National Disability Employment Awareness Month: How Can Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program Help You?

Every October, we celebrate National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), which commemorates the achievements of people with disabilities in the workplace. Today, we'd like to tell you more about Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program and how it can help you on the path to financial independence through work.

Who is eligible?

If you receive Social Security disability benefits (Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income) and are age 18 through 64, you are eligible for the Ticket Program.

What is the goal of the Ticket Program?

The goal of the Ticket Program is to help people who receive Social Security disability benefits achieve increased self-sufficiency and greater independence and reduce their reliance on disability benefits through work.

How can the Ticket Program help you go to work?

If you're eligible, you can use the Ticket issued to you by Social Security to obtain services and supports to assist you in preparing for work, entering or reentering the workforce and maintaining employment. Please note that you don't need a paper Ticket to participate. Your eligibility for the Ticket Program can be verified by the service provider you select. Social Security authorizes service providers, known as "Employment Networks" (EN), to provide services such as:

• Career Planning
• Job Placement Assistance
• Ongoing Employment Support
• Benefits Counseling

Some ENs provide services to their local community, while others provide services across one or more states. There are also ENs that provide services nationwide. You can work with ENs in person, via phone, through email or their websites.

If you choose to work with an EN, it's important to choose one that will provide the services you need to support your work goals. Not all ENs provide the same services, so it's important to talk with several ENs to learn about what services they can provide. Our fact sheet, "Choosing the Right Employment Network for You," guides you through the decision making process. Once you understand how an EN can help you, use the "Finding an EN and Assigning Your Ticket Worksheet," to keep track of the ENs you've contacted.

What's next?

If NDEAM has you considering work, here are some steps you can take:

• Call the Ticket to Work Help Line to get your questions about working while on benefits answered at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY)
• Learn more about Social Security's Work Incentives available to you
• Sign up for a free WISE Webinar to learn more about Ticket to Work and Work Incentives
• Read our Frequently Asked Questions about the Ticket to Work Program
• View success stories of beneficiaries like you who have used the Ticket Program to build a better life and achieve financial independence
• Opt in to receive information via text about the Ticket Program by texting the word "TICKET" to 1-571-489-5292

We can't wait to help you on your path to financial independence!