You Asked, We Answer! Working with a Federal Contractor

During our April WISE webinar, Ticket to Work: Working with a Federal Contractor, we explored Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. Section 503 defines guidelines for federal contractors to recruit, hire, promote and retain qualified employees with disabilities. Through voluntary self-identification, Section 503 helps job seekers with disabilities find opportunities, get interview requests and get hired.

More than 350 webinar attendees learned what Section 503 could mean for their job searches, and many asked important questions. We've selected the top questions to answer. Read on to learn more, then check out the WISE webinar archives to catch up on all the information presented in April.

Where can I find federal contractors who fall under Section 503?

There are many ways to find federal contractors. One way is to ask a Ticket to Work (Ticket) program service provider to help you find companies and job openings with federal contractors. Service providers include:

• American Job Centers (AJC): Many AJCs have resources to electronically match job seekers with employers. Find your local AJC.
• State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies and Employment Networks (EN): Many State VR agencies and ENs can help you locate employers. To find an EN or State VR agency that can help, use our Find Help tool.

You may want to ask service providers if they have experience or knowledge helping people with disabilities find jobs with federal contractors.

If you'd like to search on your own, the System for Award Management (SAM) can help you identify companies that work with the federal government and operate under Section 503.

Once you find employers, simply visit their websites to locate job openings.

How do I apply for a job with a federal contractor? Do I have to disclose my disability?

Applying for a job with an employer who falls under Section 503 is like applying for any other job. However, you may choose to self-identify as a person with a disability when applying for these positions. These employers strive to have a diverse and inclusive workforce, which consists of at least 7% of employees with disabilities.

Disclosure is always your personal choice. Voluntary self-identification helps employers meet their recruitment, hiring and career advancement goals. This may open doors to more job opportunities for you.

If you decide to disclose your disability, all information will be kept confidential and separate from other personnel records. It cannot be used in employment decisions.

You won't be penalized if you do not self-identify, but you may not benefit from employers who are motivated to meet or exceed their goal to employ people with disabilities.

I disclosed my disability during the job application process, and now I think I'm being discriminated against because of it. What should I do?

Each state, including the District of Columbia and U.S. territories, has Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) organizations. These organizations serve Social Security disability beneficiaries who want to work. They can help remove employment barriers and help you understand and protect your employment rights. If you believe you're being discriminated against because you've self-identified as a person with a disability, a PABSS organization can provide services to stop the discrimination and protect you in the future. Visit Choose Work's Find Help tool to find a PABSS organization in your state.

How can I learn more about the Ticket to Work program and my employment options?

Our monthly WISE webinars feature a variety of topics related to the Ticket program. We explore the Social Security Work Incentives, government programs and employment supports available to people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. These free webinars are designed to help you learn more about these resources and help you plan for financial independence.

Register now to join us on May 24, from 3 to 4:30 p.m., for the WISE webinar Ticket to Work for People with a Mental Illness.