Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program service providers are committed to helping young adults access pathways to well-paying jobs in growing industries.
Youth Apprenticeship Week (YAW), established by the U.S. Department of Labor in 2024, is a celebration where employers, industry associations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, workforce partners, education providers and government leaders host events to showcase and promote high-quality, inclusive, in-demand career pathway opportunities through a Registered Apprenticeship program. Additionally, YAW provides apprentices a platform to share their experience and how an apprenticeship has transformed their lives.

What is an Apprenticeship?

Let's start with the basics. Apprenticeships are work opportunities specifically designed to offer you hands-on, "learn-while-you-earn" experience in a job or industry that interests you. They combine on-the-job training as well as job-related education, sometimes in a traditional classroom or sometimes in an online setting, to give you an understanding of a job's duties and responsibilities. Apprenticeships typically last 1 to 6 years, during which you learn specific skills and, sometimes, acquire certifications. And while you start receiving a paycheck as soon as you start an apprenticeship, you're also eligible for wage increases as you learn and master new skills.

Why Should Young Adults Consider an Apprenticeship?

While apprenticeships are not restricted to any age group, they can be especially helpful for young adults transitioning into adulthood. Apprenticeships are paid work opportunities that allow people to gain skills for the workplace, and some apprenticeships can offer a variety of supports for the apprentice, including opportunities to go to college or to receive college credits at no cost.

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 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.apprenticeship.gov/career-seekers

Some apprenticeships even offer:

• Housing
• Transportation
• Equipment
• Childcare

What to Know About Registered Apprenticeships

• You get paid as soon as the apprenticeship starts and are eligible for pay increases as you learn more skills.
• You get to do meaningful work.
• You can grow your personal and professional network.
• You can work in a career field that you’re interested in.
• You can build your resume (soft and technical skills).

Ready to get started? The U.S. Department of Labor offers a search tool to help you discover apprenticeship opportunities in your area in an industry that interests you. To find the apprenticeship that's right for you:

• Visit https://www.apprenticeship.gov/apprenticeship-job-finder
• Enter keywords to search for careers that interest you, like Automotive Technician, Nurse Aide, Claims Adjuster, or others.
• Enter your location.
• Select Search.

This will bring up a list of apprenticeships in your area. You can browse the listings to learn more about the skills and responsibilities you'll learn during an apprenticeship. Some listings may also include specific information about training and certifications that apprentices will complete.

How Can Ticket to Work 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. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the services and supports they need to find and maintain employment, including apprenticeships, as they move toward financial independence.

Your Ticket Program service provider can help you search for an apprenticeship that matches your career goals, review your resume and application for a specific position, and offer interview-preparation assistance to help you increase your chances of being accepted into an apprenticeship. Once you start working, an Employment Network (EN) may offer continuous supports to help you succeed in the workplace, including assistance with requesting a reasonable accommodation if you need one due to your disability.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, call our TTY at 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

In recognition of National Deaf History Month, we are spotlighting Matt, one of our Ticket to Work Success Stories. For a long time, Matt’s hearing loss and other medical issues interfered with employment. But he was eager to move beyond the limitations of relying on his Social Security disability benefits. "I always wanted and planned to work," he says, "…to be productive, build a career, and earn more money …." So how did he do it?

As a job seeker who is deaf and needed accommodations in the workplace, Matt was uncertain about his prospects for employment. At first, he was reluctant to ask for anything from a prospective employer. He wondered whether employers would hire him if they knew he needed job accommodations. Before we describe Matt’s journey, let’s talk about accommodations.

According to the Job Accommodation Network, there are more than 28 million Americans who are deaf or hard of hearing.

What’s an Accommodation?

Reasonable accommodations are changes to a job, work environment, work schedule or any other adjustment that makes it possible for an employee with a disability to perform a job for which they are qualified. For example, Matt's primary means of communication is by keyboard. Using email is the best way for him to share thoughts and ideas with coworkers. In addition, Matt can read lips so one-on-one meetings are more productive than large group sessions. In large group settings, Matt needs an interpreter to facilitate his participation.

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees and applicants with disabilities, unless such accommodations would pose an undue hardship to the employer (e.g. too costly, too extensive, too substantial, too disruptive). In general, the applicant or employee with a disability is responsible for letting the employer know that they need an accommodation to participate in the application process, to perform essential job functions, or to receive equal benefits and the privileges of employment

Asking for Accommodations During a Job Search

Did you know that accommodations can help you even before you've been hired? You are also legally entitled to adjustments to the interview or application process. But taking the initiative to request accommodations can be anxiety-inducing for many people. Here are some tips for you to consider about requesting reasonable accommodations from a prospective employer:

1. Consider your timing. Knowing when to disclose your disability and ask for accommodations is a highly personal decision. Some people want to let recruiters know before an initial screening, especially if they need accommodations to successfully participate in the screening or in a later interview. Others prefer to wait longer to disclose. For example, some people wait to disclose until they receive the job offer. Finally, others decide to wait to see if they can perform the job first without an accommodation. It is up to you.
2. Ask questions about the hiring process. You need to know what to expect so that you can make an informed decision about when or whether to disclose your disability and what kind of accommodation to ask for.
3. Be specific about your needs. It's up to you to be direct and explicit about what you require to perform a job optimally.
4. Frame your request positively. Demonstrate that you're engaged and solution oriented by conveying your interest in the position, emphasizing your desire to do your best throughout the hiring process and in the position and finally, by requesting one or more specific accommodations.
5. Know before you begin the hiring process how much information about your disability you want to share. You don't need to provide great detail. Share only what is relevant to your success on the job.

What did Matt do?

Together, Matt and his counselor from Community Integrated Services (CIS), a Pennsylvania-based Ticket to Work Employment Network (EN), identified the accommodations that he needed to perform well in an office environment and to demonstrate his abilities during an application process. They agreed on an approach for disclosing his disability and requesting accommodations that made him comfortable.

By the end of 2014, Matt was offered part-time work at a nonprofit organization that provides direct support to people with developmental disabilities. He served in a variety of capacities as an administrative assistant and the experience bolstered his collaborative problem-solving skills. Of equal importance was the growth in his self-confidence. It felt good to contribute.

Matt had good relationships at work, but soon needed more responsibility than the job could offer. His connection to the staff at CIS had grown strong throughout the year that they had worked together. They appreciated his skills and personal attributes. Matt knew they could provide the accommodations and work environment he needed. When he expressed a desire for full-time work, CIS offered him full-time work as a Human Resources Assistant, and he was delighted.

Matt's work gives him the fulfillment and stability to continue building the future he envisions. In 2019, he purchased a home, an achievement that seemed remote four years earlier.

If you're working with a Ticket to Work service provider, like an EN or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, they can help you brainstorm how to request accommodations. They can guide you through the process of discussing and disclosing your disability with an employer and may suggest accommodations that can help you succeed at work.

To learn more about the Ticket to Work Program, you can 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. A representative can answer questions and send you a list of service providers. Or you can use the Find Help tool to search for service providers on your own. The filters can help you find a service provider that provides the services you want, and you can search specifically for a service provider with experience working with people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

When you’re looking for a job, it’s important to identify all your skills. There are two general types of skills: soft skills and hard skills. Soft skills are those you gain from your life experiences rather than through school or coursework. Hard skills, also known as technical skills, are those you gain through performing various tasks or learn through education.

Why is it important to know the difference? 

Often, technical skills are specific to a particular job or career. For example, if you apply for a position in a greenhouse, the employer will be more interested in your knowledge of plant care than your customer service skills. Reading a position description will help you identify which skills an employer value most.

How do these skills transfer to your next job?

Technical skills, like soft skills, can apply to many different types of jobs. To know which technical skills you should have before applying for a job, look under the “Required Qualifications” or “Education and Experience” section of the position advertisement. There you will find a list of the skills an employer is looking for. As an example, an advertisement for a position as an Assistant Grower in a greenhouse lists:

• Minimum Qualifications:
  
  • Intermediate math skills
  • Solid reading skills
  • Ability to accurately identify irrigation needs for various crops

Your resume and cover letter should explain how and where you have used these skills previously and why you think your experience will benefit the employer.

Taking inventory of your skills

How do you know what skills you may possess, and which ones are transferable? When you are analyzing your skills, think about the tasks you did with them rather than the job or career associated with them. When you finish writing down your skills, compare your list with jobs that you are interested in and see how the skills help you qualify. This way, you can identify areas where you need more training or experience for your desired job.

How can Ticket to Work help?

Through the Ticket Program, a service provider can help you identify your technical skills and even help you develop your inventory. They can help you highlight your skills in a resume or cover letter and where they might fit when applying for jobs. Social Security’s Ticket to Work 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.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or 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. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or you can text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

It's tax season! If you earned income in 2023, it's important to file your taxes. Today's blog post discusses a tax credit that may apply to you and free services available through the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a benefit for working people with low to moderate income. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if you do not owe any taxes or are not required to file. The EITC reduces the amount of taxes you owe and may qualify you for a refund.

Do I qualify for the EITC?

To qualify for the EITC you must meet some basic requirements such as:

• Have worked and earned income under $63,398
• Have investment income below $11,000 in the tax year 2023
• Have a valid Social Security number by the due date of your return

You can determine your eligibility and file and claim your EITC for free:

• Use the online EITC Assistant at IRS.gov to help determine if you're eligible. Information is available in English and Spanish.
• If you made $79,000 or less in 2023, you can use software products through IRS's Free File and electronically file your return to claim your EITC. Visit IRS.gov to access the software.

Will a tax refund affect my SSDI or SSI?

You may be concerned that a tax refund will affect your eligibility for public benefits, including Social Security disability benefits, Medicare or Medicaid, and food stamps (SNAP). The law is clear that, in most cases, tax refunds, including refunds from tax credits such as the EITC, are not counted as income for purposes of determining eligibility for benefits or payments. This applies to any federal program and any state or local program financed with federal funds.

For SSI recipients, income tax refunds are not counted as income and all federal tax refunds received on, or after January 2010, are not counted toward your SSI resource limit for 12 months (current allowable resource amount is $2,000 for an individual and 3,000 for a couple). For more information, contact Social Security toll-free at 1-800-772-1213 (1-800-325-0778 TTY) or visit your local office.

Who can help?

The IRS works with national partners, community-based coalitions and thousands of local partners and governments. These partnerships, also known as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, provide free EITC tax return preparation and tax help and tax education.

VITA offers free basic tax-return preparation to people who:

• Generally make $64,000 or less
• Have a disability
• Are limited-English-speaking taxpayers
• IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. To find your local VITA site, call 1-800-906-9887, or use the VITA Locator Tool.

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive 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.

Learn more

To learn more about the Ticket Program, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, call our TTY at 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are 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.

In our last blog post, we talked about the number of people who have decided to change careers, and we described how Ticket to Work can help. Today, we offer you five tips for success when it comes to changing careers.

1. Identify Your Why

When switching or exploring new careers, ask yourself why you want to do so in the first place. Perhaps you want to learn new skills, increase your earnings, or have more flexible hours. Take an inventory of your interests, core values, and skills. Your Ticket Program service provider can help. Below are some questions to get you started:

•  
  
  • What do you like and dislike about your current job?
  • What are you looking for in a new field?
  • Do you want to change industries or find a new type of job in the same field?
  • Do you need new skills or education?

2. Make a Plan

After identifying your why, it’s time for you to make a plan. If you’re eligible, we recommend working with your Ticket Program service provider to develop an Individual Work Plan. This will help identify short, mid and long-range goals, and the steps and timeframes to achieve them.

Together, you’ll develop SMART goals related to your career change. Make sure they are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound. By using SMART goals tied to your career change, you can move toward the goal with the support of your employment team.

3. Build Your Network

Changing jobs may mean working within a new industry, and looking for a new job may take some time. While applying for jobs and waiting for interviews, networking can help you find new opportunities and show people you’d like to try something new.

Attending career fairs, alumni meet and greets, or reaching out to potential new companies for informational interviews helps you build professional relationships in the industry before you’ve even had your first day.

4. Update Your Resume

When you know what type of new work you’d like to try, it’s time to update your resume. How do you show the hiring manager you’re a good fit? Adjusting your resume can play an important role in your application process.

Not all resumes are equal, and creating one that highlights the transferable skills you have is an important tool for your career change.

Your position titles may not match the traditional path to your new career, but explaining how your skills could be applied to a new position may help you secure the next interview. For example, running an elementary school classroom takes strong, clear communication skills and exposes you to different types of computer programs. A mechanic understands attention to detail and rapid problem-solving skills. A nurse can work well under pressure and with a wide variety of personality types. Identify your soft and hard skills and make them shine in your resume.

5. Develop a Stand-out Cover Letter

And don't forget an important part of your job application: your cover letter! To add more context to your skills and show what a great fit you are for the new position, customize your cover letter to focus on your experience. Your cover letter can take a lot of forms these days, but above all, it is your attention grabber. It shows how you stand out as a candidate and as a person. Bring your confidence and have faith in your own voice (though you should always have someone proofread!) It will help you find the right organization and people who are the best career change match for you.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, call our TTY at 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online webinar. Or you can text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

According to the Harvard Business Review¹, in 2021, nearly 50 million Americans quit their jobs or changed careers. Of the employed adults ages 18 to 29 who said they had quit their job in 2021, 61% shifted their field of work or occupation, while 45% of those ages 30 and over made this shift. This means nearly half of workers over the age of 30 made a career shift and over 60% changed their fields to try something new.

Those who attempted a career change after age 45 found that not only were 82% of career changes successful but that 87% who changed careers were happy that they had made the change.

So how exactly can you be a part of this successful career change wave?

Is what you post on social media going to matter to a potential employer? Is there a chance employers take a look before they make a hiring decision? The answer to both questions could be “yes.”

It’s important to remember that your social media pages represent you, and if a potential employer chooses to look, it may affect their decision to hire you. Keeping a professional, favorable social media presence is your best bet. Here are some tips to keep it professional on social media.

1. Have a Professional Looking Profile Picture

When people search your name on the internet, it’s possible that your profile pictures from various social media platforms will appear in the search results. Even if your page is private or hidden on some platforms, it’s possible for the profile picture to appear. You don’t have to have a professional photographer take the photo but choose pictures that are professional looking with a full view of your face. At least consider making this change during your job search. Profile pictures should be simple, include just head and shoulders and use natural light. Dress appropriately to show yourself in the best light. A good question to ask yourself before posting is, “Would I want my future boss to see this picture?” Make it a favorable one!

2. Interact and Engage Professionally

It is tempting to comment harshly on posts that make you angry or upset. If you see a post that you strongly disagree with on a controversial topic, pause before you post. Be careful with responding emotionally to something you see online because your response can be captured and shared. An inappropriate response with harsh language can negatively affect your professional reputation. Also, when you comment and share online, don’t forget to thoughtfully engage in topics that are in your industry, especially on professional sites such as LinkedIn. This shows that you’re active in your field and can engage in professional conversations anywhere online.

3. Don't Complain About Former Employers

When you leave a job, you may be tempted to vent, and post the jokes you’ve stored up about your previous boss or company. Imagine that a hiring manager reviews your social media and sees the choice words you posted. This could make a potential new boss concerned that if problems arise, they’ll be the target of your venting in the future. Social media is a public forum and isn’t the place to insult colleagues or companies.

4. Keep Profiles Current

Some social media profiles such as LinkedIn are more focused on work experience, education and sharing work accomplishments. Keep these profiles up to date. If you have a new position, share that on your page. If you earned a new certificate, completed a course or won an award that is relevant to your career, post those as well. Consider sharing these timely updates on all your social media pages, not just LinkedIn. This shows that you are consistently professional on all platforms, which is great for hiring managers to see.

5. Share Your Network Activities

Social media is not just designed to share your social activities like vacations or nights out with friends. You can also share some of your networking activities as well. If you have attended any industry chamber events, career fairs or meetings with mentors, share those on your social media pages. Post your volunteer activities in the community and include what you learned about the host organization. These posts can show that you have a good work-life balance, and that you are active in your community. 

Your social media platforms don’t have to take away from your professionalism, they can add to it! Take the time to review your social media profiles to represent yourself in the best way to future employers and professional contacts.

How Can Ticket to Work 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. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the service and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

Connect with a Ticket Program service provider such as an Employment Network (EN) for career counseling that can include advice on your online profiles. Find an EN today!

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a speech disability, call our TTY at 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.