Start the New Year with Ticket to Work

Many see the New Year as a time of change and an opportunity to get a jump-start on accomplishing personal goals. If you are thinking about returning to work, there is no better time than the present - and no better way to do so -  than with the Ticket to Work (Ticket) program.

The Ticket program is a federally-funded, national employment program that provides Social Security disability beneficiaries ages 18 through 64 with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce and become more financially independent. The Ticket program is free and voluntary.

Participants in the Ticket program work with service providers to develop the skills to find work or stay employed. If you qualify for Ticket to Work, you may choose to work with an Employment Network (EN) or a State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency.

• EN service providers may be private or public organizations that provide career counseling and assistance with job placement. ENs may also offer Work Incentives counseling, career planning/counseling, job search and placement services, ongoing employment support and, in some cases, help with job accommodations.
• State VR agencies generally serve individuals who need significant support, usually offering a wider array of services, including training and rehabilitation, than ENs.

If you’re interested in reaping the benefits of work including greater financial independence, increased social activity with peers and coworkers, and the opportunity to contribute to a team or organization, visit www.socialsecurity.gov/work and contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (Voice) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket to Work Find Help tool.