2017 Journeys To Success
Throughout 2017, we shared stories about people finding their paths to work and financial independence.
Today we're taking a look at how they found the support they needed through the Ticket to Work (Ticket) program and how their Employment Networks (EN) and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies helped them find the training, job search assistance, and benefits counseling they needed to succeed.
Shileta
Shileta missed having role models she admired and could go to for advice. So when she attended a Disability Mentoring Day, she found the motivation to start on the path to work and be a role model for others. In her success story, learn how Shileta found the support she needed on the path to financial independence and how her work helps other young adults with disabilities.
Jesus
Volunteering helped Jesus gain valuable work experience, make connections and develop strong work skills. So when he found support services through the Ticket program, he was able to translate his community service into valuable assets on his resume and during interviews.
David
David had always been a hard worker who set high goals for himself. But when he was hit by a car and needed to have both legs amputated, he started receiving SSDI so he could focus on healing. When he was ready to return to work, David found support through the Ticket program. He learned that he could test his ability to work again thanks to the Trial Work Period (TWP) and other Work Incentives.
Amy
In school, Amy found it difficult to focus as she dealt with sensory information overload and other aspects of her developmental disability. But when she graduated and found the Ticket to Work program, she worked with the Maryland VR agency to find support and training that helped her find work. And thanks to an agreement called Partnership Plus, Amy was able to continue receiving support through an EN after her VR case closed.
Peter
Peter was always a reliable employee. Even when he was diagnosed with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD), he worked with his employer to arrange his schedule to accommodate his medical treatments. But when his health became a priority, Peter began receiving SSDI. A successful kidney transplant helped Peter regain his health and his determination to find work again. Not sure of how to return to work, Peter found help through an American Job Center. Peter learned that a Work Incentive could help him keep his healthcare coverage as he transitioned back to work and worked on his resume and interview skills with his EN.
Get started on your journey
Are you ready to start your journey to success? Check out the full success stories to find out how Social Security's Ticket program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI). This free and voluntary program may help you achieve financial independence through work by connecting you with services and support to help you succeed in your job search and your transition to the work force.
Once you learn more, take the first step by finding a service provider to help you on your path to work. You can use the Finding an EN and Assigning Your Ticket worksheet to help you select the service provider that you think best fits your goals. Then use the Ticket program Find Help tool to search by type of provider, location or services provided.
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.
