For the past 20 years, Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program has offered free employment supports and resources to over one million people with disabilities to help them achieve their work goals. Robert Pfaff, Social Security's Director of the Office of Employment Support, shares how the Ticket program can help you on your path to work.
By Robert Pfaff
Happy 20th Anniversary, Ticket to Work!
On December 17, 1999, President Bill Clinton signed into law the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. That new law increased the options for individuals with disabilities, who wished to return to work or work for the first time, through a bold initiative: the Ticket to Work program. By using their "Ticket," Social Security disability beneficiaries, ages 18 through 64, can seek free employment services through an Employment Network (EN) or their state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency.
Over the course of 20 years, the Ticket program has served over one million people with significant mental and physical disabilities through a modern, nationwide employment services and support system comprised of more than 700 providers drawn from both the public and private sectors. Every year, thousands of people with disabilities find jobs and leave Social Security disability benefits behind to support themselves through employment. In many cases, they will earn more than they would have from benefit payments.
As the Director of the office that oversees the Ticket program, I want to take this 20th anniversary opportunity to remind you what the Ticket program is all about.
If you want to work, but have questions about whether it is the right choice for you, I hope you'll call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find one on your own with the Ticket program Find Help tool.
If you want to work, but have questions about whether it is the right choice for you, I hope you'll call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find one on your own with the Ticket program Find Help tool.
The prospect of entering the workforce may seem daunting, but you don’t have to do it alone. For 20 years, beneficiaries with disabilities who are ready to work have turned to the Ticket program for support in the next step in their life's journey. This could be your year!
Robert Pfaff is Director of the Office of Employment Support in the Social Security Administration. In this position, he provides executive management in the administration of the Social Security Ticket to Work program.
Contact the Ticket to Work Help Line
Call 1-866-968-7842
1-866-833-2967 (TTY)
M-F 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET
Contact the Ticket to Work Help Line
Call 1-866-968-7842
1-866-833-2967 (TTY)
M-F 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET
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