You Asked, We Answer! Disability Benefits and Work

During the December Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinar, we learned the truth about common myths about disability benefits and work. The presenters shared resources, including Social Security Work Incentives, that may help you transition to work with confidence.

More than 500 people attended the webinar and learned about the supports available through Social Security and the Ticket to Work (Ticket) program. Today, we're answering the top questions we received during the webinar.

What is Social Security's Ticket to Work program? Do I have to participate?

Social Security's Ticket program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI). The program helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and supports to help them succeed in the workforce. The Ticket program is free and voluntary, so you'll never need to pay for services under the Ticket program.

It's not necessary to work with the Ticket program as you pursue your work goals, but participating in the Ticket program qualifies you for protection from Social Security's periodic review of your eligibility for benefits, known as a medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR). As long as you continue making timely progress toward your work goals, Social Security will not begin a new medical CDR.

What do I do if I want to change my Employment Network?

You are free to contact as many Employment Networks (EN) as you like while you are looking for the one that is a good fit, and you have the option to change ENs if you're not satisfied with the services you receive.

Our Finding an EN and Assigning Your Ticket worksheet may help you keep track of the ENs you've contacted during your search. To change your EN, you would first un-assign your ticket with your current service provider. We encourage you to notify your current service provider that you plan to un-assign your Ticket. Then, you would submit a Ticket Un-assignment form before assigning your ticket with your new service provider.

Why should I choose work?

The goal of the Ticket program is to help people with disabilities move toward financial independence through work. But work offers more than just financial independence. Working is a chance to learn new skills, turn a hobby or passion into a career, meet new people and new friends, and build your self-confidence.

Not sure of what type of job you'd like to find? A Ticket program service provider may be able to help you explore options based on your interests and skills. You can also explore different job skills and start building experience to add to your resume through volunteer work.

WISE webinars

The monthly WISE webinars are online events that share information about the Ticket to Work program, Social Security Work Incentives and employment topics, ranging from resources for young adults to self-employment.

If you missed the event and want to learn more about disability benefits and work, you can check out the webinar in our WISE archives.

Stay updated on the topics we'll be discussing each month by subscribing to our webinar emails!

Learn more

You can 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 to Work Find Help tool.