Choosing a Service Provider That's Right for You

Feb 20, 2020

Ben scratching his head and looking at the different service providers signs Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

By participating in the Ticket program, you'll have access to a wide variety of free services from Ticket to Work service providers. These service providers can become your "Employment Team," ready to support you on your journey to financial independence.

Here are the types of service providers that can assist you:

Employment Networks (EN) are private or public organizations that can help with career counseling and assistance with job placement. Some ENs can help you understand how benefits may be affected by work. This includes ENs that are also part of a state's public workforce system (also referred to as Workforce EN (WF).
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies usually work with individuals who need more significant services to become employed. In some states, this includes intensive training, education and rehabilitation. They may also provide career counseling, job placement assistance and counseling on the effect that working may have on Social Security disability benefits.
Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) projects are organizations within your state that are authorized by Social Security to provide free, comprehensive benefits counseling to eligible Social Security disability beneficiaries to help you make informed choices about work and earnings.
Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) organizations provide free legal assistance to people who receive Social Security disability benefits and who have disability-related employment issues.

Join our WISE webinar February 26 to learn more about deciding which service provider is right for you! Register online at https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise.

Be sure to visit the links above for more information about each type of service provider.

Representatives at the Ticket to Work Help Line can help you connect with a Ticket program service provider. To learn more, 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. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket program Find Help tool.

Categories: Choosing A Provider, Find A Job, Service Provider Resources, Ticket to Work