Someone in Your Corner: Accessing Continued Support on Your Path to Work

You've developed your professional skills, begun working in a new job and are earning a paycheck. But you're finding that transitioning to the workforce is an adjustment and you think you could use some support. Of course, no one can do your job for you, but you don't have to go it alone. Today we're talking about how Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can help you make a smooth transition to your new working life.

What can Ticket to Work do for you?

The Ticket Program is for adults ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. It's a free, voluntary Program that links you with employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare for work, find a job or be successful while you are working.

The Ticket Program can connect you with service providers, such as State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies and authorized private or public service providers known as Employment Networks (EN) that offer a variety of employment services to help people with disabilities. You can think of these organizations as part of your employment team ready to answer your questions and support you in your transition to work.

Service Provider Support

Perhaps you started your path to employment with your State VR agency. Once you find a job, the VR agency may close your case approximately 90 days after you start working. What can you do when your VR services end if you have questions and need support to help you be successful in your job?

That's where the services of an EN can help you. VR agencies often partner with ENs that offer job retention services and other forms of ongoing support. This arrangement, known as Partnership Plus, can give you continued access to individualized services and resources throughout your employment journey. After State VR services end, you can choose to work with an EN to receive additional services to help you adjust to the workplace.

If you began your search for work with the help of an EN, you can still receive services from that EN once you start working. Whether you worked with your VR agency or with an EN, an EN will provide services to help you. Services offered vary among ENs and may include assistance with things related to working:

• Requesting job accommodations
• Communicating with your employer
• Communicating with your Social Security office
• Reporting your earnings
• Getting answers to questions about how your earnings from work may affect your benefits

Having continued support can be significant in helping you maintain employment, achieve your employment goals and being successful in the workplace. As you adjust to working and finding the right work-life balance, it's important that you know that you have access to continued services to meet your needs.

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