As you start on your path to employment and financial independence, you may be wondering where to turn for support to build your resume, practice interview skills and search for jobs. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program may offer the services you need.

The Ticket program offers free employment support services for job seekers ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). From skill building and resume writing to benefits counseling and ongoing supports, Ticket program service providers may help you identify your work goals and offer you the support you need to achieve them. Let's look at ways to find a service provider!

Call the Ticket to Work Help Line

Many people tell us that they have questions about how Social Security disability benefits are affected by returning to work or working for the first time. The Ticket program's trained Help Line representatives may help you find answers. They can also send you a list of service providers to help you start your search for the support you need. You can call the Help Line at 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. ET.

Find Help tool

Another way to find a service provider is to use our online Find Help tool. This tool makes it easier to find a service provider that can be a good fit for you. Below are 2 ways you can search for support using the updated tool.

1. Search with the Guided Search feature.  This feature asks you questions about your goals and work history. Enter your answers to receive a customized list of recommended service providers that match your experience and goals. Once you have this list, you can use filters, such as specific services and distance from your location, to continue narrowing down which service provider options may be best for you.
2. Use the Direct Search feature. If you already know the type of service provider you're looking for, the Direct Search is the tool for you. Use the Direct Search to view a list of service providers serving your ZIP code. This tool can search based on the type of provider and whether services are provided in person or virtually. Results can be narrowed further by services offered, disabilities served, or other specialized expertise.

Next steps

You can also learn more about the Ticket program in monthly Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinars. These free webinars share information about a variety of employment topics to help you find success as you pursue financial independence. Register now for the next WISE webinar today.

Having support on your path to employment and financial independence may help you succeed — and finding the right support can be easy with the Ticket program.

By the Campaign for Disability Employment Team

Every day, people with disabilities can and do make important contributions to America's businesses and communities — people like you, and people like Pat, Elizabeth and Denyse, to name just a few.

Pat, who's been blind since birth, works as a senior adviser at a Federal Government agency, where he helps states and municipalities run their elections. Elizabeth is a former teacher and current peer educator who uses a wheelchair as a result of an illness. And Denyse is a senior human resources manager at a global consulting firm — and a U.S. Army veteran who experiences post-traumatic stress disorder.

For all of these individuals — and most of us in general — work is fundamental to who we are. It offers purpose and the opportunity to lead an independent, self-directed life. And it means so much more than a paycheck.

About the Campaign for Disability Employment

Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor, the Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) is a collaborative among several disability and business organizations that aim to change attitudes and improve employment opportunities for people with disabilities. In fact, the CDE is behind a series of public service announcements (PSAs) that have aired hundreds of thousands of times on television stations nationwide. Pat, Elizabeth and Denyse are just a few of the people featured in the "Who I Am" PSA.  

To support its efforts, the CDE recently launched a new and improved website, WhatCanYouDoCampaign.org. Featuring a fresh, easy-to-navigate design, this new website offers tools, resources and videos that promote positive messages about the skills and talents that people with disabilities offer.

Among these new tools is a Resource Guide for Job Seekers & Employees with Disabilities, which can help connect you to job search resources, resume writing tips, job training programs, help with accommodations and more. Other website features include CDE support badges, free posters, discussion guides and more. We also host regular Twitter chats and social media campaigns on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram — and encourage you to follow us so you can learn, share and lend your voice to the conversation about disability and employment.

What Can YOU Do?

If you're interested in joining our movement, there are many ways for you to take advantage of the CDE.

• Visit our website and explore its features.
• Subscribe to our email update service.
• Play and share our PSAs.
• Explore our Resource Guide for Job Seekers & Employees with Disabilities.

If you are a person with a disability, you have the right to be judged on your ability, not disability — because at work, it's what people can do that matters. That's the core message of the CDE, and you can play an important role in helping us spread it far and wide.

About the Blogger

Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), the Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE) promotes positive employment outcomes for people with disabilities by encouraging employers, and others, to recognize the value and talent people with disabilities bring to America's workplaces. Launched in 2009, the CDE is a collaborative effort among ODEP and the following disability and business organizations: American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD); Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN); Job Accommodation Network (JAN); National Business and Disability Council (NBDC); National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC); National Organization on Disability (NOD); Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM); Special Olympics (SO); and the U.S. Business Leadership Network (USBLN). Numerous other supporters are actively promoting the CDE message. To learn more, visit WhatCanYouDoCampaign.org.

Last month, we shared the Top 3 Questions You Can Expect during a Job Interview to fill you in on some of the most popular questions interviewers ask.

This month, we're sharing 3 more common questions that you may receive during a job interview to help you prepare responses and impress a hiring manager.

1. Why are you the best person for this position?

   As you prepare for the interview, reread the job description to see how your skills match with the job requirements and responsibilities. During the interview, talk about how you've used the same skills in previous jobs or have had similar responsibilities during training, volunteer work or internships. As you detail why your background is a good match for the position, also explain what excites you about the job and how you think you can make a difference for the company.

2. Can you tell me about a time when you faced a challenge and how you handled it?

   Many employers use this type of question to seek concrete examples of skills and experiences that relate directly to the position. These questions are based on the idea that your success in the past is a good gauge of your success in the future.

   It may be hard to answer a question like this “on the spot” so take some time before your interview to prepare. Think of a real situation you faced that had a successful outcome. Describe the situation and give details on what you did and why. Then describe how it turned out. You may even want to add what you learned from the situation and how you might apply that to future challenges.

3. Do you have any questions for me?

   It's always a good idea to have a few questions prepared to ask the interviewer. It gives you the chance to learn more about the position and responsibilities, the person who's interviewing you and the company. It also shows the interviewer that you're enthusiastic about the job. However, this is not the time to ask about salary or benefits. Rather, asking questions about the company or position shows you're interested. Check out our post, It's Your Turn: Questions to Ask During a Job Interview, for a few ideas of appropriate questions you could ask.

Keep in mind that an interview helps hiring managers determine not only that your skills and experience match well with the responsibilities of the job, but also that your personality would fit well with the other employees on the team. Being prepared to answer questions about yourself and your experience may help you feel confident and leave a great impression during your next interview.

Consider practicing your responses with family members, friends and your Ticket to Work (Ticket) service provider. Going over your answers with someone else may help you find a more conversational tone and cadence, which can help you relax when answering during the real thing.

Interview practice is just one of many services that you may receive from a service provider through Social Security's Ticket to Work program. The Ticket program offers career development supports for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI). The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

For more information on preparing and acing your next interview, check out:

• Increase Your Chances for a Job Interview
• Can You Hear Me Now? Mastering the Phone Interview
• The Job Interview: It's More Than What You Say

Learn more

You can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 866-968-7842 or 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.

Have you heard this myth? "If my benefit payments stop because I started making money through work, and then I have to stop working because of my disability, I will have to reapply for benefits all over again."

Social Security has special rules called Work Incentives, and today, we'll explore one that helps bust this myth for people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). In our Work Incentives Wednesdays series, we'll explore Work Incentives to show you how they may help you along the path to financial independence.

Stage 1: Trial Work Period

If you receive SSDI, the Trial Work Period (TWP) is a Work Incentive that allows you to test your ability to work for at least 9 months. During the TWP, you'll receive full SSDI benefit payments no matter how much you earn – as long as you report your work activity and you continue to meet Social Security's rules for disability.

Each month counts separately, they don't have to occur together. Any month you earn more than Trial Work Level (TWL) during a 60-month (5-year) period counts toward your TWP. If you do not complete a full TWP during a 5-year period, Social Security may exclude some earlier months of work the next time they look at your earnings to decide if you have used your Trial Work Period.

Trial Work Level

Social Security uses TWL, which is the amount of earnings you have in a month before subtracting taxes, to decide if a month counts toward your TWP. In 2018, if you haven't used all of your TWP yet and you earn $850 or more in a month, that month counts toward your TWP.

For example, if you earned $1,500 in January 2018 and $700 in February 2018, you will have used 1 of 9 TWP months.

If you are self-employed, any month during which you work over 80 hours or have net earnings from self-employment (NESE) over $850 counts toward your TWP.

Social Security cannot use other Work Incentives when deciding if your work exceeds the TWL. However, using other Work Incentives, like Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWE), may help you pursue your work and financial goals once you complete your TWP.

Remember: Report your wages

Whether you receive SSDI or SSI, it is very important to let Social Security know about work activity and wages earned. A Ticket to Work service provider can explain Social Security's work and wage reporting requirements and may assist with reporting earnings to Social Security.

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

Learn more

You can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 866-968-7842 or 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.

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. They give you the chance to meet potential employers and learn about different job opportunities. The career fairs listed in this post are just a few of the offerings in March. Visit the organizers' websites for a full list of career fairs to see if there's one near you.

If you're aware of an upcoming job fair that our readers would find helpful, email us at socialmedia@choosework.ssa.gov with the event name, dates and official website.

Inclusion Works Virtual Career Connection

Disability:IN is hosting a virtual hiring event on Friday, April 12 (apply by March 25). Companies in attendance are committed to finding, growing and keeping talented individuals with disabilities. During the event, employers are inviting job candidates with disabilities who are in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, Finance, Business, Customer Service and Sales fields to attend and learn more about job opportunities in their companies.

Learn more about the event and complete the event interest survey to be invited to attend as a candidate. Deadline to apply is March 25.

Bender Virtual Career Fair

The Bender Virtual Career Fair provides an opportunity for employers and job seekers with disabilities to connect online and network from the convenience of their homes or offices. Many of the available jobs are with federal contractors, who have a requirement to take affirmative action to recruit, hire, employ, promote, and retain qualified people with disabilities. Learn more about this requirement in our fact sheet, Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act.

• March 13: Bender Virtual Career Fair

CareerEco Virtual Career Fairs

Many organizations list their events on CareerEco. Check out one of the virtual events listed below or find other events by looking at the full calendar. During March, there are a variety of career fairs taking place online.

• March 7: Dentistry Online Career Fair
• March 7: Virtual Career Fair for Veterinary Industry Professionals
• March 7: Diversity in Agriculture Online Career Fair

City Career Fairs (In Person)

City Career Fair's Diversity Employment Day (DED) career fairs provide the chance for local and national employers to meet and interview qualified candidates from diverse communities.

• March 6: Los Angeles, CA
• March 20: Dallas, TX

Choice Career Fairs (In Person)

Choice Career Fairs organizes job and career fairs throughout the United States. Check out their website for a full list of career fairs happening this month.  

• March 7: Chicago, IL
• March 7: San Francisco, CA
• March 14: Charlotte, NC
• March 20: West Palm Beach, FL
• March 21: Phoenix, AZ
• March 28: Austin, TX

Coast to Coast Career Fairs (In Person)

Coast to Coast Career Fairs holds numerous in-person career fairs across the country each month. To find a full list of career fairs by region, check out their calendar.

• March 5: Arlington, VA
• March 5: Hartford, CT
• March 12: Columbia, SC
• March 19: Tampa, FL
• March 25: Las Vegas, NV
• March 27: Woodland Hills, CA

Diversity Career Group (In Person)

Diversity Career group focuses their career and job fairs on connecting employers and jobseekers through sit-down conversations and even first-round job interviews. Check out the full calendar.  

• March 12: San Jose/Silicon Valley, CA
• March 19: Denver, CO
• March 23: Houston, TX

RecruitMilitary (In Person and Virtual)

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers. For a listing of all RecruitMilitary career fairs, visit their calendar.

• March 7: Pittsburgh, PA
• March 12: National Virtual Career Fair
• March 28: Kansas City, MO

National Career Fairs (In Person)

National Career Fairs holds free career fairs in over 130 cities each year. Check out the full calendar to discover a career fair near you.

• March 5: Charleston, WV
• March 5: Edison, NJ
• March 14: Tulsa, OK
• March 21: Birmingham, AL

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

Learn more

To learn more about the Ticket program, 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.

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your job search. They give you the chance to meet potential employers and learn about different job opportunities, including openings you can apply for. Check out the following career fairs being held in person and online this month.

Before you attend, read "Making the Most of a Virtual Career Fair" for tips on preparing for an online event and leaving a strong impression with recruiters.

Bender Virtual Career Fair: Employment for People with Disabilities (Virtual)

The Bender Virtual Career Fair provides an opportunity for employers and job seekers with disabilities to connect online.

• March 14: Register Now

Choice Career Fairs (In person)

Choice Career Fairs is an organizer of more than 130 job fair and career fair events throughout the United States each year.

• March 1: Philadelphia, PA
• March 8: Louis, MO
• March 8: Houston, TX
• March 15: Las Vegas, NV
• March 22: Seattle, WA
• March 22: Charlotte, NC
• March 29: Orange County, CA

Coast to Coast Career Fairs (In Person)

Coast to Coast Career Fairs holds numerous in-person career fairs across the country each month.

• March 5: Edison, NJ
• March 6: Arlington, VA
• March 8: Memphis, TN
• March 12: Columbia, SC
• March 22: Tampa, FL

RecruitMilitary (In Person)

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers.

• March 1: New Orleans Veterans Job Fair
• March 1: Greater Dallas Veterans Job Fair

National Career Fairs (In Person)

National Career Fair holds free career fairs in more than 130 cities every year.

• March 6: Richmond, VA
• March 6: Chicago, IL
• March 6: San Jose, CA
• March 8: Jacksonville, FL
• March 13: Brooklyn, NY
• March 20: Wichita, KS

Diversity Employment Day Career Fair (In Person)

Diversity Employment Day (DED) Career Fairs provide the chance for local and national employers to meet and interview qualified candidates from diverse communities.

• March 7: Los Angeles, CA
• March 21: Dallas, TX

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

Learn more

You can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 866-968-7842 or 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.

By Josh Christianson

February is Low Vision Awareness Month — a time to raise awareness about vision rehabilitation services among people with low vision. It's also a good time to consider the technology needs of employees and job seekers with visual impairments. After all, technology is essential to applying for and doing many jobs. And, as long as the technology is accessible, it can help you succeed in employment long-term.

Getting What You Need

Individuals with disabilities — including those with low vision — who understand how accessible and assistive technology (AT) can help them in their career choices are most likely to be successful. Being proactive is the key. Here are 7 steps you can take:

1. Consider the technology you're using now. Begin by taking a look at the technology you use in your daily life — for example, mobile devices, email software, and social networking apps. By reviewing everything you already use successfully, you'll be prepared to identify tools you can use to be most productive at work.
2. Know Your Rights. Under federal law, qualified job applicants and employees with disabilities are generally entitled to "reasonable accommodations," which often include accessible and/or assistive technologies. For more information, see the Job Accommodation Network's (JAN) guidance for individuals and advice on how to request an accommodation.
3. Recognize your role. Access to AT is about more than legal requirements for employers; it's also about being able to advocate for yourself and increase your productivity in the workplace. So educate yourself on the tech tools you need to be successful and actively work to obtain them. Commit to ongoing training on the technology solutions you use to make sure you maximize their accessibility features.
4. Identify what you need. Whether you plan to ask for an accommodation or take advantage of a "bring your own device" policy, part of the conversation with your employer means explaining what you'll need to use at work. Read Taking Stock of Your Workplace Technology to learn more.
5. Build a technology support network. Keep in touch with peers and product developers who have technology expertise, and with professionals or advocacy groups who are familiar with accessibility. In addition, develop relationships with the technology staff in your workplace to help you stay up-to-date on changes, new technology and best practices for using the technology.
6. Address compatibility. The AT you use at home may be different from what you use at work. That means there may be features that work differently, and some of the technologies may not be compatible with the same software, meaning they won't automatically work the way you expect. Take some time to learn the technology and collaborate with the company that makes the technology and your employer.
7. Become part of the long-term solution. Finally, position yourself as an advocate and team player in your workplace. Your employer may have a process for buying and implementing new technologies, and there may be opportunities for you to help guide that process for AT. See Becoming an Accessible Technology Advocate to learn how to talk with your employer about the benefits of an accessible workplace — one where all employees can perform at their highest level.

About the blogger

Josh Christianson is the project director of the Partnership on Employment & Accessible Technology (PEAT). Funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Disability Employment Policy, PEAT is a multi-faceted initiative that fosters collaboration and action around accessible technology in the workplace. To learn more visit www.PEATworks.org.

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

Learn more

You can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 866-968-7842 or 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.

Did you miss our January WISE webinar? During the event, we talked about financial independence, including the path to work and money management skills and resources.

By learning how to manage your finances, you can set smart financial goals, save more money for your needs and wants and enjoy financial independence.

More than 450 people joined us on January 24 for the webinar, and we received many great questions. Today we're answering the top 3 questions to help you find resources that may help you on your own path to success.

Do I need to pay taxes?

If you earned income during 2017, chances are you'll need to file a tax return this year. You can also take the IRS's quiz, Do I Need to File a Tax Return?, to find out if you're required to file a tax return. For additional questions, contact your local IRS office.

Finding help on preparing and filing your taxes is easy. Check out our Money Mondays blog post, Tax Tips and Preparation for resources on finding help preparing and filing your taxes. 

Where can I find help managing my finances?

Managing your finances may include setting up a budget, building and strengthening your credit, and deciding where you'd like to keep your money for quick access and saving. You can find help from these resources that we shared during the webinar:

Budget

• Money Smart
• Your local Center for Independent Living

Credit

• Free Annual Credit Report
• Credit Reporting Agencies for addressing errors

Banking

• Bank On programs
• My Credit Union

Our monthly series, Money Mondays, also offers advice and resources for managing your finances as you return to work or start working for the first time. In a recent Money Mondays post, guest blogger Sherman Gifford shared how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)’s Your Money, Your Goals toolkit can help you work with your Ticket to Work service provider to plan your path to financial independence.

How do I report my earnings to Social Security?

Reporting your earned wages is a very important part of avoiding overpayments. Learn more about reporting your wages in our Money Mondays blog post: Wage Reporting: Myths, Tips and Ticket to Work. Social Security offers multiple ways to report your wages, including a new wage reporting option with a my Social Security account that's available for people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Learn more about this in Wage Reporting for People who Receive SSDI. You can also learn more about wage reporting on the Choose Work website.

How can I learn more?

Each month, our national Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) webinars share resources and tips to help people with disabilities find work and financial success. WISE webinars can help you stay informed about Ticket to Work (Ticket) program information, hear about new and existing resources that may help as you consider work, and learn more about specific employment topics.

Our next WISE webinar, Ticket to Work: Choosing the Service Provider That’s Right for You, will take place on February 28, 3-4:30 p.m. ET. Register to attend today!

Staying updated on the Ticket program is easy:

• Subscribe to the Choose Work! blog
• Subscribe to learn about the monthly WISE webinars
• Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work.

The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

Learn more

You can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 866-968-7842 or 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.

Job interviews consist of 2 types of questions: questions about you and questions about what you know. The latter type, knowledge questions, usually relate to the particular requirements of the job you're applying for and are very specific. Today, we'll talk about the more general questions you can expect. These are the kind of questions that will set you apart when all the candidates are equally knowledgeable.

Recruiters ask these general questions to learn more about who you are. Are you confident? Do you sound enthusiastic? Will you fit their company culture? Are you committed enough to take the time to research their company?

If you've decided to discuss your disability during the interview, you can think about how to do so in the context of these typical questions. For more information on disclosure, check out Disclosure: Let's Talk About It.

Let's look at the 3 most common questions.

1. Tell me about yourself.
   This may be your best opportunity to highlight what you believe are your most important characteristics for the job. Maybe you have a passion for a certain part of the job. For example, "In my previous position as a customer service representative, I enjoyed helping people solve their problems." Or, maybe you were recognized for a special talent. For example, "I won several awards for training new employees at my last job."
   You may consider explaining large resume gaps when responding to this question, too. If you've decided to disclose your disability during the interview, you can explain medical leave. You can also use this as a chance to talk about any hobbies or volunteer work that you pursued during your employment gap that helped you build your skills and gain experience.
2. Why are you interested in this position?
   Before your interview, it's a good idea to learn more about the company or the job. During your interview, think about what you have read about the company or job: What do you like about the company? Maybe your skill set lines up well with the job tasks or company goals. Maybe it's their reputation for how well they treat their employees. Is there something about the job requirements that you think are a good fit for your strengths? Answering this question with facts about the company or the job tells the interviewer that you care enough to have done your homework.
3. What are your strengths/what are your weaknesses?
   Talking about your strengths can be tricky. Make sure that you've thought about how your personal strengths will relate to the job requirements, and come up with an example or 2 of how you've used your strength.
   If the interviewer asks about a weakness, indicate that you've thought about that question and identify a particular trait that will not affect the job position. For example, if you're applying for a programming position, acknowledging that you aren't a skilled public speaker may not hurt your chances if the position doesn't require public speaking. It is also a good idea to mention what you are doing to address your weakness or provide an example about how you learned from your weakness.

In an actual interview, the questions won't always be phrased this way, but the purpose of the questions will be similar. Preparing answers to these questions is the first part of getting ready for your interview. The second part is practicing them. Don't try to memorize specific answers. Focus on the key points you want to make and practice saying them aloud until they feel natural and unrehearsed. You could even ask a friend, family member or your Ticket to Work program service provider to help you practice.

When you've prepared in this way, you'll be more confident and that's how you'll make the best impression.

Be sure to subscribe to the Choose Work blog. In the coming months, we'll share additional questions you may be asked during an interview, including questions that may relate to your disability or gaps on your resume.

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work.
The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward
financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

Learn more

You can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 866-968-7842 or 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.

It's tax season! As you prepare to file and pay your taxes, the following resources may be available at no cost to you.

Free tax help and preparation from the IRS

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) offers 2 free services to help certain people prepare and file their taxes. Check out the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) to find out how IRS-certified volunteers may help you.

VITA offers free basic tax return preparation to people who:

• Generally make $54,000 or less
• Have a disability
• Are limited-English-speaking taxpayers

 TCE offers free tax help for all taxpayers, especially those who:

• Are 60 years old or older
• Have questions about pensions or retirement-related issues

To find your local VITA or TCE sites, call 800-906-9887 or use the VITA Locator Tool.

MyFreeTaxes.com

Offered by the United Way, MyFreeTaxes.com is an easy, safe and free way to file your taxes online and is available to taxpayers in all states who earned less than $64,000 last year. The site also offers support from IRS-certified specialists by phone, email, and chat messaging. To get started, review their Tax Preparation Checklist.

Accessible forms and publications

Check out the IRS's Accessible Forms & Publications page to download or view forms and documents in text-only, Braille-ready, accessible PDF, HTML and large-print formats. You can also find American Sign Language (ASL) videos with information on their YouTube channel.

About Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.

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Learn more

You can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 866-968-7842 or 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.