Connecting Your Community to Ticket to Work
Do you work with or serve people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI)? Have they mentioned wanting to work? In today's blog post, we offer some ideas about how you can connect them with services designed to support them on a path to fulfilling their work goals.
We often receive questions from organizations and individuals asking about Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program and how it can support people with disabilities as they enter the workforce.
What is the Ticket to Work Program?
The Ticket Program supports career planning and development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible individuals work with Ticket Program service providers, like Employment Networks (EN) or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, that guide and support them through the employment process, from career planning to maintaining long-term employment and achieving financial independence.
Ticket Program service providers offer services to job seekers with disabilities, ranging from help writing resumes and preparing for interviews to requesting accommodations. They also offer eligible individuals continued support while they are working.
Many service providers also offer benefits counseling. Certified Benefits Counselors help job seekers better understand how working will affect their benefits and how to use Work Incentives to ease the path to successful employment.
Want to Learn More?
If you'd like to find out more about the Ticket Program, below are some resources to explore.
- We host monthly Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinars. These are free, online events that feature guest speakers who present information about the Ticket Program and specific disability-related employment issues. Previous webinars are available to view at any time.
- The Choose Work! Library has a collection of frequently asked questions (FAQs), fact sheets and other resources to help share information about the Ticket Program and the job seeking process for people with disabilities.
- Our Success Stories highlight former beneficiaries who enjoy a financially independent life after participating in the Ticket Program. Our Stepping Stones stories feature those who have made significant strides toward employment and financial independence.
- Weekly updates, tips and advice from Social Security and the Ticket Program are in our Choose Work! Blog.
- If you're interested in receiving text messages from the Ticket Program, please text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply. We'll send updates from our blog, identify steps on the path to employment and more. You can opt out at any time.
Ready to Get Started?
If you know someone who's eligible for the Ticket Program and ready to see if working is right for them, the Ticket Program is here to help!
Online: If a beneficiary is ready to find a service provider, the Find Help tool is a great place to start. People can search directly for a specific type of provider, or answer questions for a guided path toward service providers that can meet their needs.
By Phone: The Ticket to Work Help Line connects callers with representatives who are trained to answer questions and provide personalized assistance to beneficiaries looking for help. The Ticket to Work Help Line is available at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Is your organization looking to hire? Do you know of businesses that have inclusive hiring policies?
Use the Find Help tool to connect with Ticket Program service providers in your community. They can help you find qualified local job seekers with disabilities who are ready and looking for work. Job seekers who are participating in the Ticket Program may continue to receive supports and services from their Ticket program service provider after they are hired.
