of my favorite parts of all of these presentations. I always like to talk about people who have tried and succeeded. Hazel's story. In high school Hazel began experiencing sudden mood swings and had difficulty controlling her emotions. She was later diagnosed with multiple mental health conditions. And after years of struggling with mental health and addiction, Hazel found the support she needed to create a path to recovery and financial independence. Hazel began working part time at Polaris House, a clubhouse community dedicated to helping its members recover from mental health illnesses. She then found counselors who helped her apply for SSDI. When she was later offered full time work at Polaris House, she began to wonder, how are these earnings going to affect her benefits? She also wondered what would happen if her disability interfered with her work after she no longer received SSDI. All great questions and things she should know while she's making this choice to work full time. 

As Hazel weighed the risks and rewards of full-time work, a counselor at the Employment Network told her about the Ticket to Work Program. Hazel learned she was eligible for a ticket and assigned her ticket to her Employment Network. With the help from her Employment Network, Hazel learned she would not suddenly lose her benefits. Because of that nine-month trial work period she would have time to determine how full-time employment worked for her. In addition, because of another Work Incentive called Expedited Reinstatement, if Hazel had to stop working due to her disability within five years of her benefits stopping, she could request to have her benefits reinstated without completing a new application. Expedited reinstatement changed the game. No need to go back and start with scratch on a new application. You can file an expedited reinstatement request to get your benefits back fairly quickly. 

So Hazel had SGA. It's been nine years since Hazel took those first steps into Polaris House, into the Polaris House kitchen as a volunteer. She no longer receives SSDI and earns above SGA. She has since traded her SSDI benefits for a larger paycheck. She's overcome her addiction issues. She's learned how to manage her mental health and help countless others find their way. Good for Hazel. She's sharing her experience with other people. Hazel uses lessons from her own experience to provide authentic and effective guidance to other Polaris House members. Where somebody who actually does benefits planning counseling, I can tell you that I can give you the correct information. But if I have someone like Hazel who can tell you, yes this is correct. And this is how I succeeded; Hazel is a Godsend for those people. And again, good for Hazel. So Hazel's view of her financial independence:
"For the first time in my life I don't have to depend upon the government check. I pay my own bills. I drive my own car. I have my own place. I have people who need and appreciate me, the respect of the community and I have integrity. I am proud to say I can afford that.”  
Yeah. It's a really great success story. And you know when this comes available online, we can look at the slides again, just read Hazel's success story and know that with the proper supports, you can turn yourself into a great working success story. Okay, Derek questions again?   

Derek Shields >> This is Derek again. Thank you, Ray. Appreciate you going through the fourth and fifth frequently asked question for everybody there. And then summing it up with Hazel's success story. A couple comments before we get to the next questions. Ray mentioned you can check out Hazel's success story when it gets online. It is online, along with a lot of other success stories. And we encourage you if these things kind of help motivate you, and you want to see if there's other stories out there that are similar to yours, you can go to the Choose Work website. Choosework.ssa.gov right at the top select success stories, and you can search through. Hazel's story is there. And that's a great one. Congratulations to Hazel and thanks to all of the employment support team members that helped Hazel achieve her employment objectives. 

All right Ray, I do have some questions for you. I just want to remind folks as questions are coming in, we're not able to answer very personal questions in this type of environment. We do encourage you to reach out to the Help Line, and we'll provide that information before we wrap up one more time. For personal questions we again, encourage you to call the Ticket to Work Help Line. All right Ray, we have one that came in that kind of goes back to the service provider. So I want to ask you this one, and then we'll get into the next FAQ related questions that came in a little bit later. There's a couple individuals that are working with their state’s department of Vocational Rehabilitation agency. So they're currently working with them and they're wondering if they are able to work with an Employment Network too, is that possible? 

So I've just received a message that we've lost connection with Ray. As that gets re-established, I'll do some Q & A with myself. And I appreciate our technical team trying to re-establish that connection. So the first question that was addressing, I'll repeat it because of this interruption. If somebody is working with the state Vocational Rehabilitation agency, can they work with an Employment Network as well? And with that, it's important to note that you can. But you cannot work with them at the same time. So it would be a consecutive or follow-on service. So work with your Vocational Rehabilitation agency and then when you're done, you can transfer your ticket over to the Employment Network. Sometimes that's through a program called Partnership Plus. Other times it's just you moving to another service provider as part of your employment team. So the answer is yes, but not at the same time. 

All right, the next question is as we await Ray's return, that we have, that came in. It's about healthcare. And using healthcare coverage. And this was around question number four, when we were talking about those. Can I work while receiving Social Security Disability Benefits? Ray went through that. Ray mentioned that there's a lot of myths out there. He said that at the onset. I'm going to go through these five FAQ's and try to dispel one of the myths. And the question is will I lose my healthcare right away? I've heard that, is it true? You know a lot of people believe it. But the entire program, the Ticket to Work Program was designed along with other Work Incentives to allow working not to equate to losing access to federal or state healthcare benefits. All of these protections were designed and put in place, like the Ticket Program and the other Work Incentives that Ray was talking about. So those are discussed in order for you to know what's real. And let's dispel those myths. 

So there's a lot of Work Incentives out there. And we encourage you to, if you're interested in learning more about them, you can read more on the Choose Work website. You can access other on demand sessions about Work Incentives specifically related to healthcare, like Medicaid or Medicare. And we have a fact sheet on it, Medicare and Medicaid employment supports. And it's in the Web Links pod. I'll also note that next month we are going to do a session on this very topic. So if you're interested in diving deeper into how you can retain your healthcare benefits as you transition to work, we would welcome you to register and attend that as well. 

So lots to consider there, but let's dispel that myth. You can keep your healthcare coverage, in some cases for years. So a lot of opportunity there. I got a note that our technical team is trying to figure out how to bring Ray back. Until then, I'll keep rolling and answering your questions. The next question is it's a little bit long, but I'm going to read it. I've been feeling fairly good lately. I've been here before, and then my disability returns and gets much worse. What happens if I no longer receive benefits? I go off of them, like Ray said, because I'm earning money from work. But I'm not able to work then. It took me a long time to start receiving benefits and I can't wait that long again. So the question is, if I'm successful and then my disability rises up again, well, can I get back on it? And the answer is there is the Expedited Reinstatement Work Incentive. And it's specifically designed to give folks a safety net in this situation. So if you feel confident to go to work full time, and everything is going great, and then you kind of have a return or onset of a disability that limits your ability to have that capacity to work. You'll be able to start receiving benefits again without waiting. It is another one of the myths that are out there. So we'd like to dispel that as well today. But the key there is understanding the Work Incentives. You got things like the Trial Work Period. You also have things like Expedited Reinstatement. Some help you onboard to work. Some help you as you are working return to benefits without waiting. So get to know Expedited Reinstatement. 
Again, you can learn more about that on the Choose Work website. We have information for you there. It happens quickly. And you don't have to go through that waiting process. And it allows for you to have confidence. To know that if you're going to try work and work full time, then you can fast track back. I'm also aware that in the Web Links pod, we should have a Work Incentives link. There is number 14, that's the Expedited Reinstatement web link. And then there's a Trial Work Period one. We would encourage you to look at those. I'm also looking to get the number for the more general one. So I would encourage you to read that expedited reinstatement one. And go to choosework.ssa.gov for more information about other Work Incentives and links to things that would give you more details, like Social Security Red Book. 

All right, we have another question that came in around the success story. Specifically, you mentioned that Hazel assigned her ticket. I don't understand what that means. Explain. So when Hazel assigned her ticket, it's referring to when you as an eligible participant and an Employment Network agree to work with each other. You do what we call assigning your ticket to the EN. So that's, as a ticket holder suggesting that I'd like to assign my ticket and then the EN agreeing to receive it. And that's the act of ticket assignment. It's a mutual agreement. And you or the EN can agree to change, agree to change your stance. You can then get a new EN if you want. So that's something to be aware of as you go through ticket assignment. With that, I do think that we have Ray coming back online. Let me just confirm that. Ray, are you back with us?   

Ray Cebula >> I am back, yes. For some reason the whole system just dropped me.   
 
Derek Shields >> Well that's okay. We're still pleased to have you with us for of course the presentation portion. I went ahead and have been answering some of the questions that have come in. And we have a couple more minutes yet. So if you don't mind I'll ask the next couple questions of you. But I want to go back to the one that I was talking about, to get your, your thoughts on it too. Specifically, the question was about, if I go to work full time, it took me forever to get on benefits. What happens if I need to get back on benefits again? So he's talking about Expedited Reinstatement. You've been in the field a long time. You know the value of the Work Incentives and dispelling this myth. Is there anything that you would like to share about somebody who is concerned about going to work full time? And not being able to get back on the benefits?  
 
Ray Cebula >> Yeah absolutely. You don't need to be overly concerned about that at all. Expedited Reinstatement was really a game changer. Because many people thought the same thing that you're thinking. I had many people say, but what happens? It took me so long to secure these benefits. If this job doesn't work out, am I going to have to apply again and wait that long again? And the answer is no. Expedited Reinstatement will allow you protection, five years after your benefits have been terminated. There isn't another social service program anywhere, that watches you after you've been terminated. But Social Security is watching. And they're ready if your income either drops below that Substantial Gainful Activity number or you have to stop working completely. To open that door really quickly, and you'll be getting provisional benefits for the first six months. While Social Security is determining if you're eligible for reinstatement. Those benefits will never be an overpayment. So for those first six months, while they're making the decision, you're covered. The vast majority, and I mean the vast majority of people who apply for expedited reinstatement, get it. And are back in pay status. And it would only be after five years after the date you're terminated, that you would have to look at a new application. So there's lots of protection.   

Derek Shields >> This is Derek again. Thanks Ray. And it's good to have you back, and you're quite clear. So as folks, as we go to wrap up. I want to ask you; you know you go through these five frequently asked questions. You talk to a lot of employment team service providers, and you've heard from a lot of beneficiaries and ticket holders. What are some final thoughts about addressing these FAQ's and encouraging people to really move forward if they're interested in exploring what work looks like? Anything that you would like to close with?  

Ray Cebula >> You know there are lots of myths out there and misunderstandings. And as I've always told people the street talks louder than all of us. And if you're hearing that you're going to lose all of your benefits, as soon as you begin working, please know that's not true. It just isn't. Benefits planners are there. Social Security is there. The Employment Networks, the VR agencies, all of them are going to tell you no that's not true. The benefits planners can put that in writing for you. You know this is what will happen if you return to work today and earn $3,000 a month. Isn't that something you'd want to know before it happens? So we can prepare you and allow you to prepare for the time when benefits might not be paid to you. And show you that even though what cash benefit might not be coming in, that you have more money than you did when you weren't working. People are there to help. If that Expedited Reinstatement application takes a little bit longer than it should, the benefits planner can make a call. The PABSS agency can make a call, and let Social Security know, Joe needs some help now. This employment team doesn't just get you a job. This employment team gets you a job and does everything it can possible do to make you a successful worker. So you can do this. 

Somebody asked a question earlier Derek, can I get a job on my own? Absolutely you can get a job on your own. But some of these services that Ticket to Work can provide you are pretty good, even if you found your own job. So you might want to play the game with your employment team. Just so they're there. What happens when Mr. Walmart calls and says, hey I'd like you to work 10 hours a week more during the holiday season. That's going to change up your whole plan. So let's talk to that benefits planner and say okay, can you do the math with me again to see if this is worthwhile? And make sure this isn't going to disrupt my plan that's in place. We're always there to help you until you are able to tell us goodbye.   

Derek Shields >> This is Derek again. Ray thank you very much for these closing thoughts and words of encouragement to folks. And speaking of saying goodbye, it's that time. I'd like to thank you for presenting with us today on Five FAQ's about working while receiving disability benefits. We certainly appreciate your expertise and recommendations for today's attendees.   

Ray Cebula >> Always a pleasure my friend.   

Derek Shields >> Thank you. All right. So now to wrap up. We've learned a great deal today about how work will affect your Social Security Disability Benefits. And as you've learned through the Five FAQ's, there are the Ticket to Work Program employment team members out there. The service providers that are ready to assist and all the other resources that we have available. To get started, we do have a few suggestions. And as I mentioned, with those personal questions we highly encourage you to contact the Ticket to Work Help Line. You can reach that, as we've said, through our toll-free numbers. 1-866-968-7842 or for TTY users you can call 1-866-833-2967. That TTY line is a phone number for people who identify as deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability and use a text telephone to make and receive calls. Those numbers are available Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time. 
Second there's the alternative to the Help Line, you can visit us online at the Ticket to Work website at any time at Choosework.ssa.gov. As I mentioned there's a variety of resources out there. There's WISE on demand for other course content. There's also the success stories, and a lot of other useful things. We have a really good tutorial that takes you through all of the EN services that Ray covered. You can also access the find help tool, that's at choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp. 
Ray described it earlier; you could put in your preferences and find employment service team providers that meet your needs. You choose how to connect with us. The important part is that you get started and reach out and make that connection. 

So on how to connect, you can also find us in a few other ways. You can visit us on social media or subscribe to the Choose Work blog and there's some email updates. Visit us at choosework.ssa.gov/contact. This link is also in the Web Links pod under the Ticket to Work contact information. 

Next, we encourage you, if you want to get advice and encouragement and read stories about people that have achieved financial independence like Hazel, you can opt in to receive text messages from us. If you're interested in receiving those text messages from the Ticket program, please text ticket, T-I-C-K-E-T to 1-571-489-5292. By doing that, you'll be added to the text messaging updates that send out. Please know that standard messaging rates may apply. You can also of course reach us via email too at support@choosework.ssa.gov. 

As I mentioned, our next webinar is scheduled for March, it's March 27 from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The topic will be “How Will Work Affect My Medicaid or Medicare?” So if you're interested in works impact on healthcare benefits, please register. Registration is now open and available at choosework.ssa.gov/WISE. You can also, if you don't want to register online, but if you want to register, you can reach out to the Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or for those TTY users out there please contact 1-866-833-2967. This TTY line is for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

And finally, your feedback is very important to us. We use it in planning for the future webinars, including the content provided. Please let us know what you think by taking our WISE webinar survey. To take the survey, you can follow the link that will pop up after the webinar, or you can find the survey link in the Web Links pod. That is in the bottom right corner of your screen, at item number 18. Or you have a third option, and you can visit us at the choose work website, at choosework.ssa.gov/surveys/WISE. Thank you all very much for attending today to learn about the Ticket to Work Program, and these five FAQ's. Please know there are supports and people ready to help. And we encourage you to reach out to begin your journey. This concludes today's webinar.