You Asked, We Answer! Ticket to Work and Supplemental Security Income
On Wednesday, August 23, more than 330 people attended our Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) webinar, Ticket to Work: Work Incentives for People who Receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI). During the webinar, our guests from Social Security talked about SSI Work Incentives, the benefits of work, and how to open and use a my Social Security account.
Our attendees asked many great questions, and today we're sharing answers to the top questions. Read on to learn more about Work Incentives, then head to the WISE archives to watch past webinars and learn more.
How can I find out what type of benefit I receive?
A my Social Security account gives you online access to your Social Security information, including the type of benefit you receive. If you don't already have a my Social Security account, it's easy to sign up! All you need is:
- A valid email address
- Your Social Security number
- A U.S. mailing address
There are other ways you can find out the type of benefit you receive, too. You can:
- Check in with your Benefits Counselor. Many Employment Networks have Benefits Counselors on staff to answer questions about benefits and available Work Incentives.
- Contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY).
- Find the award letter Social Security sent you when you began receiving benefits.
- Contact Social Security at 800-772-1213 or 800-325-0778 (TTY).
Are there also Work Incentives for people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?
Yes! While our August WISE webinar highlighted Work Incentives for SSI recipients, the September 27 webinar at 3 p.m. ET, will focus on Work Incentives for people who receive SSDI. You can register now to attend the event! In addition to going over this information, our experts from Social Security will also answer questions you have on the Work Incentives available to you.
How do I apply for or use an Impairment-Related Work Expense?
You don't have to apply for Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE) in advance. If you're unsure if something may be an IRWE, it's best to call the Ticket to Work Help Line or ask your Benefits Counselor. Learn more about how IRWEs may help you transition to work and how they affect your benefits payments in our Work Incentives Wednesdays blog post about IRWEs.
What happens to my Medicaid if I start working?
If you receive SSI and have Medicaid during your transition to work, you may be able to continue receiving Medicaid coverage even if your SSI payments stop because of your earnings through work. Our blog, Work Incentives Wednesdays: Medicaid While Working, discusses how you may be able to keep Medicaid coverage.
What is 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 (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.
How can I learn more?
Each month, our WISE webinars share resources and tips for people with disabilities to help them find work and financial success. WISE webinars can help you stay informed about Ticket program information, hear about new and existing resources that may help as you consider work, and learn more about specific employment topics. Our next WISE webinar, Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Part 2: SSDI and Concurrent Benefits, will take place on Wednesday, September 27, 3-4:30 p.m. ET. Register today!
To learn more about the Ticket program, visit www.ssa.gov/work. You can also call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 866-968-7842 or 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.
