No matter where you are on your journey to work, there are resources available to help you accomplish your next step. Whether you are just considering working, ready to find a service provider to help you, are looking for a job, or already working and want to keep on the road to financial independence, Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can support you on your journey.

Over the course of several weeks, we'll share information about how the Ticket Program can support you wherever you are on the path to work. We'll discuss:

• Looking for your first job
• Reentering the workforce
• Employment and job search resources for young adults, veterans and other audiences
• Tips for accomplishing your goals during your job search and after you're employed

The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or maintain success while you are working.

Whether you have zero work experience or decades of employment under your belt, the Ticket Program has the tools to help you succeed. It doesn't matter where you start, or how long it takes, the most important part of your journey to financial independence is that you begin.

We encourage you to take a first step today. Some examples could be:

• Polishing your resume
• Networking with a friend or former colleague
• Contacting a Ticket Program service provider

If you decide to participate in the Ticket Program, getting started is easy! First, give the Ticket to Work Help Line a call. Our customer service representatives will explain how the program works and answer your questions or address concerns you might have and send you a list of service providers who can help.

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Whether they're in person or online, job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings.

If you're aware of an upcoming job fair that our readers would find helpful, email us at socialmedia@choosework.ssa.gov with the event name, dates and official website.

AbilityJobs

AbilityJobs offers specific online resources for job seekers with disabilities. Accessibility features offer you the opportunity to connect with employers using an American Sign Language interpreter, screen reader or other accommodations. This job fair website also offers online face-to-face interviews with recruiters. Learn more about AbilityJobs' job fairs and how to attend.

Bender Consulting Services

Bender Consulting Services offers a variety of employment resources for job seekers with disabilities, from career prep and education to job recruitment and vocational training.

• November 16: Bender Virtual Career Fair

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs

Many organizations list their events on CareerEco. Check out their full calendar for a list of their virtual events.

• November 9: NAVAIR Fall 2021 Virtual Career Fair
• November 17: Careers Representing America: STEM Diversity Career Fair

Diversity Career Group

Diversity Career group focuses their career and job fairs on connecting employers and job seekers through sit-down conversations and even first-round job interviews. Check out the full calendar.  

• November 4: Seattle Career Fair & Virtual Job Fair
• November 18: San Francisco Career Fair & Virtual Job Fair

Equal Opportunity Publications

Equal Opportunity Publications (EOP) offers a variety of diversity recruitment resources, including national online career magazines, virtual job boards, and career fairs for minority groups and people with disabilities. Check out EOP's career expos page for a list of events.

• November 19: EOP's Careers & The Disabled Virtual Career Fair

RecruitMilitary

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers.  For a listing of all RecruitMilitary virtual events, visit their calendar.

• November 10: Greater Washington, DC Veterans Job Fair
• November 10: Columbus Veterans Job Fair
• November 18: Dallas Veterans Job Fair
• November 23: National Virtual Career Fair

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider when job searching, and it can be tough trying to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or maintain success while you are working.

Finding a Job

The resources on the Ticket to Work Find a Job page can also help as you start or continue your job search. For more comprehensive support, we recommend using the Find Help tool to find a service provider that can offer personalized assistance. The Find a Job webpage includes a chart that you can use to compare the features that the various organizations provide, such as job boards, resume services and social networking opportunities. Some of the organizations also offer an employer directory and access to recruiters.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM). The purpose of NDEAM is to educate people about disability employment issues and celebrate the many and varied contributions of America's workers with disabilities.

Here are 5 ways you can participate in NDEAM:

1. Brush off your resume: Polish your existing resume or start from scratch. Remember, if you apply for more than one job, you may need to craft different resumes to emphasize the skills needed for particular positions.
2. Work on your cover letter: Similar to your resume, you may need a different cover letter for each position. You may think cover letters are old fashioned, but many employers still want to see them when you apply.
3. Learn about the Ticket to Work Program: Social Security's Ticket to Work(Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or be successful while you are working.
4. Contact a Ticket to Work Program service provider: Through the Ticket Program, you can connect with service providers to help you  prepare  for interviews through practice, find  new job postings or secure a reasonable accommodation at a new job.  Even after you start working, a Ticket Program service provider, like an Employment Network, may be able to help you navigate and find solutions for situations that arise in the workplace or ask for accommodations that will help you be successful.
5. Attend a Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) webinar: Sign up for a free WISE Webinarto learn about the Ticket Program and other Work Incentives.

You can celebrate NDEAM all year long; but October is the perfect time to get started on your path to financial independence through employment. Ticket to Work Program service providers are ready to help.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

Have you ever looked at a posting for an open job position and seen the following phrases: "self-starter," "fast-paced environment," "deadline-driven," or "ability to work independently?"  What these and similar phrases are asking is: how good are you at managing your time?

We've written about the importance of soft skills before, explaining that people skills like communication or working on a team are just as valuable to a future employer as technical training. With a few exceptions, jobs cannot be worked entirely alone. You'll need to be able to interact with coworkers or customers one-on-one or in a team setting. Other soft skills like a positive attitude and organizational skills reflect your strengths as an individual employee.

In this blog we're going to look at the importance of time management, and ways to support a more efficient workday. 

What is Time Management?

Time management is actually a set of smaller skills that help make you an efficient and effective employee. Because there are only so many hours in a workday, it's important to understand how to make the most of each hour and how to create systems that work for you.

• Prioritizing: It's possible that a workday may have more tasks to complete than you have time for. An important time management skill is understanding your limits and how to prioritize tasks. Knowing how to look at a list of tasks and rank their importance based on company impact, approaching deadlines or complexity is something employers look for in their employees. Being able to set realistic work goals for your day and achieving them not only brings you personal satisfaction, but also shows your employer that you take a professional approach to your career.
• Scheduling: Once you've ranked the tasks on your list, the next step in good time management is scheduling. Maintaining a schedule and implementing a system for that schedule, like a planner, email notifications or scheduler program can help build routines in your day, which leads to less wasted time. If you know you have a meeting at 9 a.m. and get a reminder at 8:30 a.m. to attend the meeting, you're less likely to be late and disrupt the flow of the meeting. Scheduling can also help with prioritizing equally important tasks. For example, if you need to work with a coworker on a specific project, but the only time you’re both available is next week, that means you can move the project lower down your list and prioritize the task you can complete on your own this week.
• Workload Management: Finally, time management means discussing and setting reasonable expectations. Staying organized through to-do lists, scheduling systems and prioritizing can make large workloads more manageable. However, working at your top speed all day, every day is not sustainable. Break down larger projects into smaller milestones with realistic deadlines leading up to the larger, final deadline. Taking breaks throughout the week lets you recharge and refocus on new tasks. Have transparent conversations with your supervisor about their expectations for you and tasks or projects you need support with. The ability to delegate is not a sign you're unable to do the work; it's an important skill employers look for in their future leaders.

Tips to Improve Time Management

Though soft skills, or people skills, aren't as easily taught as hard, technical skills, there are ways to practice and improve your abilities. Here are some tools that may help support your time management.

• Create a routine. Routines give us stability and eliminate the time wasted trying to answer the question, "What comes next?" By establishing and sticking to a routine, you're less likely to forget the tasks you need to complete every day.
• Plan your day. As part of your daily routine, set aside time to plan the rest of your day. Once you've prioritized your to-do list, create a schedule and plan for how and when you'll start and complete each task.
• Track your timeframes and adjust as needed. Occasionally time yourself on certain projects, but don't try to race the clock. Go through tasks at your normal, comfortable pace. Be honest about how long certain tasks take. If you only allow 15 minutes for a reporting task on your schedule, but the report normally takes you closer to 30 minutes to complete, you're not setting a realistic goal for yourself. And your frustration may make you even less productive on other tasks later in the day. Make adjustments as needed to your scheduling and discuss with your supervisor if you find you need additional time on all your tasks. They may be able to help streamline some processes or adjust your workload.
• Use time management tools. Most email programs also have task tracking and calendar features. Many companies provide their employees with collaborative software that help them track big and small projects. Or find a pen and paper planner system that works for you. For some, a combination of all of these tools is the best method for staying on top of the things you need to do at work and at home. And remember, this is not a one size fits all solution. You may have to go through some trial and error to find the system that works for you.

How Ticket to Work Can Help

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or be successful while you are working.

Through the Ticket Program, you can connect with service providers to help you learn more about soft skills, how to develop and polish these skills and even think about the accommodations that may help you improve them.

Even once you start working, a Ticket Program service provider, like an Employment Network, may be able to help you navigate situations that arise in the workplace to help you find solutions or ask for accommodations to help you succeed. They can practice interview skills with you or connect you with a job coach once you're on the job.

Remember — no one is born with good time management skills, but with practice and the right tools, you can master this important skill.

Receiving Texts from the Ticket Program

If someone close to you is currently searching for a job, you may want to help. But what can you do? Once your friend has decided that they want to work and, if necessary, prepared for it with training or education, it's likely the next step will be looking for work. Here are some ways you can be a valued support to a friend.

Offer Encouragement and Understanding

Because the job search process is so personal, not everyone needs the same kind of support. Some people only need you to listen as they vent their frustration. Others may want to bounce ideas off you as you act as a sounding board. Still others may want to discuss their long-term goals. You can provide encouragement and talk about your own experiences to let them know that they're not alone. If asked, you can certainly offer advice, but they may just need understanding and support.

Provide Networking and Hands-on Support

If they do ask for some advice, there are a variety of ways you can help. Discuss their challenges and what they may need. Help with the smallest task can make a big difference in their search. For example, you can:

• Expand their network. Connect them with recruiters, job openings or job fairs.
• Help them polish their professional presence. Review their resume. Help them create professional profiles on networking sites. Brainstorm different skills they have that apply to the workforce.
• Help with interview preparation. Rehearse interview questions and answers. Help select appropriate interview outfits. Test equipment connections in advance of virtual interviews.
• Become involved in their search. Provide transportation to an interview. Offer to be a reference. Remember, a relative may not be allowed to provide a reference.

Know When to Suggest a Break

Job searches can be both mentally and emotionally taxing. Sometimes people get so caught up in their job search they forget to relax or spend time with friends and family. Invite them to go for a walk, get a cup of coffee or another fun activity. Keep the conversation light to try to take their mind off their job situation. A little break could make all the difference.

Ticket to Work Can Help

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It connects people with free employment services to help them decide if working is the right choice, prepare for work, find a job or be successful while they're working.

If your friend qualifies for the Ticket Program, encourage them to learn how the Ticket Program can assist them in their search. Here are a few steps they can take:

1. Learn more about the Ticket Program through these self-paced Ticket to Work Tutorials.
2. Read our Frequently Asked Questions about the Ticket Program.
3. Sign up for a free WISE Webinar to learn more about the Ticket Program and other Work Incentives.
4. Learn more about Social Security Work Incentives.
5. View success stories of beneficiaries who have used the Ticket Program to improve their lives and achieve financial independence.

6. Call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

   Call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

7. Opt in to receive information via text about the Ticket Program by texting the word "TICKET" to 1-571-489-5292. You can opt out at any time.

   Opt in to receive information via text about the Ticket Program by texting the word "TICKET" to 1-571-489-5292. You can opt out at any time.

When you're interviewing for a job, there's a strong chance that a recruiter or potential boss will ask what you believe are your strengths. This is an easy question to answer. Interviewers will certainly want to know that your perceived strengths line up with the position you're seeking, but they are also interested in whether you're self-aware and confident. With a little practice, you can answer that question without appearing either arrogant or overly humble. Here's how.

Show Your Strengths: STAR Method in Action

Talking about your strengths is an opportunity to show why you'd be a great fit for the job and how your skills align with the company or team. The key is to think about what strengths you have that match one or more of the aspects of the job description. A strength can be either a technical skill or a soft skill, such as teamwork or communication.

Once you've decided which of your strengths you want to feature, it's time to identify real life examples where you've demonstrated that strength. The best way to approach behavioral questions is to use the STAR method. This helps you break down a scenario and explain how you successfully navigated it.

Situation: Offer some background on the task or challenge that you'll be addressing.

Task: Define what your role and responsibilities were for the particular situation.

Action: Explain what steps you took or ideas you offered to help solve the problem or tackle that challenge.

Result: Share how the situation was resolved, highlighting how your actions helped reach that conclusion.

Here's an example:

If you interview for a position that requires you to lead or even be part of a team, you might choose to say one of your strengths is leadership.

Situation: I volunteer as a gardener at a local park and enjoy working with new volunteers.

Task: The park identified a need to educate new volunteers about native plants.

Action: I organized a training session to teach my team members about native plants.

Result: The new volunteers found it so useful that the training is now part of the new volunteer onboarding process.

In this scenario, an interviewer might recognize your ability to take initiative to address needs and lead a new volunteer training. While this answer may seem simple, it demonstrates your strength in both initiative and leadership, which are valuable traits to all employers.

If you find it is hard to identify your strengths, consider your ability to:

• Collaborate
• Solve problems
• Take direction and focus on tasks
• Use technology
• Lead or mentor

Reflect on your skills and accomplishments. Think about why they qualify you to succeed in the job you're applying for. Think about the strengths of your professional role models and whether you have some of those same qualities. Consider a time when a teammate shared something they admired about you. Or think back to any times you received recognition for your work and what skills allowed you to shine.

How Ticket to Work Can Help

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or be successful while you are working.

Ticket to Work service providers can help you sharpen your interview skills by conducting mock interviews to help you practice. Service providers that offer interview preparation assistance can also support you through the different stages of the job search and application process.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Whether they're in-person or online, job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings.

If you're aware of an upcoming job fair that our readers would find helpful, email us at socialmedia@choosework.ssa.gov with the event name, dates and official website.

AbilityJobs

AbilityJobs offers specific online resources for job seekers with disabilities. Accessibility features offer you the opportunity to connect with employers using an American Sign Language interpreter, screen reader or other accommodations. This job fair website also offers online face-to-face interviews with recruiters. Learn more about AbilityJobs' job fairs and how to attend.

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs

Many organizations list their events on CareerEco. Check out their full calendar for a list of their virtual events.

• September 21: BankTalentHQ Virtual Career Fair
• September 29: Diversity & Inclusion Virtual Career Fair 

Diversity Career Group

Diversity Career group focuses their career and job fairs on connecting employers and job seekers through sit-down conversations and even first-round job interviews. Check out the full calendar.  

• September 16: Orange County Career Fair & Virtual Job Fair
• September 23: San Diego Career Fair & Virtual Job Fair 

Equal Opportunity Publications

Equal Opportunity Publications (EOP) offers a variety of diversity recruitment resources, including national online career magazines, virtual job boards, and career fairs for minority groups and people with disabilities. Check out EOP's career expos page for a list of events.

• September 22: Careers & the disABLED Virtual Career Fair

My Employment Options

My Employment Options is an Employment Network (EN) that specializes in work-from-home positions for people with disabilities. This virtual job fair provides a chance for job seekers to network with a number of companies offering both work-from-home and community employment opportunities. Visit My Employment Options to learn more about how they may be able to help you on your journey to maintain employment.

• September 15: My Employment Options Virtual Career Fair

RecruitMilitary

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers.  For a listing of all RecruitMilitary virtual events, visit their calendar.

• September 9: Nashville Veterans Job Fair
• September 14: Western Region Virtual Career Fair
• September 23: Boston Veterans Job Fair
• September 28: Transitioning Army & Army Spouse Virtual Career Fair

About Ticket to Work

There's a lot to consider when job searching, and it can be tough trying to do everything on your own. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It  connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or maintain success while you are working.

Finding a Job

The resources on the Ticket to Work Find a Job page can also help as you start or continue your job search. For more comprehensive support, we recommend using the Find Help tool to find a service provider that can offer personalized assistance. The Find a Job webpage includes a chart that you can use to compare the features that the various organizations provide, such as job boards, resume services and social networking opportunities. Some of the organizations also offer an employer directory and access to recruiters.

Receive Ticket Program Texts