Start Where You Are: Ticket to Work Tips for Veterans
Each November 11, this country celebrates and honors the men and women who have served in the U.S. military. If you're a veteran, we want to thank you for your service. If you have a disability (service-connected or otherwise), Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program is here to help.
We recognize that military veterans have a lot to offer employers. For veterans receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the Ticket Program offers help to identify transferable skills, prepare for and find job opportunities and transition to the civilian workplace.
Employers value your military training and experience and recognize that because of your service, you have many skills to offer, including:
- Leadership
- Time management
- Organization
- Flexibility
Here are 3 tips to help you get started on the path to employment today:
1. Explore the Ticket Program
The 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, people who are eligible can connect with authorized service providers to receive the support they need to succeed in the workforce.
The Ticket Program offers employment support through service providers, like Employment Networks (EN). Our service providers can help you:
- Identify your skills
- Set work goals
- Prepare for the job search
- Find employment opportunities
- Handle job applications
- Prepare for interviews
- Transition to work
Some ENs are a part of the Public Workforce System, a network of federal, state and local offices that supports all qualified people with their work goals. In addition to career planning and job placement supports, many Workforce ENs also offer training and special programs for veterans.
Your State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency may also provide more extensive services and support to prepare you to return to work, such as rehabilitation and individual counseling, adaptive equipment — such as wheelchairs and vehicle modifications — and college-level training.
2. See Who's Hiring!
Every month, we publish a list of in-person and virtual career fairs. Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. Whether they're in-person or online, job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings. Many of the organizations we include in this list are specifically for veterans and their families.
3. Check out Social Security resources for veterans
Visit www.ssa.gov/people/veterans for resources, including:
- Answers to popular questions about benefits eligibility and Social Security Work Incentives
- The Journey to Success publication series with guidance on employment tools for your path to work, from searching for a job to transitioning to work and financial independence
- Useful links from the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense
Learn more
To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or 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.
Learn more
To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or 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.
Receive Ticket Program Texts
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. We hope you'll find this new way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.
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. We hope you'll find this new way to stay in touch helpful. You can opt out at any time.
