Throughout the year, we share advice and resources in our blog posts that may help you pursue financial independence through work. You can find information about how to craft a resume or handle a job interview; explore resources to help you identify and plan your work goals; and discover helpful Social Security Work Incentives as you transition to the workplace.

We're taking a look back and sharing the top 3 blog posts of 2020.

Be on the Lookout for Fake Social Security Calls

Social Security phone scams are the #1 type of fraud reported to the Federal Trade Commission and Social Security. Don't be fooled by phone scammers pretending to be government employees! Find out what you can do to protect your personal information and learn what to do if you receive a suspicious call from someone pretending to be from Social Security.

#ADAat30: The Americans with Disabilities Act and Working from Home

How does the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) apply to working from home? You may have questions about reasonable accommodations for work or your rights when it comes to working from home. This blog post explains how the ADA protects people with disabilities who are working or want to work from home.

4 Tips for Working from Home

Employment is starting to look a little different as more of us work from home or consider careers that allow that option. This means adapting to a new environment. We're sharing 4 tips to help you succeed while working from home.

Stay up to date!

Don't miss out on these helpful resources as you start or continue your journey to work:

• Subscribe to the Choose Work! Blog
• Like us on Facebook
• Follow us on Twitter
• Subscribe to learn about upcoming Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinars

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 helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

By participating in the Ticket Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from Ticket Program service providers that offer free short- and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment.

Learn more

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, please email us at socialmedia@choosework.ssa.gov with the event name, dates and official website.

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs

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

January 13: Integral Care Virtual Career Fair

January 20: Veterinary Career Fair

January 31: University of Florida CISE 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.

January 13: Raleigh Veterans Job Fair

January 18: Central Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

January 20: Tampa Veterans Job Fair 

January 25: Southwest Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

Preparing for Job Fairs

Before you attend a job or career fair, be sure to prepare. We have a variety of resources to help, including:

• Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair
• 9 Tips to Help You Succeed at a Career Fair

CareerOneStop also has lots of tips that can help you prepare and succeed at a job fair and in your job search.

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 web page 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.

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Virtual job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings from the comfort of your own home.

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 their job fairs and how to attend.

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs (Virtual)

Many organizations list their events on CareerEco. Check out one of the virtual events listed below or find other events by looking at the full calendar.

• January 8: College of Lake County Engineering & Technology Internship & Career Fair
• January 13: Western New York Virtual Career & Internship Fair
• January 23: DVM Large Animal Focused Virtual Career Expo

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.

RecruitMilitary (In Person and Virtual)

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

• January 19: Central Region Virtual Career Fair
• January 21: Greater Los Angeles Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• January 28: San Antonio / Austin 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 (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

By participating in the Ticket Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment.

Finding a Job

The resources on the Ticket to Work Find a Job page may also help you as you start or continue your job search. For more comprehensive support, we recommend using the Find Help tool to find a service provider who can offer personalized assistance for you. 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.

Need help finding the right service provider to work with you? Access our Find Help tool, to connect with a service provider in your area who can provide personalized, in depth assistance throughout your employment journey. Or join us on January 20, 2021, from 3 - 4:30 p.m. ET for our next Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) webinar to learn about "Choosing the Service Provider That's Right for You." Register here.

We've all been told that when you're looking for a job, it's important to keep a positive attitude. However, depending on where you live, the onset of winter can affect your outlook. With shorter and colder days, we're less likely to go outside to get some fresh air or catch up with friends. This situation can take a toll on how you feel and your motivation. To stay active in your job search and battle the "winter blues", here are a few ideas to try.

• Get outside every day if you can! A change of scenery, fresh air and sunshine (a source of natural Vitamin D) can help improve your mood. Make sure you wear warm clothes and layer up!
• Pick a partner to join you in an outside activity. Schedule a time and commit to a routine.
• Fit in some exercise while you're outside. Stretching, walking or lifting weights may be a great place to start, if you're able. If the weather doesn't permit you to venture outdoors, find some indoor exercises that you can do.
• Accomplish a goal. Set goals for your job search. Be sure to write them down and cross them off your list as you achieve them.
• Take time to relax. Read a book or watch a favorite TV show or movie. Make one of them a comedy. Listen to upbeat music.
• Let in the light. Open the curtains. Turn on lights. It may not be sunshine, but lighting can improve your mood.
• Connect with friends or family. Pick up the phone, write an email or set up a Zoom meeting to stay in touch.

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 helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

By participating in the Ticket Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from Ticket Program service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

One of the phrases people with invisible disabilities are used to hearing is "But you don't look sick…"

Explaining an invisible disability can be difficult. When someone looks perfectly healthy, it can be hard to understand what they're going through, or that it rises to the level of a diagnosed disability.

Should you tell the boss?

If you have an invisible disability, you may ask yourself if you even need to tell your employer. Disclosing your disability is always your choice. However, if you need to request reasonable accommodations to perform the job, you will need to tell your employer about your disability.

When facing this decision, you may be worried that your employer will view or treat you differently. You may be afraid your boss will think you're unable to do your job or that you've been hiding your disability from him or her. If you're disclosing your disability to request a job accommodation, you should be prepared with ideas that can help you achieve the tasks you're responsible for.

Here are some tips to help you navigate the process:

Submitting your request: Requesting an accommodation isn't always a formal process. Although it's not necessary, the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) recommends submitting your disclosure and request for accommodation in writing to create a record of your request.

Negotiating accommodations: Potential employers and current employers are not required to provide the exact accommodation you request if another option will let you successfully perform a task. For example, if you have a sleep disorder, you may need to request a flexible schedule or ergonomic equipment. However, the employer may propose to provide you with additional breaks instead of a flexible schedule. If an accommodation offered doesn't adequately address your need and you're not sure what you should do, visit the JAN website or give them a call to discuss other ideas and how to move forward.

International Day of People with Disabilities

The United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3 recognizes the value of inclusion and equality in every aspect of a person's life. The 2020 theme, "Not all Disabilities are Visible," focuses on spreading awareness and understanding of disabilities that are not immediately apparent, such as mental illness, chronic pain or fatigue, sight or hearing impairments, diabetes, brain injuries, neurological disorders, learning differences and cognitive dysfunctions, among others.

Who 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 (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

If you participate in the Ticket Program, you will have access to a variety of service providers that can help you decide whether and how to disclose your disability to your employer. One of these service providers is called an Employment Network (EN). ENs are private or public organizations that can help with career counseling and assistance with job placement, including helping you understand how earnings from work will affect your benefits. ENs can also help you request and receive accommodations.

Ticket to Success

The Ticket Program has helped many people with invisible disabilities achieve financial independence through work. They include:

• Hazel: After years of struggling with her mental health and addiction, Hazel found the support she needed to create a path to recovery for herself and work towards her employment goals.
• Shirley: Once Shirley was able to control her narcolepsy and depression, she wasn't sure how to return to work. Now she works full time for her state government.
• Angel: Ticket to Work helped Angel transition to the civilian workforce following a medical retirement from the military due to chronic pain, musculoskeletal injuries and cancer.

If you'd like to get started on your path to financial independence, here's how:

During International Day of People with Disabilities, we hope you'll pause and think about your path to financial independence with the help of the Ticket Program.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Virtual job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings from the comfort of your own home.

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 their job fairs and how to attend.

• December 3: Ability Job Fair

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs (Virtual)

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

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.

RecruitMilitary (In Person and Virtual)

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

• December 9: Transitioning Army & Army Spouse Global Virtual Career Fair
• December 10: Houston Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• December 15: Eastern Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

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 (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

By participating in the Ticket Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment.

Finding a Job

The resources on the Ticket to Work Find a Job page may also help you as you start or continue your job search. For more comprehensive support, we recommend using the Find Help tool to find a service provider who can offer personalized assistance for you. 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

Let's be honest. If you're applying for a job, you're probably not the only person qualified for the position. How can you stand out among the competition before an employer even gets to meet you? One technique you can use to your advantage is to write an attention-grabbing cover letter. Today's blog post offers some advice and a few tips to get you started.

What is a cover letter? A cover letter is a one-page document that introduces you to a potential employer. Your resume describes the facts of your work experience (either paid or volunteer work), while your cover letter gives the hiring manager some insight into your personality. While your resume tells what you did, the cover letter gives you the opportunity to describe how you did it.

Tip: For example, rather than stating that you have strong communication skills, provide the details of a particular problem you were key in solving and how exactly you used your communication skills to solve it.

Do I need to send a cover letter? Yes, you should include a cover letter with your job application whether the company requires it or not. It can help you catch the hiring manager's attention!

What should be in my cover letter? There are 3 basic elements you need to be sure to include: 1) how your experience meets the job requirements; 2) how your skills match the job requirements; and 3) why you want to work for this specific employer.

Tip: Every cover letter needs to be unique to the particular job. There are templates online that can guide you, but there is no one size fits all. You have to do the work to research the company and understand the job requirements.

Remember, your cover letter should be customized for each job application. Be sure to adapt it for each particular company and include keywords from each job description.

Should I disclose my disability in a cover letter? Disclosing your disability in a cover letter is up to you. If you decide to do so, employers may ask you to fill out a job application that includes a formal opportunity to discuss your disability and accommodations you may need on the job. Whether or not you disclose your disability, focus your cover letter on the skills you have that make you a great fit for the job.

How do I organize my cover letter? Below is a simple structure you can follow.

• Heading — includes your full name, phone number, email and the date
  • Tip: Add your social media profile (e.g., LinkedIn) if relevant to the job.
• Addressee — the name of the hiring manager, company and business address
  • Tip: Researching online (e.g., Google, LinkedIn, company website) to find the name of the hiring manager shows you've done your homework.
• Greeting — specific to the person you determined was the hiring manager
• Opening paragraph — briefly talk about 2 or 3 of your accomplishments that are specifically relevant to the job. Tell your story.
  • Tip: If you have results that can be quantified, e.g., I increased production by 10%, this is the place for those.
• Second paragraph — identify the key elements of the job requirements and explain why you're the best person for the job. Where do your skills and the job requirements overlap?
• Third paragraph — explain why you want to work for this particular company. What is it about this one company that you admire? Their product? Their inclusive culture? Be specific about why this is meaningful to you.
• Conclusion — thank them for reading your letter and put the ball in their court. For example, you could end by saying you'd love to discuss your experience with them.
• Closing — use a formal sign off such as Best Regards, Kind Regards, Sincerely or Thank you.

Now What? You're almost done! Just a few final tips.

• Edit your letter to be sure that it is only one page.
• Proofread your letter. Make sure there are no typos or errors in spelling or grammar. Better yet, ask someone else to read it over for you.
• If you're sending your resume and cover letter by email, consider including the cover letter in the body of the email message itself. That way, you save the reader an extra step and your letter is more likely to be read.

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 (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

By participating in the Ticket Program, you'll have access to a wide variety of services from Ticket Program service providers that offer free short-term and long-term supports to help you find and maintain employment. Many can help you work on your cover letter and resume!

Receive Ticket Program Texts

Have you ever considered working for yourself? Would flexible hours and the freedom to work at your own pace make employment possible?  Are you self-motivated, and do you enjoy working on your own? Do you have a passion to be an entrepreneur? If your answer to these questions is, "Yes!" then self-employment may be right for you.

November is National Entrepreneurship Month when we celebrate the determination of those who strike out on their own, building their own career opportunities. Today's blog post examines how self-employment and Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can work hand-in-hand.

If you receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI), are age 18 through 64, and you'd like help starting your own business, the Ticket Program is here to help. This free and voluntary program can help you on your path to financial independence through self-employment.

Ticket Program service providers that have experience helping people with disabilities to start their own businesses can guide you as you take the first steps to self-employment. They can help you think through how to develop your business goals, determine your target market, make financial projections, identify record-keeping requirements and write your business plan.

In addition to the Ticket Program, Social Security has other Work Incentives that are useful in starting and maintaining a business. In fact, some Work Incentives are specifically for people trying to start their own businesses.

If you want more information about starting your own business, you can use our Find Help tool to search for service providers that specialize in working with beneficiaries who want to start their own business. A Benefits Counselor can help you understand how self-employment will affect your benefits.

Receive Ticket Program Texts

Each November 11, this country celebrates and honors the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. If you're a veteran, we want to thank you for your service. If you have a disability (service-connected or otherwise), Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program is here to help.

The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, people who are eligible can connect with authorized service providers to receive the support they need to succeed in the workforce.

The Ticket Program recognizes that military experience includes training and skills that many civilian employers value in employees. For veterans with disabilities who receive Social Security disability benefits, the Ticket Program offers supports and services to help you identify and leverage transferable skills and transition to the civilian workplace.

If you participate in the program, you'll have access to a wide variety of service providers, including Employment Networks (EN). ENs are private or public organizations that offer (among other services) career counseling and assistance with job placement, including helping you understand how work will affect your benefits.

They include organizations like the Fresno Foundation, which provides mental health counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder and resume building that translates military experience into civilian job descriptions. Lighthouse Louisiana provides benefits counseling services that help veterans understand the impact of earnings on SSDI and VA Benefits and advocacy for job accommodations. Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA) is a large Veteran Service Organization with a presence in all 50 states at VA Medical Centers and Regional Benefits offices. PVA hosts weekly employment-focused webinars called PAVE Connect.

Many other service providers are ready to serve veterans who receive SSI or SSDI. To find a service provider, use the Ticket to Work Find Help Tool. Using either the direct or guided search feature, you can locate providers who specialize in serving veterans.

To help people who receive benefits and payments keep up with the changing cost of living, Social Security beneficiaries often receive an annual cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Each year Social Security bases the COLA on changes in the Consumer Price Index.

For 2021, Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase by 1.3%. This means that more than 70 million Americans will see a change in their benefit payments.

Find out your new benefit amount

my Social Security accounts are secure ways to verify and manage your benefits. By creating a free, personal account, you can check your Social Security Statement, change your address, report your wages and more. In order to receive the 2021 COLA notice online, you must create an account by November 18, 2020.

If you don't have a my Social Security account, you can sign up for one today. Once you log in to your account, you can manage your notification preferences under "Message Center Preferences" to start receiving courtesy messages either in your email or as a text message. Social Security will send a message to the Message Center inbox in your account and, if you've signed up for courtesy notifications, send you an email and/or text message to let you know you have a message waiting in your account.

In December 2020, Social Security COLA notices will be available online to most beneficiaries in the message center of their my Social Security account. Remember, you'll still receive your notice in the mail, but you can also choose to receive COLA notices online through your my Social Security account.

Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

As you think about what the 2021 COLA means for you, you may have questions. Working with a Ticket Program service provider, like an Employment Network or State Vocational Rehabilitation agency, that has a Benefits Counselor on staff may help you find the answers and information you're looking for.

The Ticket Program shares information about Work Incentives and employment resources for people with disabilities on a regular basis. Subscribe to our emails, sign up for text messaging and follow us on social media to stay updated on the program and discover resources designed to help you succeed on the path to work.

Learn more