By Guest Blogger Chris Rodriguez, Senior Public Policy Advisor, National Disability Institute

For the first time in public policy, the ABLE Act recognizes the extra and significant costs of living with a disability and provides a savings tool to address them. The ABLE Act is formally known as the Stephen Beck Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience Act. It was signed into law on December 19, 2014 after nearly a decade of national, state and local advocacy efforts.

The ABLE Act allows certain individuals with disabilities and their families to save funds in a tax-advantaged savings and investment account. Similar to a 529 College Savings account, anyone can contribute to an ABLE account belonging to a qualified individual with a disability, including friends, family and the individual him- or herself.

What You Need to Know

• What is an ABLE account?

  ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged investment accounts that help qualified individuals with disabilities and their families save for disability-related expenses. The funds in the account grow tax-free. The funds in the account, and distributions made for qualified disability-related expenses, are also not factored into determining eligibility for federally funded means-tested benefits, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid.

• Why is there a need for ABLE accounts?

  Millions of individuals with disabilities and their families depend on a wide variety of public benefits for income, healthcare, and food and housing assistance. To qualify for many of these benefits (SSI, SNAP, Medicaid), you must have limited financial resources. For example, you must report no more than $2,000 in cash savings, retirement funds and other items of significant value when you apply for benefits. ABLE accounts allow certain people with disabilities to save funds well over these limits without losing eligibility for benefits.  

• Who is eligible to open an ABLE account?

  The ABLE Act limits eligibility to people with significant disabilities who had the onset of their disability before they turned 26 years old. If you meet this age requirement and already receive SSI or SSDI benefits, you are automatically eligible for an ABLE account. If you are not an SSI or SSDI recipient but meet the age of disability onset requirement, you may still be eligible to open an ABLE account. To do so, you must meet Social Security’s definition and criteria for significant functional limitations and receive a letter of certification from a licensed physician.

• What can ABLE account funds be used for?

  ABLE account funds can be used to purchase “qualified disability-related expenses.” A "qualified disability expense" is any expense related to the designated beneficiary’s blindness or disability that helps them increase or maintain their health, independence and quality of life. These may include expenses related to education, housing, transportation, employment training and support, assistive technology, personal support services, healthcare expenses, financial management and administrative services, and other expenses.

• Do I have to wait for my state to establish a program before opening an ABLE account?

  No. Regardless of where you might live and whether your state has decided to establish an ABLE program, you are free to enroll in any state’s program, if the program accepts out-of-state residents.

For more in-depth information about the ABLE Act and ABLE programs, including which states offer enrollment, please visit the ABLE National Resource Center. Be sure to look for an upcoming WISE webinar on this topic.

Ticket to Work:
Debunking the Three Biggest Myths about Disability Benefits and Work
Wednesday, December 21, 2016, 3:00 – 4:30 PM, ET

If you are age 18 through 64, receive Social Security Disability benefits, and want to make more money through work, Ticket to Work can provide the support that you need!

The December 21 national WISE webinar will address common myths about how working will affect your cash disability benefits and Medicare or Medicaid.

• Find out how Social Security will postpone your medical continuing disability review (CDR) while you are participating in the Ticket to Work program.
• Find out how you can restart your cash benefits without reapplying if your job does not work out.
• Get details on how you can keep your Medicare or Medicaid after you begin replacing cash benefits with earnings from work.

Register online at www.choosework.net/wise or call 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).

You will receive a registration confirmation message with instructions on how to log in to the webinar. Please be sure to check your spam folder. Registration information will also be available online the day of the webinar.

By Guest Blogger Colleen Moynihan, MEd, CLU

Self-employment is not something many people think of when they consider earning a living. This is understandable, as the American educational system typically teaches students to be reliable, productive employees. Their teachers are also employees who may have little, if any, exposure to self-employment. Most of their parents are employed by other people. And most of us pay little attention to what goes on in the back rooms of the many places that sell services and products.

What Does an Entrepreneur Look Like?  

Entrepreneurs are people who plan, start and run their own businesses. They come in every size, shape and age, and from every cultural and racial background. They are people with and without disabilities. They are everywhere.

For example, a veteran with a disability returning from the Middle East discovers the employment landscape has changed since he left for military duty. He has changed as well. His skills and expectations are now different.  But he is still seeking to build a future. And self-employment has the flexibility of time and place that can lead to his personal and financial success.

Starting Your Small Business

Self-employment is a learned skill anyone can develop. With the right support, the door to self-sufficiency is open to anyone. Every new business owner can benefit from a support group to provide information and encouragement. Support groups may be made up of family, friends, other business owners or organizations like SCORE.

Launching a business idea means contacting resources like the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), SCORE, the SBA Small Business Development Center or NEBA’s Business Development Center to get information to start the process. As the saying goes, "There is something for everyone." You have to find where you fit.

The first step is writing a comprehensive business plan. The business plan is the foundation for starting a business. It lays out what the proposed business looks like, how it will run, and how much money it might make over a three- to five-year period. The plan highlights the prospective business owner’s skills and special talents that will make the business a possibility.

Self-employment offers financial independence and employment opportunities. Check it out!

The On-Ramp to Employment

Our News and Views blog series, Help for Young People Considering Their Future, is written for young people with disabilities moving from school into the workforce. Discovering the type of work you enjoy and find rewarding is an important first step when you’re thinking about a job. The good news is there are people who can guide you through this process!  

This installment in our youth-in-transition blog series will help you think about:

• Steps you can take to find an internship or work-based experience
• Internship resources to explore

Internships are opportunities to learn about a job and gain experience working with an employer over a set period of time. They can be paid or unpaid, and part time or full time. Most are connected to education programs and last between four weeks and a year.

Steps for Finding an Internship or Other Work-Based Experience

1. Decide what kind of experience you want. Try to match your work experiences with your career interests. If you’re not sure what you want to do, take a career interest assessment like the one at www.mynextmove.org.

2. Look for opportunities. A great way to start your search is to ask your friends and family if they know about opportunities that match your interests. Often, people connect to work experiences through their personal and professional networks.

• If you’re looking for a part-time or summer job, search the online classifieds section of your local newspaper. Some nonprofit organizations and local government agencies run youth employment programs, including short-term paid work experiences. These experiences usually last six to eight weeks during the summer. To learn about these programs, contact your local American Job Center and ask about youth programs and summer jobs. Some American Job Centers are also Ticket to Work Employment Networks; be sure to ask.

• Schools often keep lists of employers that offer internships. If you aren’t in school, you can visit an American Job Center to meet with a career counselor. These offices can help you find and prepare for internships.

• If there are specific employers you’d like to work for, look for opportunities on their websites. Don’t be afraid to reach out to these employers directly to find out more about what it’s like to work for them and what they’re looking for in an employee or volunteer.

3. Apply. When applying for internships or jobs, employers may ask you for a resume and cover letter. For help creating these, reach out to your school guidance counselor or someone in your personal network. You can also look for resume and cover letter tips online.

• Interviews are an important part of the application process. You can prepare for an interview by doing a practice interview. Answer all questions honestly and with a positive attitude. Remember your goal in an interview is to sell yourself, so make sure to highlight your special skills and why you’re the best candidate for the job. Interviewing well takes practice. Think of each interview as a learning experience!

Internship Resources

Internships and volunteer work are both good opportunities to build self-esteem and learn while helping others! Check out these resources for ideas, or call the Ticket to Work Help Line number below.

• The Workforce Recruitment Program is a recruitment and referral program. It connects federal and private sector employers nationwide with highly motivated college students and recent graduates with disabilities who are eager to prove their abilities in the workplace through summer or permanent jobs.
• The Pathways Programs promote employment in the federal workforce to current students and recent graduates. They offer specific programs for current students, recent graduates of qualifying educational institutions or programs, and people with advanced degrees.
• Employers across the country post internship opportunities at internships.com. Click the “Search Internships” link at the top of the page to get started. This site has mostly college-level internships.
• The guide Internships: The On-Ramp to Employment helps youth, including youth with disabilities, get and make the most of internships.

To learn about others who weighed the risks and rewards of job hunting and have stories to share, read or watch Ticket to Work Success Stories. 

Notes and Sources

• HR University: Federal Hiring Toolkit
• The National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability: Youth Tip Sheets
• National Consortium on Leadership and Disability for Youth: Internships: The On-Ramp to Employment
• Workforce Recruitment Program
• www.internships.com

Picture two people seated at a coffee shop, talking, and one of them busily taking notes of their conversation. It’s an interview of a different sort, one that could lead to a new job or career.

If you have a disability and are thinking of going back to work or working for the first time, an "informational interview" is a great way to find out about a type of job or career at a company or in a field that interests you. You can do this even when there’s no job opening. Asking someone for an informational interview shows you’re motivated to work, eager to learn about employment opportunities, and interested in exploring a particular workplace or field.

If you are participating in Social Security’s Ticket to Work program, talk with your Employment Network or State Vocational Rehabilitation agency counselor about the benefits of informational interviews and the best ways to prepare for and conduct them. Review the following tips before getting started.

Informational Interview Tips

Before the interview:

• Find the right person to interview. Ask for referrals from friends, relatives, neighbors or your Ticket to Work service provider. You can also contact people you admire in your field or the field you’re exploring by using a social network like LinkedIn. Be clear about the kinds of things you want to learn more about — that will help others find the right people to connect you with for an informational interview.
• Schedule the interview. Suggest some dates and times that work for you. People often meet at coffee shops or inexpensive local restaurants, places where the time together feels more conversational and less like an official interview. Let the person know you’ll meet somewhere convenient for them, even if that’s at their place of work. If your only option is to have the conversation by phone, that’s okay, too.
• Do your homework. If you’re meeting with someone you don’t know, make sure you research that person and their company and industry.
• Set the agenda. It’s your meeting, so be clear on what you want to gain from the conversation. Prepare a list of questions to guide the conversation. You might ask:
• • Why did you choose this type of work?
  • How did you get started in this field?
  • Which jobs and experiences have you had that prepared you for your position? Did you need any special training or education?
  • What is a typical workday like for you?
  • What do you like most and what is most challenging about your job or organization?
  • Can you recommend any books or articles to help me to learn more about this field?
  • What advice do you have for someone who might want to work in this field?
  • Is there anyone else in your company or field I should talk to?
• Be prepared to talk about yourself. Share your work and volunteer experiences, and what interests and inspires you. Choose one or two things you want to highlight about yourself while you have their attention.

During the interview:

• Keep it professional. Be early and dress professionally, as if it were an actual job interview. Don’t directly ask for a job. Take notes.
• Keep the meeting brief. Focus on the person’s career and insights. Your top priority is learning about their career, the work they’ve done, and the kinds of jobs you might want to pursue.
• Bring copies of your resume. Be prepared to provide it if they ask for it.

After the interview:

• Thank the person by email or a handwritten note.
• Follow-up on items you promised to send.
• Reflect on what you learned.

An informational interview will not only help you learn more about workplaces, jobs and careers, it may also lead to a future job!

Additional Resources

• Informational Interviews (American Job Center Network)
• Set Up Informational Interviews (Minnesota State Colleges and Universities)

From November 30-December 2, representatives of Social Security’s Ticket to Work program will be attending the annual TASH Conference in St Louis, Missouri. TASH is an international leader in disability advocacy. Founded in 1975, TASH advocates for human rights and inclusion for people with significant disabilities and support needs – those most vulnerable to segregation, abuse, neglect and institutionalization. 

Each year, the TASH Conference strengthens the disability field by connecting attendees to innovative information and resources, facilitating connections between stakeholders within the disability movement, and helping attendees reignite their passion for an inclusive world. This year’s conference theme, “Gateway to Equity,” explores inclusive communities, schools, and workplaces that support people with disabilities, including those with complex support needs, in living a fair, just, and balanced life.

The Ticket to Work program will present a workshop titled “Employment Support – That’s the Ticket”.  This workshop will discuss how to debunk the three biggest myths about disability benefits and work. The workshop will also cover the basics of the Ticket to Work program, such as eligibility and services available to participants as well as Social Security Work Incentives.

Representatives of Social Security’s Ticket to Work program will also have a booth in the exhibit hall to answer all of your questions. Come by and visit!

Get Involved in Volunteer Work

Our News and Views blog series, Help for Young People Considering their Future, is written for people with disabilities moving from school into the workforce.

This installment is all about volunteering.

If you enjoy helping others, have a special talent to share, or want professional experience, consider volunteering. Volunteering means donating your time and skills for free. It’s a great way to give back to your community and make new friends. It can also help you discover your passions, learn new skills, get into college and start a career. Volunteering is your chance to:

• Earn school credit or community service hours
• Explore types of work you might like to do in the future
• Gain skills and experience while expanding your professional network
• Connect with future employers
• Find a mentor who can help you start or return to your career
• Practice asking for and using accommodations you will need in college and on the job

Four Steps to Get Started

1. Know what you’re looking for. Deciding what kind of volunteer experience you want will help you find the best fit. Ask yourself these questions:

2. Find a place to volunteer. Use these tips:

3. Learn more about the position. Once you find a volunteer opportunity, make sure it's a good fit. The best way to do this is to:

4. Apply for the position. Before you start volunteering, you may have to fill out an application and interview for the position. You can show them you deserve the position if you:

Things to Think About

Requirements: Volunteers may be required to meet certain conditions, such as being older than a certain age or getting permission from their parents, passing a medical exam or a criminal background check. Ask about requirements early on so you don’t waste time applying for positions you’re not qualified for and to ensure that you can meet application deadlines. Application tests and paperwork can take a lot of time.

Your commitment level: Before committing to a volunteer position, make sure you can put in the required time and effort. Reliability is essential to being a good volunteer. Reliability can also help you get a strong letter of recommendation from your supervisor when you apply for college, scholarships and jobs.

Disclosing your disability and asking for accommodations: Volunteers are not employees, and are not typically entitled to reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With that in mind, you may consider using volunteer work as an opportunity to practice more than technical skills. You can decide whether to mention your disability and ask for accommodations to help you do your best in your volunteer position. Practicing now can help you feel more comfortable asking for accommodations in college or on the job. Learn more about disclosure through the National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability.

Volunteers may be considered employees under certain situations. For more information, visit the Job Accommodation Network.

If you receive Social Security benefits because of a disability, the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) program can answer questions about disclosing your disability and requesting accommodations. Find the PABSS program in your state through Ticket to Work.

Have fun! Volunteering should be fun, so make sure you are doing something you enjoy.

When you hear the word apprentice, you might first think about construction or other skilled trade jobs. But today, the ApprenticeshipUSA system holds nationwide opportunities for training in all industries, including healthcare, IT, advanced manufacturing, transportation and energy.

With a network of more than 150,000 employers in more than 1,000 careers, the ApprenticeshipUSA system has trained millions of apprentices during the last 75 years. The average starting wage for an apprenticeship graduate is more than $50,000, and apprentices will earn an average of $300,000 more over their lifetime than their non-apprentice peers.

Last year, President Obama set a goal to double the number of Registered Apprenticeship Programs in the U.S. in the next five years. To help make that happen, the President has declared November 14-20, 2016 National Apprenticeship Week.

What is apprenticeship?

Registered Apprenticeship is a proven approach to prepare workers for jobs while meeting business demands for a highly-skilled workforce. It’s an employer-driven, "learn while you earn" model that combines on-the-job training with the hiring employer with job-related instruction in courses tied to achieving national skills standards. The model includes progressive increases in an apprentice’s skills and wages.

Why should you consider an apprenticeship?

As a Social Security disability beneficiary, an apprenticeship may be a good career choice for you. From their first day of work, apprentices receive a paycheck that is guaranteed to increase as their training progresses. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, other benefits of apprenticeship include:

• Hands-on career training. Apprentices receive practical on-the-job training in a wide range of occupations and industries such as healthcare, construction, information technology, transportation, energy and advanced manufacturing.
• An education. Apprentices may be able to earn college credit toward an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
• A career. Once the apprenticeship is complete, workers are on their way to a successful long-term career with a competitive salary and little or no educational debt.
• National credential. When an apprentice graduates from a career training program, they earn a certified portable credential accepted by industries and employers across the U.S.

Source: https://www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/toolkit/toolkitfaq.htm#2b

Additional Resources

• ApprenticeshipUSA (U.S. Department of Labor)
• Apprenticeship Workshop Training Modules (National Collaborative on Workforce and Disability for Youth)
• Search for apprenticeship opportunities near you! (U.S. Department of Labor)

Did you know that 70% of all jobs are found through networking? (Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) Whether you’re looking for a job or already working, networking is an important skill.

But what is "networking"? Networking is the exchange of information. It’s as simple as:

• A conversation with a friend.
• Talking with someone about your employment goals.
• Sharing information about a great book you read, or emailing an article to someone who you think will like it.
• Talking to others, formally or informally, about things that matter to you.

At its core, networking is about building relationships. These relationships can help you find a job or get promoted to a better paying job.

Why Networking is Important

• People typically reach out to people they know when a position opens up at work. Having a relationship with a friend or colleague who knows the employer or hiring manager can ensure that the employer sees your resume before they see others.
• A job you are qualified for may not be advertised. Employers use word-of-mouth or internal postings about job openings before officially posting them on a website or job board. You may learn of an opening at work that would be a great opportunity for a friend or colleague. Sharing the name of a strong job candidate with the hiring manager shows that you’re a team player invested in the organization’s success.
• Having a strong network shows that you’re committed to your field. You can use it to tap into others’ resources and advance your organization’s goals. It can also lead to a promotion when opportunities arise.

Networking Tips

• Consider your personal networks. We often don’t consider people in our daily lives as part of our network, but they can be helpful in your job search. Think about your relatives, friends, neighbors, colleagues and even acquaintances. Reach out to let them know you’re looking for a job and the type of work you’re seeking. While they may not be able to connect you with a potential employer right away, being aware of your search will help them consider you when they hear of new opportunities.
• Connect with leaders on social media. Being active and engaged on social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter could open the door for you to meet hiring managers and recruiters. Each connection brings you one step closer to learning about positions or reaching decision makers.
• Attend in-person gatherings, conferences, and events. Face-to-face contact is an important way to connect with people. Today, there are many opportunities to meet people, get to know others in your field, exchange information, and talk about professional goals.

Additional Resources

• Networking is a key part of job hunting (American Job Center Network)
• Networking? Start using social media! (American Job Center Network)
• Skills to Pay the Bills – Networking (U.S. Department of Labor)

By Guest Blogger Sheriene Knox

As Veterans Day approaches on November 11, 2016, I believe it’s important to thank those who have put their lives on the line and remember those who paid the ultimate price for our freedom. There are many veterans looking for work who receive VA Service Connected Disability and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). But many veterans do not take advantage of services that the Ticket to Work (Ticket) program can provide.

What is Ticket to Work?

The Ticket program connects you with free employment services to help you prepare for work, find a job, decide if working is right for you, and be successful in the workplace. If you choose to participate, you can receive services such as career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, and job placement and training from authorized Ticket program service providers such as Employment Networks (EN) or your State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency. The service provider you choose will serve as an important part of your “employment team” that will help you on your journey to financial independence.

Do I qualify for Ticket to Work? 

As a Veteran, you may wonder if you qualify for the Ticket program. The 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.

Can working affect my benefits?

If you receive VA Service Connected Disability, your wages—in most cases—will not affect the amount you receive! SSDI and SSI are different, however, so your wages could affect your continuing eligibility to receive cash benefits or the amount you receive. The good news is that Social Security has Work Incentives for people who receive SSDI or SSI. Work Incentives make it possible for people to test their ability to work and still receive Medicare or Medicaid and some cash benefits while they work.  When looking for an EN, remember to ask if they have a Benefits Specialist on staff.   

If you receive a Social Security disability benefit and are working, about to start a job, or looking for work, there are also free benefits planning services available through Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) projects in communities across the country. You can locate these service providers here.

Why should I try Ticket to Work?

• The Ticket program is about individualized services. It is about understanding you and your situation and identifying the help you need to get back into the workforce.
• There are ENs that specialize in working with veterans and understanding your particular needs. To participate in the Ticket program, you choose an EN that will provide you with one-on-one support. ENs are private or public organizations that can help with career counseling and job placement. Some are able to help you understand how working may affect your benefits.
• There are ENs that have Benefits Specialists who understand, monitor and share with you how working affects your SSDI benefit. These Benefits Specialists understand Social Security’s Work Incentives and how they can help you.
• ENs can continue to help you for almost five working years! The Ticket program is about building relationships and helping you find and maintain your career. This could include re-employment support, updating résumés and keeping you informed of ever-changing interview styles.

As you can see, there are many reasons veterans should explore the Ticket program and receive the services they deserve.  Check out this success story on Renate and the podcast on Employment Resources for Transitioning Veterans with Disabilities.

Thank you for your service!