Finding Help on Your Path to Work

Every person deserves an opportunity to work.

Working is a pathway to discovering your talent, making new friends and becoming financially independent.

Many people who've worked in the past but have been away from the workforce due to a disability, miss these aspects of having a job. If this describes you, you may want to look into Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program. The Ticket program helps people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) achieve their employment goals and pursue financial independence. Through the program, you can connect with an Employment Network (EN), an organization authorized by Social Security to provide a variety of free employment services.

When you are ready, you can talk to as many ENs as you like. You and the EN must agree to work together and can decide not to work together, at any time, if the relationship is not good fit. To find one that you will want to work with, here are a few questions to help you choose:

1. What types of services does the EN provide? Do they offer benefits counseling?
2. Do they offer virtual support and services? Will you meet over the phone?
3. Does the EN understand your career goals?
4. Are they familiar with the supports and accommodations you may need?
5. What skills do the staff have?
6. Has the staff worked with other people who have employment needs like yours?
7. Can they provide references from other clients?

Choosing the right EN is the first step on your path to getting the services and support that will help you along your employment journey and progress toward meeting your goals.