It was a new year and Rebecca was in remission from cancer. She says she felt like a walking miracle. As she recovered her strength, she looked forward to connecting with a wider circle of people and felt ready to return to the workforce. Formerly a teacher, she wanted to try out a new field of work.

At the same time, Rebecca was uncertain about whether she could sustain work and where to begin. Not knowing if or when the cancer would come back contributed to feelings of insecurity and a reluctance to jeopardize her Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits.

Social Security's Ticket to Work Program: Here to Help

While exploring her options, Rebecca received information in the mail about Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program. This free and voluntary program supports career development for people with disabilities who are ready for employment. Adults ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) qualify.

Through the Ticket Program, service providers known as Employment Networks (EN) and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies offer a range of free support services to help people prepare for, find or maintain employment. Some service providers specialize in working with specific populations; others offer certain types of services, including benefits counseling, career planning and more. The program is set up to help people progress toward financial independence through work.

Setting Goals for a New Role

Together, Rebecca and her EN developed an Individual Work Plan (IWP), a detailed roadmap that identified her employment goals along with the activities that would help her achieve them. They worked together to update her resume, find and assess job leads, and sharpen her interview skills.

Rebecca accepted a new job at the American Kennel Club (AKC), inspecting kennels around the country to make sure each is compliant with AKC rules and regulations. She loves her job and appreciates the sense of stability it has restored.

Find Your New Career!

You may not believe you can start in a new field, but for many, this is a great option. Beginning a new career allows you to meet more people, learn new skills and enhance those you already have. If you're thinking about a new career, we encourage you to read Thinking about a Career Change? Then, head over to our Find a Job page to get some ideas about the types of jobs that are out there, including Hot Jobs: 6 Jobs to Help You Think Outside the Office.

Navigating a new career path can be hard, but we're here to help. To learn more, 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.

• January 21: Large Animal & Public Sector Virtual Career Expo
• January 31: Enterprise Computing Virtual 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.

• January 18: Seattle Diversity Employment Day Career Fair - In Person
• January 26: Bay Area Diversity Employment Day Career Fair – In Person

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.

• January 9: Knoxville, TN Virtual Job Fair
• January 13: Lynn, MA Virtual Job Fair
• January 23: Little Rock, AR Virtual Job Fair
• January 27: Gresham, OR Virtual Job 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.

• January 6: Monthly #USGov Virtual JobExpo / Career Fair #Online
• January 15 - 31: Virtual Job Fair Jobs717
• January 18: Virtual Hiring Event
• January 26: 2023 Southern CA Supply Chain & Logistics (Virtual) Veteran Career Fair

Professional Diversity Network

Professional Diversity Network works to connect job seekers with employers that value an inclusive and diverse work environment. Visit their full calendar of events.

• January 16: MLK Jr. Holiday Diversity Virtual Career Fair

RecruitMilitary

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

• January 19: Tampa Veterans Job Fair
• January 24: Western Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• January 26: San Antonio Veterans Job Fair

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.

• January 4 & 5: IRS Direct Hiring Event in Memphis – Clerk & Tax Examiner Positions
• January 17 & 18: Eglin Air Force Base Civilian Hiring Event in Ft. Walton Beach, FL
• January 26: Region 4 Virtual Job Fair

Preparing for Job Fairs

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

• Get Ready! Preparing for and Attending a Virtual Career Fair
• Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair
• 9 Tips to Help You Succeed at a Career Fair

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

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.

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.

Diversity Career Group

Diversity Career Group focuses their career and job fairs on connecting employers and job seekers through one-on-one conversations with recruiters and even first-round job interviews. Check out the full calendar.

• December 15: Dallas Career Fair – Virtual Job 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.

• December 14: Bilingual Virtual Teacher Job Fair
• December 20: Virtual Hiring Info Session – Remote Customer Service
• December 28: Romeo Financial Services Remote Entry-Level Finance Career

Hiring Our Heroes

Hiring Our Heroes, a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Program, connects the military community – service members, military spouses, and veterans – with American businesses to create economic opportunity and a strong and diversified workforce. Check out their hiring events calendar.

• December 14: Fort Knox Career Exploration & 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.

• December 13: Transitioning Army & Spouse Virtual Career Fair

Preparing for Job Fairs

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

• Get Ready! Preparing for and Attending a Virtual Career Fair
• Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair
• 9 Tips to Help You Succeed at a Career Fair

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

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.

November is National Entrepreneurship Month; a time to recognize enterprising business owners who reflect our nation's inventive spirit. Their work creates jobs, and fuels growth and prosperity. These innovative thinkers bring passion and ingenuity to solving hard problems.

When supply chain problems, labor shortages, and inflation pushed some businesses past their limits, they shut their doors. Despite such difficulties, entrepreneurs have shown fortitude, finding creative ways to address unexpected disruptions.

Marty, one of many successful Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program participants, did just that. When the rising costs of labor, materials, and fuel squeezed his home-building business, he tapped the same problem-solving skills and resilience that got him through cancer's life-altering setbacks years ago. Marty's practiced ability to work around obstacles and his strong community relationships have enabled Flying Goose Properties LLC to weather the storm. The Flying Goose team adjusted timelines, designs, and budgets in a collaborative process that involved educating customers and negotiating trade-offs. In a tough climate, Marty has managed to keep his customers satisfied and his business thriving.

"You can't be afraid to make adjustments when you face a new reality," he says. "COVID affected every aspect of the building industry. It set us back. But we're finding ways to learn from it and get through it."

This was not the first time Marty navigated overwhelming challenges. In 2007, his future as a builder became uncertain when he lost an arm to aggressive cancer. He retained his love of building and was determined to adapt. Marty received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) while he healed and considered how to reinvent himself.

"It took time to get my life back… and it was hard," he recalls. "I had to accept things that were out of my control… learn to delegate and be more flexible. It was frustrating, but I figured out new ways of doing things. You never really think about how adaptable you can be until you have no choice…"

Marty credits support from his family, his medical team, a stubborn passion for building, and help from the Ticket Program with driving his return to the workforce.

"When you are adjusting to a disability, you need to find stability and security again before you're ready to move forward. Having the [program's] help while taking a chance to go out and write a new chapter in my professional life [was] essential."

The Ticket Program and other Work Incentives were there when Marty needed them most. The program, which helps eligible people transition into the workforce, allowed him to recover confidence and "find [his] footing" at a tipping point. When someone benefits from the right support at a critical time, it can have a lasting, positive impact on their life.

Marty points out that adjusting to life with one arm helped him develop new skills and learn to "roll with the punches more." This flexibility and resourcefulness continue to serve the family business well, and he is grateful to still do what he loves.

"It's the creation of something from nothing that gives me satisfaction," he reflects. "Taking a pile of wood and turning it into a structure… an enduring part of someone's life… is like building a legacy. That's what keeps me going."

Learn More

Finding your way in unfamiliar terrain can be hard, but we're here to help. Social Security's Ticket Program supports career development for adults ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. To learn more, 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.

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

For 2023, Social Security benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will increase by 8.7%. This means that more than 70 million Americans will see a change in their benefit payments.

Find Out Your New Benefit Amount

my Social Security accounts are secure ways to verify and manage your benefits. By creating a free, personal account, you can check your Social Security statement, change your address, report your wages and more.

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

In December 2022, Social Security COLA notices will be available online to most beneficiaries in the message center of their my Social Security account. Remember, you'll still receive your notice in the mail, but you can also choose to receive COLA notices online through your my Social Security account.

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

As you think about what the 2023 COLA means for you, you may have questions. Working with a Ticket Program service provider, like an Employment Network or State Vocational Rehabilitation agency, that has a Benefits Counselor on staff may help you find the answers and information you're looking for.

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

• Subscribe to the Choose Work! Blog to learn more about the Ticket Program and find tips for your job search.
• Subscribe to our WISE webinars email updates to find out what topics we'll discuss in our monthly webinars.
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to find even more information that can help you on your path to financial independence!
• Opt in to receive information via text by texting the word "TICKET" to 1-571-489-5292. You can opt out at any time. Standard messaging rates may apply.

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.

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.

Bender Consulting Services

Bender Consulting Services offers a variety of employment resources for job seekers with disabilities, from career prep and education to job recruitment and vocational training. To see a full list of their services along with all sponsored virtual career fairs, visit their website.

• November 2: Disability Virtual 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.

• November 3: Diversity & Inclusion in Internships
• November 8: HBCU Virtual Career Fair
• November 9: STEM Job and Internship Virtual Fair
• November 10: Human Services and Social Sciences Virtual Career Fair

Diversity Career Group

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

• November 17: San Francisco Career Fair – Virtual Job 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.

• November 4: Lexington, KY Virtual Job Fair
• November 7: Billings, MT Virtual Job Fair
• November 28: Eugene, OR Virtual Job Fair
• November 29: Shreveport, LA 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.

• November 18: 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.

• November 3: Salute to Service Virtual Job Fair
• November 10: Rhode Island Virtual Statewide Job Fair
• November 11: MFC Virtual Staffing LLC Virtual Job Fair
• November 16: Native American Heritage Month: Applying for Jobs at US Dept. of Labor

RecruitMilitary

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

• November 15: Southeast Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• November 22: National 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.

• November 3: Virtual Career Fair: SSA Positions in Kansas City, MO
• November 15: Child & Youth Services Job Fair

Preparing for Job Fairs

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

• Get Ready! Preparing for and Attending a Virtual Career Fair
• Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair
• 9 Tips to Help You Succeed at a Career Fair

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

Receive Ticket Program Texts

If you're interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply. We'll send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment, and more. We hope you'll find this new way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.

This month and every month, we celebrate the important role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive American workforce. In recognition of National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) we'd like to tell you about Amy and her path to financial independence through work.

Meet Amy

Amy has a developmental disability that affects language, learning and social interactions. When she was ready to find a path to financial independence through work, Amy turned to her State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency for help. Amy's VR counselor told her about Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program.

The Ticket Program supports career development for people with disabilities who want to work. Adults ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits qualify for this free and voluntary program. Through the Ticket Program, service providers, such as VRs and ENs offer free employment support services.

To answer Amy's questions about how employment would affect her Social Security disability benefits, Amy's State VR counselor connected her with Full Circle Employment Solutions, an Employment Network (EN) with Benefits Counselors on staff who explained how working would affect her disability benefits.

Amy's Benefits Counselor told her about Work Incentives, which make it easier for adults with disabilities to enhance their job skills and gain work experience while receiving Medicaid or Medicare and benefits from Social Security.

With a better understanding of these supports, Amy was ready to explore her employment options. She pursued an internship with Project SEARCH, a training program for young adults with developmental disabilities. Through Project SEARCH, Amy landed an internship that led to a permanent position with her local government.

Amy earned her way to financial independence and no longer receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Now, she's a union member, receives benefits through her job and enjoys the security and stability that come with full-time employment. She's grateful for the support she received through the Ticket Program and looks forward to building the future she always hoped for.

"This job makes me feel needed and welcomed," she says. "I have learned about what motivates me and how to keep going, even when things get hard."

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.

Every October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which commemorates the achievements of people with disabilities in the workplace. Today, we'd like to tell you more about Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program and how it can help you on the path to financial independence through work.

Who is eligible?

If you receive Social Security disability benefits (Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income) and are age 18 through 64, you are eligible for the Ticket Program.

What is the goal of the Ticket Program?

The goal of the Ticket Program is to help people who receive Social Security disability benefits achieve increased self-sufficiency and greater independence and reduce their reliance on disability benefits through work.

How can the Ticket Program help you go to work?

If you're eligible, you can use the Ticket issued to you by Social Security to obtain services and supports to assist you in preparing for work, entering or reentering the workforce and maintaining employment. Please note that you don't need a paper Ticket to participate. Your eligibility for the Ticket Program can be verified by the service provider you select. Social Security authorizes service providers, known as "Employment Networks" (EN), to provide services such as:

• Career Planning
• Job Placement Assistance
• Ongoing Employment Support
• Benefits Counseling

Some ENs provide services to their local community, while others provide services across one or more states. There are also ENs that provide services nationwide. You can work with ENs in person, via phone, through email or their websites.

If you choose to work with an EN, it's important to choose one that will provide the services you need to support your work goals. Not all ENs provide the same services, so it's important to talk with several ENs to learn about what services they can provide. Our fact sheet, "Choosing the Right Employment Network for You," guides you through the decision making process. Once you understand how an EN can help you, use the "Finding an EN and Assigning Your Ticket Worksheet," to keep track of the ENs you've contacted.

What's next?

If NDEAM has you considering work, here are some steps you can take:

• Call the Ticket to Work Help Line to get your questions about working while on benefits answered at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY)
• Learn more about Social Security's Work Incentives available to you
• Sign up for a free WISE Webinar to learn more about Ticket to Work and Work Incentives
• Read our Frequently Asked Questions about the Ticket to Work Program
• View success stories of beneficiaries like you who have used the Ticket Program to build a better life and achieve financial independence
• Opt in to receive information via text about the Ticket Program by texting the word "TICKET" to 1-571-489-5292

We can't wait to help you on your path to financial independence!

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.

• October 11: First Generation Virtual Career Fair
• October 12: Government & Non-Profit Jobs Hiring Event
• October 12: Teacher Diversity Virtual Fair
• October 13: National Career and Internship Fair
• October 19: Women in Business Virtual Fair

Diversity Career Group

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

• October 27: Orange County Diversity Career Fair and Virtual Job 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.

• October 12: Honolulu, HI Virtual Job Fair
• October 24: Warren, MI Virtual Job Fair
• October 28: Scottsdale, AZ Virtual Job Fair
• October 31: Frisco, TX Virtual Job Fair

Education Week

Education Week is an independent news organization. During their career fair, many school districts and organizations have openings for teachers, support staff, and administrators available immediately for the 2022-23 school year.

• October 27: Virtual Career Fair for Teachers and K-12 Staff

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.

• October 19: Stem Diversity Virtual Career Fair

Eventbrite Virtual Career Fairs

Eventbrite is a leading 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.

• October 5: Veteran and Military Spouse Career Development Fair
• October 7: #USGov Virtual JobExpo / Career Fair #Online
• October 7: National Virtual Teacher Job Fair
• October 13: Hispanic Heritage Month: Applying for Jobs at US Department of Labor
• October 24: Remote Work Jobs in a Flat Metaverse – Network, Connect and Pitch

Professional Diversity Network

Professional Diversity Network works to connect job seekers with employers that value an inclusive and diverse work environment. Visit their full calendar of events.

• October 11: The Atlanta Professional Diversity Virtual Career Fair
• October 18: The Boston Professional Diversity Virtual Career Fair
• October 25: The Chicago Professional Diversity Virtual Career Fair

RecruitMilitary

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

• October 18: Eastern Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• October 25: National Logistics 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.

• October 5: IRS Virtual Info Session - Disability Employment Awareness Month
• October 12: Federal Interagency Military Spouse Career Expo
• October 13: Disability Mentoring Day at U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

Preparing for Job Fairs

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

• Get Ready! Preparing for and Attending a Virtual Career Fair
• Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair
• 9 Tips to Help You Succeed at a Career Fair

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

Receiving Ticket Program Texts

If you're interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply. We'll send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment, and more. We hope you'll find this new way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.

Experiencing pain can make everyday life difficult and can be especially hard to handle when you're trying to work at the same time. Pain can distract you and keep you from doing your best at work. It can also affect your mental wellbeing and your interactions with colleagues. But there are steps you can take that may help you manage the impact that pain has on your work.

September is Pain Awareness Month, a time to learn about pain management and raise awareness of people who have pain often. The American Chronic Pain Association offers a variety of resources that address coping strategies and tactics that can help as you deal with pain. Today, we're sharing four tips focused specifically on helping you manage pain at work.

1. Communicate with your boss or human resource (HR) manager. If you're unable to perform your job effectively because of pain, it's important to speak with your supervisor or HR manager. Disclosing your problems with pain may be an uncomfortable conversation, but it might help in getting you the support you need to do well in your position. Disclosure is a personal choice and not a requirement to secure employment as a person with a disability. If you do choose to disclose your disability as part of an accommodation request, you can control exactly how much you share with your workplace, discussing only the limitations and modifications your supervisor needs to know in order to effectively complete your job. Learn more about disclosure of medical conditions in our blog post Disclosure: Let's Talk About It.
2. Request reasonable accommodations. When you talk with your boss or HR, discuss what changes in your work situation you think would help you do your best work. Accommodations for chronic pain may include providing an ergonomic workstation, software solutions or a reallocation of duties. Learn more about chronic pain accommodations from the Job Accommodation Network.
3. Ask for a flexible work schedule. Another possible accommodation is flexibility in your work schedule. For example, if you find that your pain is more intense later in the day, consider asking for an earlier shift. Or maybe you could explore a hybrid role. Another possibility to consider is taking one long break instead of several small ones to give your body a rest. As with any accommodation, communicate with your supervisor to create solutions that work for everyone. If you don't ask, you'll never know what's possible to make work a more comfortable and productive experience.
4. Stay on top of self-care: Taking care of yourself while at work, and outside of work is a key role in pain management. Self-care isn't limited to exercising as you are able, eating well and getting plenty of sleep. When it comes to self-care at work, be sure to take all your available breaks. Use the time to stretch or walk around if you're able, meditate, get outside or do another activity you enjoy. It's too easy to fill your break time with tasks from your "to do" list. Be sure your list includes some self-care activities.

Working while managing pain can be hard, but 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 supports and services 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. ENs may be able to offer ongoing employment support as you make sure a job still fits your needs.

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.

Receiving Ticket Program Texts

If you're interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply. We'll send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment, and more. We hope you'll find this new way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.