As we've discussed in the past, reporting your wages is important to avoid overpayments from Social Security. An overpayment occurs when Social Security sends you a benefit payment higher than what you're eligible to receive. An important aspect of working while also receiving Social Security disability benefits is updating Social Security about your employment status and how much money you are earning. If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you or your representative must promptly report any changes in your work activity.

When to Update Social Security About Wages

You or your representative must tell Social Security right away if any of the following changes happens to your work activity:

• You start or stop work.
• You already reported your work, but your duties, hours, or pay have changed.
• You start paying for expenses that you need for work due to your disability. For more information, refer to Impairment-Related Work Expenses.

How to Report Your Wages

You can report changes in your work activity by phone, fax, mail or by using a my Social Security account. Call the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, or you may call or write to your local Social Security office. You can find your local office by going to the Field Office Locator.

If you receive SSDI or SSI benefits and have a my Social Security account, you may be able to report your wages online. If you receive SSI, Social Security also offers a toll-free automated wage-reporting telephone system and a mobile wage-reporting application. For more information about these electronic wage reporting methods, please visit the Spotlight on Automated Wage Reporting Tools or call the toll-free number 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY) and ask how you can report wages using the system or application.

When you report changes in your work activity, Social Security will give you a receipt to verify that you have properly fulfilled your obligation to report. Save this receipt, along with your paystubs so that Social Security can verify your monthly earnings, and any deductions from allowable earnings.

About 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. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. The Ticket Program 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.

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. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

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.

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 Fair

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

• July 18: Florida Educators Virtual Career Fair
• July 20: Transportation, Hospitality & Service Industries Virtual Career Fair
• July 27: Government & Non-Profit Jobs Hiring Event

City Career Fairs

Diversity Employment Day Career Fairs provide recruiters access to the United States’ largest pool of diverse, multi-cultural and qualified professionals. To see the full schedule of in-person and virtual career fairs, view their full calendar.

• July 6: West Hollywood, CA In-Person Career Fair
• July 12: Seattle, WA In-Person Career Fair
• July 19: Dallas, TX In-Person Career Fair

DiversityX

DiversityX connects Black Americans, Latinx, Asian Americans, Native Americans, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community with top companies. For a listing of DiversityX virtual events near you, visit their calendar.

• July 10: Jersey City, NJ Virtual Job Fair
• July 24: Sandy Springs, GA Virtual Job Fair
• July 28: Minneapolis, MN Virtual Job Fair

Equal Opportunity Publications

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

• July 12: Careers & The DisABLED Virtual Career Fair

Eventbrite Virtual Career Fairs

Eventbrite is an events management and growth platform. Their platform allows anyone to find and attend a variety of events. Check out their virtual career or job fair listings.

• July 5: Tech & Web3 Virtual Job Fair
• July 17: New York SPED & Bilingual Virtual Teacher Job Fair
• July 27: Columbus Area Virtual Diversity Job Fair
• July 28: Career Fair: Exclusive Tech Hiring Event

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.

• July 11: Western Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• July 13: Tampa Veterans Job Fair
• July 20: Kansas City Veterans Job Fair
• July 25: Central Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

USAJOBS

USAJOBS is the federal government's official employment site. As part of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), USAJOBS helps recruit and retain a world-class government workforce. USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. Visit their list of events.

• July 11: IRS Appeals Officer Virtual Information Session
• July 15: VA Southern Arizona Healthcare System Hiring Fair, Tucson, AZ
• July 19: Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Virtual Job Fair Webinar for Clinicians and Job Seekers
• July 19: Tinker Air Force Base Civilian Hiring Event

Need help on your career path?

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can 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, 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. Connect with one today to learn how the Ticket Program can help you on your path to financial independence.

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. Ask for a list of service providers or find providers on your own using the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

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.

Does your job ever affect your mental health in a negative way? Tough projects, conflicts with co-workers or changing duties on your job can all play a role in your mental health. According to Mental Health America, 78% of workers agree that workplace stress affects their mental health. Thankfully, there are steps you can take at your job to help protect your mental health. Here are five tips to improve your wellness at work.

Be Patient with Yourself

Getting back into the workforce, starting work for the first time or just changing roles at your current job are big changes. Be patient with yourself. You'll need to get used to new people, tasks and schedules. When everything happens at the same time, it may not be easy to manage. Give yourself time to adjust to new surroundings and activities. When you're training for a job, it can be stressful to take in so much information. Try not to be hard on yourself and ask for help when you need it.

Communicate with Your Supervisor

Your supervisor isn't just the person who assigns work and approves your timesheet. Your supervisor is a source of support. For example, if you have problems at work with a particular task or interacting with a particular co-worker, communicate honestly about it with your supervisor. If you're uncomfortable discussing issues with an immediate supervisor, reach out to someone else who can help, like a human resources staff member.  

Take Breaks

If you're having a stressful day at work, sometimes it helps to just take a break. Breaks are built into your day to assure you don't overdo it and work too long. Use these breaks to clear your mind, get some fresh air and relax. Bring a book to work and read for a while during your break. Take a breather in a way that helps you relax. You'll feel refreshed and return to work ready to start your next project. Try not to skip the breaks your boss offers you. We never dreamed of skipping recess when we were kids, so let's not skip our well-deserved breaks as employees.

Celebrate Your Accomplishments

Focus on the tasks and projects you finished during the workday. Once you track your finished tasks, you'll see that you achieved more than you thought! Celebrate that you completed half of the big filing project your supervisor assigned you. Give yourself credit for making most of the calls on your long call list. If you only focus on everything that's left to do, it can be overwhelming. Recognize what you accomplished today, and it can give you positive energy to finish up tomorrow. Each step you complete gets you closer to finishing your "to-do" list.

Practice Self-care

Self-care can include activities like meditation, special hobbies, taking a nap or journaling. Simply resting on your day off is a great way to practice self-care. Try not to pack too many busy errands and other work into your days off. Use some of that time for self-care. For ideas, check out our blog, An Intro to Self-Care: Tips for Sleep, Nutrition and Well-Being. It offers great tips on taking care of your mental and physical health. Self-care helps you be intentional about lowering your stress level to help maintain good mental health. Maintaining good mental health is important at work, and overall! Be sure to speak to your doctor about healthy ways to improve your mental health.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

The Ticket to Work Program may help take some of the stress out of job searching. 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.

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 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.

If you work at a college or university career office and are coordinating employment opportunities for your students with disabilities, consider registering for the Workforce Recruitment Program. Managed by the U.S. Departments of Defense and Labor, the Workforce Recruitment Program is a recruitment and referral program for college students with disabilities. It connects federal and select private-sector employers nationwide with college students, graduate students and recent graduates willing to demonstrate their skills and abilities in the workplace through internships or permanent jobs.

The recruitment and referral program:

• Helps bring new talent into the federal government to fill mission-critical jobs.
• Provides students and recent grads the opportunities to receive career advice through informational interviews with federal employees.
• Provides an opportunity for participating college Career Centers and Disability Services Offices to assist candidates with disabilities in finding employment, and to educate them about job accommodations and the use of the federal government Schedule A Hiring Authority.

Once the college or university you represent is registered, you'll receive access to resources and optional webinars where you can learn more about the WRP, the federal hiring process and preparing students for employment.

Registration is now open! Register your college or university until June 30, 2023, at WRP.gov.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Do you work with or provide services to college students or graduates who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI)? If so, knowing more about Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program may enable you to help them as they pursue their work goals after graduation.

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. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with Ticket Program service providers, like State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies or Employment Networks (EN), to receive the supports and services they need to pursue work and financial independence.

Ticket Program service providers offer a variety of supports and services to help job seekers with disabilities, ranging from resume writing and interview prep to accommodation requests (during the interview and/or on the job), and continued support once someone has started working. Many service providers also offer benefits counseling through certified Benefits Counselors, who can help people better understand how earning an income will affect their benefits and discover Work Incentives that may help them keep certain benefits during the transitional period.

Getting Started

If you know an eligible student or graduate who could benefit from the Ticket Program, there are two ways to get started.

1. Call the Ticket to Work Help Line: Ticket Program representatives can help callers find answers to their questions about working and their benefits — or even send them a list of service providers that offer the supports and services they need to start or continue their job search or succeed on the job. The Ticket to Work Help Line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. To connect with a representative, call 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY).
2. Visit the Find Help tool: If one of your eligible students or graduates is ready to start working with a Ticket Program service provider, the Find Help tool can help them find the right one. The Direct Search feature allows users to find service providers by type of provider, location and even services offered. Or the Guided Search feature asks the user a series of questions to help determine what kind of service provider may fit the user's needs.

Staying Connected Find us on social media to find more information and resources to share with the people you serve. We post updates about the Ticket Program and other Social Security news, and we help our followers discover new resources that may help them find work, request job accommodations, and succeed on the path to financial independence. Share our posts with your followers to help them find the information they're looking for!

• Like us on Facebook: @Choose Work!
• Follow us on Twitter: @ChooseWorkSSA
• Sign up for Ticket Program Texts by texting TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply.
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

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 Fair

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

•  June 8: Diversity & Inclusion Virtual Career Fair
• June 13: GSA Contract Specialist Virtual Career Fair
• June 14: Federal Highway Administration Virtual Career Fair
• June 21: Teacher Diversity Virtual Fair

City Career Fairs

Diversity Employment Day Career Fairs provide recruiters access to the United States’ largest pool of diverse, multi-cultural and qualified professionals. To see the full schedule of in-person and virtual career fairs, view their full calendar.

• June 16: Education & Diversity Virtual Career Fair
• June 23: High Tech & Engineering Virtual Career Fair
• June 30: Law Enforcement & Veterans Virtual Career Fair

DiversityX

DiversityX connects Black Americans, Latinx, Asian Americans, Native Americans, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community with top companies. For a listing of DiversityX virtual events near you, visit their calendar.

• June 12: Oceanside, CA Virtual Job Fair
• June 26: Murfreesboro, TN Virtual Job Fair
• June 28: Queens, NY Virtual Job Fair 

Equal Opportunity Publications

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

• June 14: EOP's STEM Diversity Career Expo

Eventbrite Virtual Career Fairs

Eventbrite is an events management and growth platform. Their platform allows anyone to find and attend a variety of events. Check out their virtual career or job fair listings.

• June 6: Huntsville Veteran Virtual Career Fair
• June 8: Colorado SPED & Bilingual Virtual Teacher Job Fair
• June 16: Teachers of Color Virtual Job Fair
• June 22: UPS Statewide Virtual Hiring Event (Iowa)

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.

• June 6: National Logistics Virtual Career fair for Veterans
• June 15: Greater Washington DC Area Veterans Job Fair
• June 22: Atlanta Veterans Job Fair
• June 27: Eastern Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans

USAJOBS

USAJOBS is the federal government's official employment site. As part of the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM), USAJOBS helps recruit and retain a world-class government workforce. USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. Visit their list of events.

• June 6: IRS Buffalo, NY In-Person Hiring Event – Contact Representatives
• June 7: VR&E Presents: Hiring America's Best
• June 8: US Forest Service at Camp Pendleton First Responders Hiring Event

Need help on your career path?

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can 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, 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. Connect with one today to learn how the Ticket Program can help you on your path to financial independence.

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. Ask for a list of service providers or find providers on your own using the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

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.

Take a moment to consider your surroundings. Do you feel safe? Do you have access to health care and food? Does your home support you, both physically and mentally? If you work from home part time or full time, is the space sufficient in meeting your work needs? This May is Mental Health Month, and we challenge you to look at your world and how different factors can affect your mental health.

What contributes to mental health?

Where a person is born, lives, learns, works, plays, and gathers, as well as their economic stability and social connections, are part of what are called social determinants of health. The more these factors work in your favor means you are more likely to have better mental well-being. However, when it seems like the world is working against you, your mental health can suffer.

While many parts of your environment can be out of your control, there are steps you can take to change your space and protect your well-being. Earnings from work and, over time, financial independence can help.

Secure safe and stable housing

This can be challenging due to finances, age and other factors, but there are a few things you can try, such as reaching out to state and local agencies to secure housing, removing safety hazards in the home, or finding another space (such as a community center or staying temporarily at a friend's home) where you can get the comfort you are missing at home. Earnings from work can help you achieve this goal.

Focus on your home

Consider keeping your space tidy, sleep-friendly and well-ventilated. Surround yourself with items that help you feel calm and positive. If you can, designate one room where you'll do your work. Try not to do anything else in that room. If you don't have the extra space, set up a desk or table that's dedicated to work.

Create bonds with your co-workers, neighborhood and community

Get to know the people living around you and those you work with. Make it a habit to try to engage in conversation with your co-workers at least once a week during your break time. Work can lead to life-long friendships and help you feel connected.

Connect with nature

If you're able, hike in a wooded area, sit in a city park, bring a plant inside, or keep the shades open to absorb natural light. If you have the time and access during your break, take a short walk around the block or building. If you don't have time for a walk, eat your lunch outside. Taking breaks to enjoy nature during the day, with your manager's permission, can help change up your workday and calm your mind.

#MoreThanEnough

As you consider these factors that might affect your mental health, we also encourage you to remember, YOU are #MoreThanEnough. The National Alliance on Mental Illness's (NAMI) theme for National Mental Health Month encourages "all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability. We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that's more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you is more than enough."

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Remember, wherever you are on your journey, you are #MoreThanEnough. If you're ready to see if employment is a good fit for you, we're here to 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, including help with identifying reasonable accommodations. Your service provider can work with you to determine which accommodations may help you succeed in the workplace. Find one 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 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 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.

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program recognizes that military veterans have a lot to offer employers. For veterans receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Ticket Program service providers offer help to identify transferable skills, prepare for and find job opportunities and transition to the civilian workplace.

May is both Mental Health Awareness Month and Military Appreciation Month. We understand the important role employment has on everyone's mental health.

"Veteran Mental Health and Employment: The Nexus and Beyond" states, "In the armed forces, 'service' denotes a willingness to 'work for' your country, wages, personal recognition of accomplishment, your brothers/sisters in arms, and references the importance of work in the identity of these individuals. Veteran employment and mental health are intricately connected and at times dependent upon each other."¹

Employment can have several positive effects on mental health by offering:

• Structure and routine
• A sense of purpose and accomplishment
• The opportunity to build relationships and community
• Increased financial self-sufficiency and security
• Increased confidence

Getting Started with a Career Fair

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

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.

• May 11: Military Spouse Virtual Career Fair
• May 11: Greater Los Angeles Veteran Job Fair
• May 18: Cincinnati Veterans Job Fair
• May 23: National Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• May 25: Elgin AFB/Hurlburt Field Area Veterans Job Fair

USAJOBS Career Fairs and Events

USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. USAJOBS serves as the federal government's official employment site.

• May 10: IRS Veterans and Military Spouses Information Session
• May 16-17: The Plumas National Forest Service Hiring Direct Candidates
• May 17-18: IRS Andover, MD In-person Job Fair for CSR and Tax Examiners
• May 23: U.S. Forest Service at MCCS MilSpouse Career Symposium & Hiring Event

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

VA benefits can help Veterans and their families buy homes, earn degrees, start careers, stay healthy and more. See what events they have to offer near you with their full calendar.

• May 10: Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing featuring Saint-Gobain - Online
• May 17: Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing featuring Amazon - Online
• May 18: Corporate Gray Virtual Military-Friendly Job Fair
• May 19: Vets to Manufacturing Virtual Career Fair
• May 24: Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing featuring WestRock - Online
• May 25: G.I. Jobs Virtual Job Fair

Need help on your career path?

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can 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, including veterans with disabilities.

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. Connect with one today to learn how the Ticket Program can help you on your path to financial independence.

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. Ask for a list of service providers or find providers on your own using the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

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.

¹ Nelson, C. B., Abraham, K. M., Miller, E. M., Kees, M. R., Walters, H. M., Valenstein, M., & Zivin, K. (2016). Veteran mental health and employment: The nexus and beyond. In S. MacDermid Wadsworth & D. S. Riggs (Eds.), War and family life (pp. 239–260). Springer International Publishing/Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21488-7_13

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.

ABILITY Job Fair

Accessible job fair recruiting job seekers with disabilities. Online live face-to-face meetings with recruiters using video, speech to text transcriptions, sign language interpreters, screen reader compatible, and text messages. For more information, visit the job fair schedule on their website.

• May 11: Ability Job Career Fair

CareerEco Virtual Career Fair

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

• May 10: Revision Energy Virtual Career Fair
• May 26: NAAAHR Virtual Diversity Career Fair

City Career Fairs

Diversity Employment Day Career Fairs provide recruiters access to the United States' largest pool of diverse, multi-cultural and qualified professionals. To see the full schedule of in-person and virtual career fairs, view their full calendar.

• May 5: Pacific Northwest & Vancouver Virtual Career Fair
• May 19: Education & Diversity Virtual Career Fair
• May 31: New York – In Person Career Fair

DiversityX

DiversityX connects Black Americans, Latinx, Asian Americans, Native Americans, women, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community with top companies. For a listing of DiversityX virtual events near you, visit their calendar.

• May 15: Norfolk, VA Virtual Job Fair
• May 19: Lees Summit, MO Virtual Job Fair
• May 30: Fargo, ND Virtual Job Fair

Equal Opportunity Publications

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

• May 17: CAREERS & the disABLED Virtual Career Fair

Eventbrite Virtual Career Fairs

Eventbrite is an events management and growth platform. Their platform allows anyone to find and attend a variety of events. Check out their virtual career or job fair listings.

• May 5: Pacific Northwest – Seattle | Portland | Vancouver virtual career fair
• May 5: National Virtual Teacher Job Fair
• May 11: Arizona Virtual Teacher Job Fairs
• May 23: 2nd Annual Media & Entertainment Virtual Career Fair
• May 26: Bilingual Virtual Teach Job Fair

USAJOBS Career Fairs and Events

USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. USAJOBS serves as the federal government's official employment site.

• May 5: Office of Structured Finance & Insurance (OSFI): A Virtual Career Fair
• May 17-18: IRS Andover, MD In-person Job Fair for Customer Service Representatives (CSR) and Tax Examiners
• May 25: IRS Jacksonville FL, In-person Direct Hiring Event - Contact Representatives

Need help on your career path?

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can 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, 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. Connect with one today to learn how the Ticket Program can help you on your path to financial independence.

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. Ask for a list of service providers or find providers on your own using the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

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.

Without Medicaid-funded healthcare and support, Jessica could not work. She had to consider the impact earning a paycheck would have on the benefits she relied on. Does this sound like you? Learn about Jessica's path to financial independence in today's blog post.

Meet Jessica

Jessica left graduate school with credentials and empowerment. While grateful for her Supplemental Security Income (SSI), she was eager to enter the workforce and earn enough money so she would no longer have to rely on a small, fixed income.

"I have student loans to pay," she said. "I wasn't going to sit on a degree."

Jessica knew she needed guidance as she prepared for a career. So, when information arrived in the mail about Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program, she gave them a call.

Jessica discovered that she was eligible to receive free employment support services such as career counseling and help finding a job. Through the Ticket Program, State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies and service providers known as Employment Networks (EN) help people who receive Social Security disability benefits (ages 18 through 64) prepare for, find, or maintain employment. The program is free and voluntary and helps people progress toward financial independence through work.

Jessica connected with The Choice Group, a Virginia-based EN that would help her plan a career, learn about the impact of earnings from work on her disability benefits, and navigate a job hunt.

"[The Choice Group] helped me shape an emerging interest into a focused career goal," she says. They paired Jessica's listening skills, advocacy experience, and her ability to identify people's strengths with the growing needs of an underserved population. Jessica and her career counselor created an Individual Work Plan (IWP), a roadmap to help her articulate and reach employment goals in the field of mental health counseling.

The Choice Group's Benefits Counselor educated Jessica about Social Security rules known as Work Incentives. Work Incentives make it easier for adults with disabilities to gain work experience while continuing to receive Medicaid or Medicare and in some cases, SSI or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits.

Jessica learned that after she was employed, her Medicaid coverage could continue, even if her earnings from work became too high for an SSI payment. This Work Incentive, called Continued Medicaid Eligibility (or 1619b), allowed Jessica to focus on pursuing employment without worrying about the sudden loss of benefits.

In addition, many states have a Medicaid Buy-In Program that allows a worker with a disability to buy Medicaid at affordable rates if they are no longer eligible for free Medicaid because they earn too much money.

"Learning about these [Work Incentives] was so helpful," Jessica reflected. "Entering the workforce with fewer unknowns improved my confidence... that I could have the support I needed, pay my bills, and work in my chosen field."

Finding a home at work while working from home

With help, Jessica updated her resume and LinkedIn profile, decided how to go about asking for reasonable accommodations, and practiced interviews. "The Choice Group gave me the guidance and encouragement I needed. They suggested questions I hadn't thought of, helped me follow up with employers and gather feedback," she recalls. "They saw something in me… I felt valued."

In 2020, Jessica landed a position at Virginia Counseling Associates where she works with clients of all ages, addressing the symptoms of mental illness. Jessica does one-on-one sessions, develops treatment plans, and facilitates therapy groups, while completing her certification as a Licensed Professional Counselor. She works from home most of the time doing telehealth sessions.

At a time when there is a growing need for mental health support, Jessica says being part of the solution brings her great satisfaction. Since trading in her SSI for a paycheck, her perspective has opened.

"Ticket to Work has made it possible for me to see a future with more support and less debt," she says. "I have options that were out of reach when I was relying on SSI, and it is liberating!"

With the right support, Jessica found her path to a better future. Find yours.

Join us on April 26 from 3-4:30 p.m. ET for our next Work Incentive Seminar Event webinar, How Will Work Affect My Medicaid or Medicare. Register today.

Can't make it? The archive will be posted mid-May. In the meantime, visit the Choose Work website and use our Find Help Tool to start building your employment team. 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.

When you think of work accommodations for someone who has a disability, you may immediately think of people with physical disabilities, such as those with mobility issues, hearing impairments or blindness. But did you know there are many possible accommodations for employees who have a mental illness?

What is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities.

Equal opportunity is the opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment. Examples can include:

A flexible schedule

An accommodation might include a request to work a specific time shift. For example, if you're more mentally alert and sharp during the day, you can ask to be scheduled for a day shift instead of a night shift. Another area of flexibility can include the timing of your commute to work. If driving or using public transportation during busy daytime traffic causes anxiety, or even panic attacks, you can inquire about going in for a nighttime shift when the roads are less busy. You may also be able to request that breaks during your shift be adjusted. After working for a while, you may find that one long break works better for you than several short ones.

Communication preferences

If you have problems understanding when your supervisor gives you instructions, it's a good idea to share what communication style works best for you. If you retain written instructions better than verbal, ask your boss to give instructions by email, or on paper. This could make a big difference in your everyday tasks. Or, if you are in a meeting, but the presenter often speaks very quickly, have a conversation with your supervisor and ask if you can record meetings. This allows you to listen later at your own pace and take notes.

A private workspace

Working in a noisy, open area can make it hard to concentrate. If you're unable to focus on your work, ask about a quiet workspace. There might be a conference room that's not in use, or a quiet corner to work in. Ask if there is an available office for you to work in that will create a calm environment. If you already have an office, but there's an "Open Door" policy and noise in the hallway, ask if you can close your door. You could also ask for permission to wear noise-cancelling headphones.

A job coach

A job coach is someone who can be with you at work to help you learn the responsibilities of the job, explore other helpful accommodations, and reduce anxiety. This person can closely monitor your progress and help along the way as you learn tasks and start doing projects with co-workers. A job coach can even join you at meetings to make sure you understand the main points and complete any work you're assigned. This one-on-one help at work can have a positive impact on your job performance and confidence. As with any accommodation, your employer will review the approval for a job coach on a case-by-case basis.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Working while navigating accommodations can be challenging, but for many people, it's possible, and we're here to 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, including help with identifying reasonable accommodations. Your service provider can work with you to determine which accommodations may help you succeed in the workplace. Find one 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 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 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.