Jayme Pendergraft >> Good afternoon, my name is Jayme Pendergraft. And I would like to welcome you to today's Work Incentive Seminar Event, or WISE webinar. Today's webinar is titled, “Expanding Your Job Search with Ticket to Work.” To start off, we're going to talk about managing your audio. And to do so, 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. Choose select speaker from the menu options as noted in the device speaker image on the screen. Next, please know 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 the sound to be broadcast through your computer. Make sure your speakers are turned on and your headphones are plugged in to access the sound. If you do not have sound capabilities on your computer or prefer to listen by telephone, please dial 1-800-832-0736, and then enter the access code 4189148 pound sign. You can also use the join meeting audio via receive a phone call as shown in the image on the screen and entering the same number and access code. 
Now, let's review the Adobe Connect platform. First, you'll notice different boxes on your screen. These boxes are called pods. We have the presentation pod, and this is where the slide deck appears. That's the largest portion of your screen. Below that, there's an open space available if you need to place the closed captioning pod there. The top right corner is the Q&A pod, and below that is our Web Links pod, and we'll talk about all of these in more detail shortly. But first, we want to discuss accessibility. 
If you do need assistance navigating Adobe Connect, an accessibility user guide complete with a list of controls is available at http://bit.ly/adobe-accessibility. The link is also available in the Web Links pod in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen. It's labeled Adobe Accessibility User Guide. Real-time captioning is available and is displayed in the captioning pod, which can be placed below the slides. You can show or hide the captioning display, and you can also choose the text size and text color combinations to best meet your vision 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. You can also access captioning online in a separate video viewing webinar -- excuse me -- in a separate viewing window. The choice is completely up to you and how you prefer to view the captions. 
If you're fluent in American Sign Language or ASL and would like support during today's webinar, we developed a resource that provides instructions on how to connect with an interpreter through the Federal Communication Commission, or FCC's Video Relay Service, also known as VRS. The ASL User Guide can be found in the Web Links pod under the title ASL User Guide. We're here today to answer questions that you may have about the Ticket to Work program. You can send your questions to us anytime during the webinar, by typing them into the Q&A pod. We will then direct the questions to our speaker during the Q&A portions of our webinar. We do want to encourage you not to ask very specific questions. Unfortunately, we can't get into a real great level of detail during this event, just because there's no way for us to really provide all of the information that you may need. So we do try to answer as many questions as we can. And if we're unable to answer your question, we'll give you some information about how to get those answers a little later on in the webinar. We'll address questions at two different points during the presentation. So please send us your questions. And like I said, we'll do our best to get to as many questions as possible. 
If you're listening by phone and are not logged into the webinar, or if you can't access the Q&A pod, you may ask questions by sending us an email at webinars@choosework.ssa.gov. Another available resource that we hope you'll find very helpful is the Web Links pod that I've mentioned a couple of times. This pod is in the bottom right corner of your screen and lists the links to the resources covered in today's webinar. To access these resources, please select the topic of interest and access the resource to learn more. It will open a new window in your browser and you'll be able to view the resource that you've selected. If you are listening by phone and are not logged into the webinar, you can email webinars@choosework.ssa.gov for a list of available resources. Also, please note that Social Security cannot guarantee and is not responsible for the accessibility of external websites. 
Today's webinar is being recorded, and a copy of it will be available within two weeks on the Choose Work website at http://bit.ly/wise_ondemand. This link, as well as others, can be found, again, in that Web Links pod in the bottom right corner of your screen, and it's titled, WISE Webinar Archives. There you'll see a couple of years' worth of webinar archives, so if there is another topic that interests you, I encourage you to go ahead and check those out. We hope that everyone has a great experience during today's webinar. However, if you experience any technical difficulties during the webinar, please use the Q&A pod to send us a message or send an email to webinars@choosework.ssa.gov. 
Again, I'd like to welcome you to today's webinar, “Expanding Your Job Search with Ticket to Work.” As I mentioned, my name is Jayme Pendergraft, and I'm a member of the Ticket to Work team, and will be serving as the moderator for today's webinar. We're also delighted to welcome Debora Wagner with us today as our presenter. Unfortunately, Ray was unable to join us this afternoon, but we are all in very good hands with Debora. Debora spent 25 years working with legal services and law school clinical programs. Throughout her career, she's presented on benefits issues, including post-entitlement and return to work issues for attorneys, vocational rehabilitation professionals, agency staff, individuals with disabilities, and their families. She is frequently invited to present on the intersection of VA benefits and Social Security benefits, with a focus on how work impacts benefits for veterans. From 2016 to 2022, she led a statewide network of Work Incentives training and technical assistance for benefits planners in Ohio. In December of 2021, Debora joined the Cornell staff, where she continues to provide Work Incentives training and technical assistance. She also designed and teaches a credential course on Work Incentives planning for veterans. And in addition to her expertise in the veteran's world, she also has quite a bit of experience, both personal and professionally, with the topics we're covering today. So with that, I would like to thank Debora for joining us at the last minute today and hand it over to her. Thank you, Debora.

Debora Wagner >> Thank you so much, Jayme, and welcome, everybody. Really happy to have all of you here with us today. Today we're going to be talking about work and some different programs that can help you as you're exploring the possibility of going to work. And so the first question is, why choose work? Well, earning a living through employment may not be something that everyone can do, but there are many different services that are available absolutely free that can support people with disabilities as they explore the possibility of work. And work can be a wonderful way to help people feel connected to their communities, to help increase financial independence, and to give people a sense of purpose in their daily lives. 
Today we're going to answer questions related to Section 503 for federal contractors. We're going to talk about using Schedule A to pursue federal employment. We're going to talk about apprenticeships and how the Ticket to Work Program can help you with these processes, and who can help you in achieving your work goals. So let's start by talking about Section 503, which is a program for federal contractors. It's part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 that helps create job opportunities for people with disabilities. It says that federal contractors and subcontractors cannot discriminate against people with a disability. And, in fact, it requires affirmative action in recruiting, hiring, training, and retraining people with disabilities. So it offers individuals with a disability a pathway to employment with federal government contractors. So Section 503 allows you to voluntarily self-identify as a person with a disability before being offered a job. In addition, it requires contractors to invite employees to self-identify as an individual with a disability every five years and it establishes a target goal of 7% for contractors in hiring, retaining workers with employee -- with disabilities. So contractors have to develop a plan to address any issues that might prevent their success in meeting this goal. So this is a way of really encouraging individuals who are contracting with the federal government to make sure that they're hiring and utilizing the skills of workers with disabilities. 
So, let's look at an example. We're going to talk about Angel. And Angel is one of the Ticket to Work success stories. So Angel suffered from neck and back injuries after two tours of duty with the United States Air Force. His willingness to identify as an individual with a disability was an asset during the hiring process. Angel received help from the Ticket Program service provider. He received free benefits counseling, information about Work Incentives that could help support him as he transitioned back into the world of work, and reasonable accommodations to help him be successful on the job. All of these came together to create a positive impact for Angel. He said, being able -- "Being back at work has had a positive impact in so many areas of my life. I've been able to show my children the rewards that can go with perseverance and resilience. And the job has helped me build confidence, maintain good mental health, and regain a sense of accomplishment, all vital for the next chapter in our lives." 
Let's talk now about Schedule A, which can be used for federal employment. So why would you consider working for the federal government? What are the benefits of working for the federal government? Well federal employees serve in a variety of jobs. You can make a really good salary working for the federal government. You get excellent medical benefits. And you can make a difference through providing public service. The federal government hires people in many different fields, like accounting, public affairs, healthcare, law enforcement, education, transportation, information technology and so much more. And there are a number of ways that people can apply for a job in the federal government. For individuals with disabilities, one of those paths is the Schedule A hiring authority. I'll tell you, I have a number of friends who work for the federal government who have different disabilities. In fact, my best friend from college is blind. And I remember back in the 1980s and 1990s, her parents told her all the time, you're going to get your education and you're going to go to work for the federal government. This is because they knew that the federal government had special programs and a requirement to provide accommodations for people with disabilities, even before we enacted the ADA, the Americans with Disabilities Act. So they were really keen on her doing this. And she's been with the federal government now for almost 30 years. And she will soon be reaching retirement age for the federal government. So what is Schedule A? Schedule A says if you're a person with a disability, you can apply and compete for any federal government job for which you are eligible and meet the qualifications. But you can also apply for a special hiring authority. So usually when you apply for employment with the federal government, you go through a competitive hiring process. Schedule A is a special hiring authority, and it gives federal agencies an optional way to hire qualified people with disabilities. If you apply under Schedule A, you won't be offered an exception to the traditional competitive hiring process. You can apply for jobs using Schedule A if you're a person with an intellectual disability, a severe physical disability, or a psychiatric disability. So what do you have to do to be able to use Schedule A? To be eligible, you must provide a proof of disability letter stating that you have an intellectual disability, severe physical disability, or psychiatric disability. And you can ask a variety of professionals or agency staff members to write this letter for you. So for example, you could ask your doctor, a licensed medical professional, maybe a mental health therapist or another type of therapist, a licensed Vocational Rehabilitation specialist, or any federal, state, or local agency that issues or provides disability benefits. And on this slide, there's a link to look at some sample Schedule A letters. They're short, they're straight to the point, but they provide the verification that you need, the proof that you have a disability, and you qualify to apply using the Schedule A process. 
So how do you find federal jobs that are open to individuals with a disability? Well, you can go to the site USA Jobs. It's a wonderful website. It offers a variety of types of jobs for the federal government all over the country. And in the job announcement, look for the section called, “this job is open to.” And when a job is open to individuals with a disability, you'll see an icon showing an individual using a wheelchair. There may be other groups listed that are also eligible to apply. And in fact, at USA Jobs, you can set your filters so that you can look only for jobs that are available to individuals with disabilities. So if you go to the filters, and you choose the individuals with disabilities icon, your results will display all jobs open to individuals with disabilities. And using USA Jobs is a wonderful way to find federal government employment. You can look for jobs in your area specifically if you want to continue living where you are. You can look for jobs with specific descriptions of the job type, accountant, lawyer, whatever your job type is, or you can look for jobs with specific agencies. So you can say, this is the federal agency that I'd like to pursue employment with and search only for those agencies. So what is a Selective Placement Program Coordinator or SPPC? Selective Placement Program Coordinators help agencies to recruit, hire and accommodate people with disabilities. If you're a person with a disability and you found a specific position that may be the right fit for you, contact the agency using the SPPC directory, and there's a link in slide 28. 
So what are your next steps? If you're interested in Schedule A, the first step is to obtain the letter that documents your disability. Then you should review and update your resume with skills, abilities and references relevant to that position, and then contact the agency's SPPC so that they can help support you through the application process. So let's meet Jesus, another Ticket to Work success story. Jesus was born with spina bifida and spent most of his childhood using a wheelchair or crutches. With help from his Ticket Program Employment Network, he received benefits counseling and Work Incentives information, developed an Individual Work Plan or IWP and received resume writing and job lead support to transition in his career. Jesus qualified for Schedule A, allowing his employer to avoid the traditional and often lengthy competitive hiring process. This allowed Jesus to achieve some success. Let's see what Jesus has to say. Achieving independence. Jesus says, "Work has helped me expand my social circles and my support network as well. I'm very happy knowing that I can be independent, achieve the goals I set for myself, and I'm more confident every day. The Ticket to Work Program, the help I received through it, helped me find my way to work at my own pace, and I'm grateful for that." I'm going to talk now about apprenticeships, which is another way to pursue employment. 
So what is an apprenticeship? An apprenticeship is an educational program combining work with learning and training, both on and off the job. It combines the development of theoretical knowledge regarding a particular occupation or a range of occupations with practical experience gained from doing that job. Apprenticeships are really valuable because they offer you an entry point into an industry. You have a real job. You get paid a salary. You have an experienced worker who will mentor you. And opportunities may exist to advance in your chosen career. So I've worked with a lot of individuals who've done apprenticeships to go into different trades. Think about things like HVAC repair and service, plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, all kinds of field opportunities. Working with an individual currently who just started an apprenticeship, learning how to repair and restore stained glass windows. So there are all different ways of doing an apprenticeship. There may be educational benefits associated with apprenticeships. Through an apprenticeship, you may be able to gain a variety of job specific and transferable skills. You can use an apprenticeship as a pathway to additional education or college credits. You can earn college credit or even a bachelor's degree while working in an apprenticeship. And you can earn a credential upon completion. So apprenticeships are wonderful for people who learn by doing, who like to have hands on experience. Some people are really great learners in a classroom. Some people learn better by doing. And in my experience, apprenticeships are a wonderful tool for individuals who learn best by doing, because they're combining the process of learning about the trade at the same time that they're practicing those skills on a daily basis. And the ability to be paid while you're learning and working is a really important part of apprenticeships. So how do you go about finding an apprenticeship? Well, apprenticeship.gov is a one stop source that connects career seekers, employers and education partners with apprenticeship resources. You can discover apprenticeships across industries, how programs are started by employers and how to become an apprentice. To become an apprentice, you can also search for an opportunity using the Apprenticeship Finder and apply directly with the employer or the program sponsor. I'm going to pause now and ask Jayme if we have any questions that we should be addressing at this point.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Thanks so much, Debora. And yes, we sure do. This is Jayme again. And we've had a lot of questions come in. You've covered a lot of different areas and employment opportunities for folks. So let's go back and start with Section 503. We have a couple of questions about, you know, how do you tell an employer that you have a disability and when should you do it? So our first person is wondering, can I wait until after I accept a job offer or already work for a federal contractor or subcontractor to tell them about my disability?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely. And under Section 503, remember that it's voluntary disclosure. So if you want to wait until you have that job, that federal contractor or subcontractor is going to invite employees to self-identify as having a disability every five years. So you can disclose at any point. Employers should regularly remind you that you have the opportunity to do this. And it's confidential. And the information about your disability is kept separate from the rest of your employment record if you're doing it for 503 purposes.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Thanks so much, Debora. Is there anything else we should know about Section 503 and voluntarily disclosing a disability?

Debora Wagner >> So, Jayme, just know that an employer cannot require applicants or employees to self-identify as having a disability or ask for any type of proof. You don't have to tell them what the disability is or provide any kinds of details if you don't want to. Again, the employer has to keep that self-identification information of the disability confidential and it's maintained separately from the rest of the personnel record.
Jayme Pendergraft >> Thanks again, Debora. And then this is a really good one that came through and something that I certainly would have wondered about. What types of jobs do federal contractors do? And I would say, honestly, the same thing could go for the federal government jobs you talked about. You know, aren't they all in Washington, D.C.?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely. And I think that's a common misnomer, that all of these jobs are in Washington, D.C. You think about federal contractors, they do all kinds of things. They may provide cleaning services and janitorial services in federal government buildings. They could provide maritime and shipbuilding services or construction, telecommunications services, security at federal facilities. So there's a wide variety of these jobs. And I think about where I live, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and I can tell you we've got a huge federal government building downtown. I know that there are a lot of different agencies in this building, there's Social Security and the IRS and all kinds of other agencies housed in this one building. And I know that there are a lot of different kinds of contractors that I've seen working there. Again, people providing security or cleaning services or other types of services for the federal government. Here in Cincinnati, we also have a general election -- General Electric's Aerospace engineering program. And they contract with the government to do a lot of work around aerospace engineering. So when you start to think about it, you realize there's federal employees and federal contractors all over the country doing a wide variety of jobs.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Absolutely. Thanks, Debora. And I would add too, you know, there are also contractors who provide things like meal services for federal governments. So some of the vendors who are providing lunch in federal buildings can also count as a federal contractor. So there's definitely a lot of contracting opportunities out there that may be a little bit outside of the way folks think about the federal world. So thank you for that information. Now, our next question is, how can I find job opportunities with the -- with federal contractors and subcontractors?

Debora Wagner >> Well, there are a number of organizations that can provide employment related services. Think about your state Vocational Rehabilitation agency or American Job Centers. And these can be great resources to find federal contractors and subcontractor jobs. And if you have a disability and you receive benefits from Social Security and you're age 18 through 64, you're getting SSI or SSDI. The Ticket to Work Program might connect you to an Employment Network. And many federal contractors and subcontractors are asking these state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, these American Job Centers and Employment Networks to help them find qualified candidates with disabilities to fill positions that they currently have open.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Thanks, Debora. Let's go find our next question. Hold on just one second. Sorry about that. So we're going to switch gears a little bit and talk some about Schedule A, which, as a reminder, is the hiring authority for working for the federal government for people with disabilities. So how can I find out if I qualify for Schedule A?

Debora Wagner >> Well, I would say first, if you've been found disabled by any federal government program, you're going to qualify for Schedule A. So if you're getting a disability benefit from Social Security or from the Department of Veterans Affairs, or if you're eligible for your state's Vocational Rehabilitation services, then you're going to meet the definition of disability. But also, so think about young people. Maybe they used an individual education plan in school or they qualified for a Section 504 education plan in school, or they might need accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Those are all indications that somebody is going to qualify for Schedule A.

Jayme Pendergraft >> All right. That's super helpful. We also have somebody who is still a little confused about how they document their disability for Schedule A. So how do they go about doing that?

Debora Wagner >> Again, the process is actually pretty simple. You need that letter that's going to prove your disability. So get a letter that says that you have a significant disability. And that you can perform the essential functions of the job that interests you. You may also want to briefly mention the types of reasonable accommodations you would need. But keep the letter as simple as possible. Remember, your doctor or another medical professional, your Vocational Rehabilitation counselor or any agency that issues or provides you with disability benefits can write that letter for you. And again, there's some sample Schedule A letters and there's a link in the slide. And I'd encourage people to check out those sample letters to see how easy it really is.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Thank you. And I'll also add that it is number nine in your Web Links pod, and it is titled Sample Schedule A letters. So it's right there for you if you want to take a look at that. So keeping on the theme of Schedule A, we have someone out here who wants to know if they apply for a job under Schedule A, does that guarantee they're going to get it?

Debora Wagner >> Well, like any time you're applying for a job, you're going to need to show that you have the knowledge, the skills and the abilities that make you a great candidate for this job and that you can do the job successfully. It's not a guarantee, and doing your best is really up to you. But what Schedule A does is it gives qualified applicants a foot in the door to federal employment without having to go through that very lengthy, competitive employment process.
Jayme Pendergraft >> Thanks so much, Debora. All right. So how do I find these positions for the federal government? Are they -- and are they all available all over the country?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely. So the first step is to register. You create an account on USA Jobs, which is that website we talked about. It's the official website for federal job openings. So you build a profile and then you can start looking for the job listings. And again, they are all over the country and you can search by geographic region. You can search by job type. You can search by agency. So you've got options. It's a wonderful tool to help you find the federal job that's the best match for your unique set of skills and abilities.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Definitely. And it is link number 10 in your Web Links pod. And I'll add in addition to those filters, you can also search for remote positions. And there are some available working for the government as well. So you may not even have to worry about where you're located. All right. Switching gears one more time, we're going to get into some questions about apprenticeships. So do all apprenticeships pay, Debora?
Debora Wagner >> Yep. Apprenticeship training includes paid work experience. It may also include classroom instruction, mentorship from someone experienced in the field. And in some cases, you're going to get a nationally recognized credential that's portable. And that means you can take it and use it anywhere in the country for that type of position.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Perfect. And how long do they usually last, the apprenticeships, sorry, not the credential?
Debora Wagner >> The length of the apprenticeship program really can vary. And it depends on the employer, the complexity of the occupation you're learning, what the industry requirements may be to get that credential, and the type of program that you're doing. So I've worked with individuals who've done apprenticeships for, like, say, six months, maybe a semester of school. And I've also seen people do multi-year apprenticeships to learn more complex fields.

Jayme Pendergraft >> And when they're done with their apprenticeships, does that mean the company is going to hire them full time?

Debora Wagner >> Well, that depends. It's going to really depend on the individual. Does that job feel like a good fit for you? And on the employer, is that person a good fit for current openings that you have? I've seen many people who've used apprenticeships as a gateway to getting a job with that organization, but not always. But they still come out of it with the specialized skills and training and potentially a credential that are really going to help them leverage other job opportunities, if that's what's necessary.

Jayme Pendergraft >> All right. Thank you. Let's see. Next up, we have someone who wants to know if they apply for an apprenticeship the same way they would apply for a job?

Debora Wagner >> So again, it depends on the apprenticeship program. We did share information with you about finding apprenticeships. And it looks like it's web link 15 in your materials, the Apprenticeship Finder. And also web link 14 is the apprenticeship.gov website. So usually, it's going to be similar. They're going to want information about your education experience, about any training that you may have or other work experience that you may have. So it can be similar, but there may be some more detailed questions to make sure you're a good fit for learning this industry.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Great. Thank you. And we did have a question about how to find apprenticeship opportunities. And those two links Debora just mentioned, apprenticeship.gov and the Apprenticeship Finder, are great ways to find them. You can search for them using keywords and/or your location. So what type of training will I receive during an apprenticeship?

Debora Wagner >> You get really on the job training, which means that you're learning by actually doing the job. Employers often provide structured hands-on training and peer or supervisor mentoring to apprentices. So you're learning by doing. And again, I've worked with a lot of people who prefer to learn by doing, who may find sitting in a classroom not the best way for them to learn things. And an apprenticeship really gives them a chance to learn it by doing it. So by doing this kind of on-the-job training, apprentices learn their employers’ processes and procedures, and they can be given an opportunity to observe or job shadow experienced employees as they perform the next level of job tasks.

Jayme Pendergraft >> All right. That's super helpful. Thank you. I think some people think of apprenticeships in a kind of traditional way and may not quite realize all of the different industries that do have apprenticeship programs. So are there apprenticeships in high growth industries?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely. I've seen apprenticeship programs, especially for veterans with disabilities lately in cybersecurity and information technology. But there's certainly ones open to other people. There's apprenticeships in energy, especially green energy jobs have a lot of apprenticeship opportunities, health care, all kinds of fields. And as I mentioned, I worked with someone recently who got one in stained glass repair, which I think of as more of kind of an arts field, but had an opportunity to do an apprenticeship in that field also.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Very cool. And we've talked about the experience that people gain and the portable credential people will receive. How about college credit? Can people get college credit for their apprenticeship?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely. Many apprenticeship opportunities include not only on-the-job learning, but there may also be some classroom instruction that might be provided by an apprenticeship training center or a technical school or community college or maybe even a four year college or university. And sometimes, it's available through distance learning. So many apprenticeships do include an opportunity to earn college credit.

Jayme Pendergraft >> That's wonderful. And this has kind of been in the back of my head, too, as a potential question. And it actually came through. So can you tell us a little bit about the difference between an apprenticeship and an internship?

Debora Wagner >> So generally speaking, internships are normally shorter term. They oftentimes are unpaid, in my experience. I don't know of an official definition of what an internship is through the Department of Labor, but I think of them as more short term, oftentimes, unpaid, and maybe not as structured as an apprenticeship, which could help you gain college credit.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Okay. Great. Thank you so much, Debora. At this point, I think we're going to switch over to the remainder of our content. We will have another Q&A session after Debora tells us a little bit about the Ticket to Work Program and our service providers and how they can help you in these opportunities. So with that, Debora, I will give it back to you.

Debora Wagner >> Thank you so much, Jayme. I really appreciate it. So we told you about some wonderful ways to pursue employment. But let's put that all together now and talk about how Social Security's Ticket to Work Program can help you with these different types of job avenues, ways of going about finding work. So if you're getting a Social Security Disability Benefit -- whether that's SSDI or Social Security Disability Insurance, which is for individuals with disabilities who've worked and paid into the Social Security Trust Fund. Or whether you get Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, which is a needs-based program for people who don't have that insured status to get SSDI. You could be eligible to use the Ticket to Work. 
One of the things I really recommend anybody do, whether you have a disability or not, whether you're pursuing work or not, is to sign up for a My Social Security account. These are personal accounts through Social Security, and they give you access to really important information based on your earnings history. And they have interactive tools that are tailored to you. I check my Social Security account regularly. I go in to make sure that my employment and income information is accurate in there. I also look to see how much I would get if I were to become disabled or when I retire. It's a wonderful way to keep track of your Social Security record and get real-time information about what's going on. If you're getting benefits, you can also use your My Social Security account to get a proof of income letter. Anyone can also use it to replace their Social Security card, and again, I love that estimate of what would happen if you applied for different types of benefits. How much would you get? How much would any dependents get? It's wonderful to have that information. 
So what is the Ticket to Work Program? Well, Social Security's Ticket to Work Program is a free and voluntary program offered by Social Security that offers career development for individuals age 18 through 64 who receive a Social Security disability benefit and want to go to work. The Ticket to Work program connects you with free employment services to help you. They can help you figure out if work is right for you. It's an individual choice. You have to make sure that work is something that you're ready, willing, and able to do. And if you are, they can help you prepare for work. They can help you find paid work opportunities, and they can help you to ensure your success at work. 
The Ticket to Work has really just been a wonderful opportunity for people with disabilities who are interested in doing this. So who can help you achieve your work goals? Let's talk about who that employment team can be. See, there are lots of ways to find supports to achieve your work goals. As you think about trying work, or maybe even changing careers, you may have questions or need support. Connecting with a Ticket Program Service Provider can help you develop achievable goals and establish the steps to find and maintain employment. Ticket Program service providers can also help you identify the types of jobs or careers you might enjoy, and any transferable skills you may have. It's a wonderful way to get some help in making these decisions about what would be a good fit. 
So let's talk about two types of Ticket Program Service Providers. Through the Ticket Program, you'll have access to a variety of Ticket Program Service Providers, but we're going to focus on two. First one is Employment Networks. And the second one is your State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. So what is an Employment Network? An EN is a private or public organization that has an agreement with Social Security to provide free employment support services to people who are eligible for the Ticket Program. Many state public workforce systems, such as American Job Centers, are Workforce Employment Networks, or ENs. So how can working with an Employment Network help you? Services and supports are designed to help you on the path to financial independence through work, and they can include things like identifying your work goals. Finding a position that might be the right fit for you. Helping you to write and review your resume. Helping you prepare for interviews. Requesting reasonable accommodations and receiving benefits counseling. 
And I'll tell you a quick story. I was working with a young person, really smart, young man, and he was looking for a job. He had his education. He had a great resume. And every time he went to interview for a job, he wouldn't even get a call back. And I was helping him with Work Incentive planning. And I finally said, you know, you've gone to so many interviews. What happens when you're at your interview? And he said, "Oh, I have a panic attack and I leave before I even get called in for the interview." And I said, oh, no. No wonder you're not finding a job. And I helped connect him with an Employment Network in my area that really helped him with managing his anxiety through the interview process. And after he worked with that Employment Network for a few weeks and practiced those interview skills, the very next job that he went to interview for, he stayed. He did the interview and he got the job. So it's just an example of how Employment Networks can provide very tailored, individualized supports to help individuals achieve success. Now, state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies can also provide employment supports. They provide a wide variety of services to help people with disabilities return to work, to enter new lines of work, or enter the workforce for the first time. A state Vocational Rehabilitation agency may offer benefits counseling and may also be able to help you with Vocational Rehabilitation, training, and education. So it's another pathway that you can pursue. So how can working with Vocational Rehabilitation help you? Vocational Rehabilitation agencies usually work with individuals who need more significant services. In some states, that can include intensive training, education and rehabilitation. They may also provide career counseling, help with job placement, as well as counseling about how earnings from work may affect Social Security disability benefits. So similar to Employment Networks, they can put together a number of different pieces of the puzzle to help people be successful in their journey to work. 
So Ticket Program service providers expand your job search. Your Ticket Program service provider can help you identify potential opportunities based on your unique job interests and skills. They can help you compile the materials you need for the job application process. They can even help you to request reasonable accommodations that may help you to be more successful after you start working. So how do you find one of these Ticket to Work service providers? So for a list of service providers, you can call the Ticket to Work Helpline at 1-866-968-7842. Or for TTY, you can call 1-866-833-2967. And they're available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time. To find a service provider online, you can visit the Find Help page, and that is Web Link 18. And you can search for ticket providers in your area by your ZIP code, by the types of services that they offer. By disability type, by language spoken, or by provider type. So you can choose Employment Network, or one of the Workforce Employment Networks, Vocational Rehabilitation Agency, or a PABSS or Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security. So wonderful tools that you can use. And you can either call or go online and get help finding the information you need to find the ticket provider to help you find the job that's right for you. So I'm going to pause again and ask Jayme if we have any additional questions about the Ticket to Work program.

Jayme Pendergraft >> It's Jayme, absolutely. We have a lot coming through. I do want to take a moment to remind people that unfortunately, we cannot answer very specific questions during the webinar. We do try and take questions that would provide information to the largest group of people. And if you do have a more personal question, we do encourage you to call that helpline that Debora just mentioned. And then I will repeat again in a few minutes. So our first question is, can one of these Employment Networks help me find an apprenticeship?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely, great question. An Employment Network will help you achieve your career goals. And if one of your goals is to do an apprenticeship, talk to your Employment Network, and they will do their best to provide the support that you need. They can also help you with finding work with a federal contractor, if that's of interest. Or using that Schedule A process to find employment with the federal government. Employment Networks are there to help you and support you, whatever your employment goal is. So communicate with them, tell them what you're looking for, and they will do their best to help you find those resources.

Jayme Pendergraft >> All right. And now this is one of our most frequently asked questions that we get every webinar, and on our social media, and in a lot of different places. And we have a lot of people out there who are concerned that they're going to start work, and maybe their benefits might end as they graduate from their Trial Work Period. But what happens if they start work, and they find that they can't continue because of their disability?

Debora Wagner >> Well, Jayme, I've got great news. There are wonderful Work Incentives out there that offer multiple safety nets for individuals with disabilities who go to work. So for example, you mentioned somebody who was getting SSDI and used their Trial Work Period. And maybe they're in their Extended Period of Eligibility. Well, know that for 36 months after their Trial Work Period ends, at any time that their wages dip back down, that they can't work at the Substantial Gainful Activity level, they just have to report that to Social Security, and their benefits can be turned right back on. And even if they've worked so long that their SSDI was terminated, there's another benefit called Expedited Reinstatement. And it says that if you can't sustain work at that Substantial Gainful Activity level within 60 months of your benefits terminating, that you can go in and ask Social Security to put you back on benefits and use Expedited Reinstatement. You can even get provisional benefits while you're waiting for them to make a new disability decision. So this is an amazing safety net. And for individuals who get Supplemental Security Income, or SSI, even if you work and earn so much that your SSI payment is reduced to zero, you stay connected to the SSI program through a program called 1619(b). And not only can you stay connected to SSI and get right back on benefits if your wages dip, but it keeps you connected to Medicaid coverage also. 
So there are a number of different safety nets. And if somebody's worried about what happens if I can't do this? I really recommend that they talk with a Work Incentives planner and ask these questions. Because they can provide an individualized analysis. And they can tell the person what would happen to each and every one of the benefits that they receive when they start working. And they can explain all the safety nets that are available and even give them a timeline for what will happen to their benefits and when. So that the person is really making an informed choice about how much they want to work, and how much they can work.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Thanks, Debora. That's really helpful information. I think there was only really one phrase that I think we need to explain a little bit more. And I was the one who dropped it. So can you tell us a little more about the Trial Work Period?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely. The Trial Work Period is an amazing Work Incentive for people who are getting SSDI only. You can start working, and if you earn over a threshold amount, which this year is $1,110 per month gross. If you earn more than that, you use a Trial Work Period month. And only the months that you work and earn that amount count. And you get to use nine Trial Work Period months. And during that Trial Work Period, no matter how much you're earning, you will still get the full amount of your SSDI payment. And this is a wonderful opportunity to really test that ability to work and not even worry about losing your benefit at that point.

Jayme Pendergraft >> That's great. And those nine months, are they all in a row?

Debora Wagner >> Nope. Again, only the months that you work and earn over that threshold amount, which is currently $1,110 per month gross, are going to count. So maybe you work for a couple of months, and you earn over that, but that job isn't a good fit, and you stop, and it's months before you find another job. Only those months that you worked and earned over that amount count. So if I only worked for two months, and then that wasn't a good fit, and I'm going to go look for a different job. I've only used two of my Trial Work Period months.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Okay. And we have somebody out here who's heard something about five years. Can you talk a little bit about that as it relates to Trial Work Period?

Debora Wagner >> Well, those nine Trial Work Period months have to fall within a 60-month window. So if you think you've used all nine of your Trial Work Period months, you're going to look back and make sure that all nine of those months happen within a 60-month window. And if there are old -- maybe I worked back in 2018, and I used five Trial Work Period months in 2018. But it's 2024, and 2018 is more than five years ago. Those months are no longer going to count. I still have nine Trial Work Period months available. Because those old months, the months that are more than 60 months old, they don't even count.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Okay, that's great. That really is a pretty great safety net for sure. We're going to switch gears a little bit now to talk about what a Ticket to Work service provider can really help me with. So you mentioned that the individual you talked about who was having panic attacks every time he went to an interview, that EN helped him get prepped for an actual in-person interview, maybe by practicing with him. How about writing my resume? Can an EN help me with that?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely. Ticket to Work service providers can help with your resume. They can also help you, like I said, practice those interview skills. They can provide job coaching services. They can help you draft cover letters. Help you find jobs that are a good fit for your skills and abilities. And there are so many other things they can do. And the thing is, it's tailored to the individual. So whatever supports you need in this job search process, the Ticket to Work service providers are there to help you with whatever supports you might need.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Okay. Thanks so much, Debora. That's great as well. Let's see. One of the things we haven't touched on yet, are there any costs associated with the Ticket program?

Debora Wagner >> No, that's one of the beautiful things about the Ticket to Work program. The services are completely free.

Jayme Pendergraft >> That's wonderful. And we do have a couple more questions coming in related to apprenticeship. Do your earnings from your apprenticeship affect your benefits?

Debora Wagner >> Yeah, they are going to count. Whether they affect your benefits is going to depend on how much you're earning and which benefit you get. But all of those Work Incentives that I was just talking about would apply to wages from an apprenticeship too.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Okay. And we also have somebody out here who is interested in working from home. And it could certainly be in one of these three areas that we're talking about. Or just does the Ticket to Work program help people find those work-from-home positions? Can you talk a little bit about that?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely. If you need to work from home, then the Ticket to Work service providers can help you to find those work from home opportunities. And they may even be able to offer you some supports in getting set up for working from home. Help you with any reasonable accommodations you may need in terms of office equipment or other supports.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Thank you. Just going through some of these questions to see what we have coming through. Again, we have somebody else who's interested in a non-office job. So maybe they want to be a construction worker, or maybe work in a state park or something like that. But they think they might need extra breaks to take their medication. Can an EN help me figure this out with my employer?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely. If you need some sort of reasonable accommodation to be successful in your job, then Employment Networks can help you make those requests. And a reasonable accommodation is really any change in the work environment. Or in the way that things are normally done within that employment setting, that enable an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities. So some examples of some reasonable accommodations that I've seen with clients I've worked with. I've had clients who've needed more frequent breaks. Not only to take medication, but maybe for a diabetic to test blood sugar, or to do some other kind of medical care that they need. It takes a little bit of extra time. I've seen people work more flexible work schedules than are offered to other employees because they have medical appointments on a regular basis. But Employment Networks can really help you figure out the best way for you to get the reasonable accommodation that you need. And if you want to learn more about reasonable accommodations, you can go to www.askjan.org. So that's A-S-K-J-A-N.org. And they can give you more information about requesting reasonable accommodations. And again, it's going to vary by person. We're all unique. We all have special needs and unique needs. And so the reasonable accommodations are going to vary significantly by person.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Thanks, Debora. And in terms of learning more about reasonable accommodations, I invite you all to come back for our July webinar, where we'll be joined by another colleague of Ray and Debora's to talk more about reasonable accommodations in the Ticket Program in a lot greater detail. So watch out for that invitation. And we'll be diving into that a lot more at the end of July. Our next question is another very frequently asked question. And we have somebody out here wondering, how can they address some gaps in their work history because of their disability? How should they explain that to an employer?

Debora Wagner >> Well, you know, I'm not a Ticket provider. But I can tell you that Ticket providers are a great resource for helping you figure out how to do just that. How to explain things. How to frame things in a way that is going to help employers to understand that you've worked as much as you're able and as often as you're able. But that sometimes you've needed breaks from work. And I've seen some of the people that I've worked with do things where they explain to you some of the health challenges that they were having. And then they explain all the things that they've done, so that they are no longer experiencing those challenges. They found the right medication, or the right kind of treatment. They have the support that they need to be able to do that. So I would really recommend working with one of these Ticket professionals to help you. Because this is the sort of thing that they do on a regular basis. And they can really help you figure out how to draft the resume and how to explain any of those gaps that may exist. 

Jayme Pendergraft >> Okay, that's wonderful. Thanks, Debora. I am scrolling through some more of your questions. Please keep them coming. We have several folks wondering if this webinar will be archived. And the answer to that is yes. It will be available within about two weeks online at choosework.ssa.gov/wise in our WISE On Demand page. Let me see what else we have here. We have somebody out here wondering -- they've heard some about those state VR agencies that you mentioned. Can they work with a VR agency and an EN?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely. So there's a program called Partnership Plus, and it's an agreement that allows state VR agencies to partner with Employment Networks to provide transition services for individuals who need ongoing support. So you may or may not know, but state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies normally are going to close the case about 90 days after someone starts working. But what if you need ongoing supports after that? Well, with Partnership Plus, you could work with an Employment Network to offer those continued support services to help you to maintain employment and maybe even increase your earnings over time. So Partnership Plus is a wonderful solution for people who want to work with both their state Vocational Rehabilitation agency. But who may also need an Employment Network for those longer term supports.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Okay, thanks. A while back, you mentioned 1619(b). So can you explain that a little bit more? Who exactly is that for?

Debora Wagner >> So it's for individuals who were getting Supplemental Security Income. And who start working and earn so much that their SSI payment is reduced to zero. And normally you would think, well, if it's reduced to zero, that's it, you're done. But you're not with 1619(b), 1619(b) keeps you connected to SSI. And as long as you would otherwise be eligible for SSI -- so you still meet the resource limits. You still have a disability, right? You can keep this connection. And so if your income dips, your wages dip, you can get back onto SSI very quickly and easily. But the really powerful thing about 1619(b) is it gives you continued Medicaid coverage. And for individuals with 1619(b) Medicaid, there is a threshold. It's established by each state. You can check your state threshold level online. But for somebody who has really expensive medical costs, they may qualify for an individualized threshold. So I worked with a client who was making over $80,000 a year. And they were still 1619(b) eligible using an individualized threshold. And they kept their Medicaid coverage, which was huge because I think for most of us, keeping our medical insurance is an important part of being able to work. I know I couldn't work without health insurance. And I think many people are in a similar position.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Thanks, Debora. So we have a question that's come through from quite a few people. And we're not 100% sure what folks are asking. So if you want to clarify in the Q&A box, please do so. But we have a lot of people wondering if all of these programs that you've mentioned, Schedule A, Section 503, and apprenticeships, do they work in all 50 states?

Debora Wagner >> Well, the Section 503, absolutely. It's a federal government program. Schedule A, absolutely. It's a federal government program. And I'm pretty sure there are apprenticeships available everywhere I've ever lived. So I'm assuming that there should be apprenticeships available in all 50 states. It's a very common way for people to enter into different types of industries. And I think, again, for a lot of people, that learning by doing model is really popular. So I think you should be able to use even apprenticeships everywhere that you go. So all 50 states, absolutely.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Okay, thank you. And again, if anybody wants to clarify that question some more in the Q&A box, please feel free. Here's a good one. How do I get started with the Ticket to Work program?

Debora Wagner >> So again, you can go to that Choose Work website or call the Ticket to Work Help line, and they can get you started. They can help you connect. If you call the line, they can give you information over the phone. If you go to the Choose Work website, again, you can search for those Ticket to Work providers using all the different filters. So you can look for people in your area. People who serve a specific disability population or offer specific employment services. And you can do all of that online on your own if you prefer. Or you can call.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Thank you, Deborah. Let's see, I'm still scrolling through for some more questions. So I think folks understand that apprenticeships do provide on-the-job training. That's one of the big benefits of getting an apprenticeship. But does the Ticket program, or either Section 503, or Schedule A, can you get on-the-job training and education for those types of jobs?

Debora Wagner >> For a job -- with a contractor? I mean, you could certainly do an apprenticeship for the type of job that you want to get with a federal government contractor. So I will give you an example. Aerospace engineering. I told you I'm in Cincinnati. I know so many people who are aerospace engineers. But I know a lot of them did apprenticeship and co-op type experiences in college to get on-the-job experience, to help them get that job then with General Electric, which is the federal contractor. So absolutely, I think you should be able to use apprenticeships as a stepping stone to different types of employment. And that could include employment with the federal government and employment with federal contractors.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Okay, thanks, Debora. I think I asked that question a little bit awkwardly. So in addition to that, does the Ticket program also provide access to training resources?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely. Talk with your Ticket to Work provider about any of those programs that you're interested in, and they will do what they can to help you navigate the process. So they may be able to help you with getting that proof of disability letter for Schedule A. They may be able to help connect you with apprenticeship opportunities. And they can certainly give you advice about that Section 503 process if you want to work with a federal contractor or subcontractor.
Jayme Pendergraft >> Okay, thank you. And we do have a question that is a tiny bit off-topic, but we get it a lot. And that's regarding self-employment. And I'll start by asking, does the Ticket to Work program support people who want to be self-employed?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely.

Jayme Pendergraft >> All right. And if someone is interested in that, what should they do? What's their first step?

Debora Wagner >> Again, I would either use the Choose Work website or call the Ticket to Work Help line and get connected. I know where I am in Ohio. Our state Vocational Rehabilitation agency offers a lot of support around self-employment. I also know for veterans with disabilities that the VA has some wonderful programs to help those veterans with self-employment goals. So I would start with finding a Ticket agency that is going to be able to help with self-employment goals. And I would really recommend for self-employment that you get some Work Incentive planning. Because there's very specific rules about how Social Security and other programs treat self-employment income. And so I recommend that people get that Work Incentive planning, so they understand those special benefits rules. And I think it's really common. You know, we have so many gig workers these days. It's the gig economy. And that's all considered to be self-employment. So I think knowledge is power. And so working with those ticket providers, getting that Work Incentive planning piece, I think will help people be successful in self-employment.

Jayme Pendergraft >> All right. Thank you, Debora. And we have a question that's right up your alley that I know you'll be presenting an entire webinar on for us in November. But can you talk just a tiny bit about the Ticket program, and veterans, and the resources available to veterans?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely. So veterans with disabilities who qualify for SSDI or SSI and are age 18 through 64 can use the Ticket to Work. In addition, if they have a service-connected disability, they can use a program through the Department of Veterans Affairs called Veteran Readiness and Employment or VR&E. And VR&E offers multiple tracks to employment. But one of them very specifically is around self-employment, just so you know. And so it's possible for veterans to be using VR&E services. They can be using services through their state VR agency. And they can even use an Employment Network to help them with those long-term supports. So there are many different providers of vocational services for veterans. And they really should be taking advantage of all the different services that are available to help support them in their journey to work.

Jayme Pendergraft >> All right. Thank you so much, Debora. Couple more questions before we go into our closing slides. And one of them -- we have a few questions from people who are either currently in the interview process or have recently started a job. Are they still able to use their Ticket to Work?

Debora Wagner >> Absolutely. Ticket to Work isn't just about finding that first job. You can use the Ticket to help you with that next step in your employment journey. So maybe you've got an entry-level job and you're thrilled to have it. But you're thinking about, what do I need to take me to the next level in my employment journey? They can absolutely help you with those next steps too.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Thanks so much, Debora. And I know we have touched on it a few times, but we have people out there who are ready to go and get started in the program. What should they do first?

Debora Wagner >> Again, Choose Work. They can go to the Choose Work website, or they can call the Ticket to Work Help line and they can ask for the supports and services that they need. Help connect them with the providers who can provide what you need to be successful in employment. So I would really start the journey by either calling that Ticket to Work Help line, or by going to that Choose Work website and find those ticket providers who are going to give you the supports and services that you need. And again, if you have any concerns about what will happen to your benefits, I would recommend talking to a Work Incentive planner, sooner rather than later. So that you have the information that you need to feel confident about what will happen to your benefits when you start working. And you know about all those safety nets.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Thank you so much, Debora. And with that, I am going to close the Q&A session and give another big thank you to Debora Wagner for joining us today and giving us so much great information. And of course, for stepping in for Ray this afternoon as he was unavailable. So we really appreciate you joining us and I think that we've learned a lot from you. So thank you so much, Debora.

Debora Wagner >> Thank you for having me, Jayme. It was wonderful.

Jayme Pendergraft >> Of course. All right. With that, I do want to invite you to stick around for a few more minutes to learn a little bit about some next steps and how to stay in touch with us. You can find us on social media on the Choose Work blog or subscribe to the Choose Work blog and subscribe to other updates by visiting us online at choosework.ssa.gov/contact. This link is also in your Web Links pod under Ticket to Work contact information. We also have a text marketing program. And you can get advice, and encouragement, and read success stories about people who achieved financial independence with help from the Ticket to Work program. Like Jesus and Angel, who Debora mentioned earlier, by opting in to receive our text messages. If you would like to receive text messages from the Ticket program, you can send a text that says TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Keep in mind that standard messaging rates may apply and you can -- again, that number is 1-571-489-5292 and you can text the word ticket directly to that number. 
If you still have additional questions about anything or want us to send you any of this contact information, you can send us an email at support@choosework.ssa.gov. We've mentioned the Help line a bunch of different times and we do want to go ahead and repeat that contact information for everyone. It is a wonderful first step to take and they, again, can help answer some of your more specific questions and also let you know how to get connected to one of our service providers. And again, this information that we're providing can be a lot. Today's webinar did focus on some very specific topics and didn't get a lot into the Ticket program. So if you are taking notes and thinking about the Ticket program and how it might be right for you but still have questions -- which I'm sure you do, we want you to consider calling the Ticket to Work Help line. This might be a great way to start your exploration of the Ticket program. 
And one thing we want to let you know is there's really no wrong way to start. But if you're looking for someone to talk to about what might happen if you go to work, and who in your area might be able to talk to you about that, give the Help line a call. They're open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm Eastern Time. And their number is 1-866-968-7842. Or for TTY users, 866-833-2967. The TTY line is a phone number for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or who have speech impairment and who use a text telephone to make and receive calls. Please go ahead and reach out to our Help line. They can answer your questions and help connect you with your employment team, of which Debora mentioned a couple of members. 
Lastly, I want to let you know that our topic next month is going to be “How Will Work Affect My Social Security Disability Benefits?” For those of you who do attend our webinars frequently, you may have noticed we've had a couple of very specific topics the last few months. So next week -- next month, we will dive deeper into the Ticket program and the effects that work has on your Social Security Disability benefits. So I encourage you to join us on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. And you can go ahead and register now online at choosework.ssa.gov/wise. Or you can call 1-866-968-7842. Or for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, dial our TTY at 1-866-833-2967. With that, I would just like to thank Debora one more time and thank you to all of you who joined today's webinar. Whether you're just now learning about the Ticket program, or you've been on your path to employment for a while, we appreciate that you're here and taking a step towards financial independence through work. Thank you so much for attending today's webinar. And that concludes this afternoon's presentation.