In our blog post, Think Outside the Office: Discovering Blue-Collar Occupations, we explored career paths that include non-office work. As we discussed in that post, technological developments have changed what hands-on careers, often called "blue collar," entail and have increased the opportunities that are available for job seekers with disabilities.  

Now that you know why non-office work might be right for you, let's take a look at how you can find a job that fits your work goals and interests.  

Ticket to Work

If you are an adult age 18 through 64 and receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI/ SSDI) and want to work, the Ticket program may be able to help you set and pursue your employment goals.

Through the Ticket program, interested job seekers can connect with a service provider, like an Employment Network (EN) or a State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency, to receive work-related services and supports. With support and resources, you can find the path to reach your career goals and financial independence through work.

Some ENs may offer job placement that includes non-office work. You can also get help building or rewriting your resume, preparing for interviews, and other job preparation services. Some ENs, especially workforce ENs, may offer job training. If you require reasonable accommodations due to a disability, a service provider can also help you determine additional resources and supports to help you succeed in the workplace.

Training Support and Accessibility Resources

While many employers offer on-the-job training, individuals may also seek help and additional employment-related resources from organizations that specialize in disability inclusion. The Job Accommodation Network (JAN), Partnership on Employment and Accessible Technology (PEAT), and other organizations dedicated to disability employment, offer resources and tools to help with transitioning to the workplace. For example, if you have a learning disability and need assistive technology for training, PEAT offers information on accessible technologies for work. If you use a mobility aid, such as a wheelchair, and have questions about accessibility in the workplace, JAN offers practical advice and support for requesting accommodations.

Apprenticeship

Some employers offer apprenticeships in order to attract the right talent to fill vacancies in non-office positions.

If you've identified an industry or type of job that you'd like, an apprenticeship can help you get the experience you need to pursue a career in that field. Students and individuals interested in a blue-collar industry often use apprenticeships to develop their skills and learn what it's like to work in manufacturing and technical positions. In addition to training, many apprenticeship programs include paid positions and certification credentials. Sources such as https://www.apprenticeship.gov/ allow you to search for apprenticeship opportunities by occupation, company and location.

Apprenticeships are available in a variety of occupations, including industries like:

• Energy
• Farming
• Hospitality
• Information Technology
• Manufacturing
• Transportation and more

If you're interested in a hands-on career or non-office work, an EN or your State VR agency can help you search and apply for apprenticeships and jobs that match your employment goals.

Networking and Volunteering

Many employers offer job-specific training and additional learning opportunities. If you attend a training course, you can talk with an instructor about how to further develop your skills or even get connected with people in your field of interest who are willing to share information about their experience in the trade. These types of informational interviews are another way of networking that can lead to career opportunities.

Volunteering also provides unique opportunities to network. In addition to giving you the opportunity to meet new people and grow your network, volunteering offers you the chance to develop and practice skills that are important in the workplace. Find volunteer opportunities by checking out resources in your community or search online at:

• Inclusive volunteer opportunities for people with disabilities
• Corporation for National and Community Service
• VolunteerMatch
• Idealist

Consider networking and volunteering as part of your path to work. Volunteering can open doors for you to connect with people who can provide insight and advice for your job search.

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. The career fairs listed in this post are just a few of the offerings this month. 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.

Ability Job Fair (Virtual)

AbilityJobs hosts a virtual job fair and offers specific resources for job seekers with disabilities. Accessibility features offer you the opportunity to connect with employers using an American Sign Language Interpreter, screen reader or other technologies. This job fair website also offers online face-to-face interviews with recruiters. Learn more about their job fairs and how to attend.

• October 10: Video Career Fair for job Seekers with Disabilities  

Employ Ability Career Fair (In Person)

In addition to meeting with more than 50 employers, attendees will have access to classes and seminars about online applications and assessments, interviewing tips and money management. HR professionals will also be available to review and provide feedback on your resume.

• October 25: Dallas, TX

City Career Fair (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.

• October 9: Phoenix, AZ
• October 15: San Diego, CA

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. 

• October 3: Lauderdale, FL
• October 24: Chicago, IL
• October 30: Dallas, 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.

• October 8: Pittsburgh, PA
• October 15: Nashville, TN
• October 23: Portland, OR

Diversity Career Group (In Person)

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

• October 3: Denver, CO
• October 22: San Diego, CA

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.

• October 10: Baltimore, MD
• October 15: Central Region Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• October 31: Norfolk, VA

National Career Fairs (In Person)

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

• October 3: Greensboro, NC
• October 8: Buffalo, NY
• October 23: Indianapolis, IN

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. The career fairs listed in this post are just a few of the offerings this month. 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.

City Career Fair (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.

• September 11: Oakland, CA
• September 19: Milwaukee, WI

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.  

• September 5: Philadelphia, PA
• September 19: Phoenix, AZ
• September 26: Indianapolis, IN

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.

• September 10: Edison, NJ
• September 17: Fort Lauderdale, FL
• September 23: Las Vegas, NV

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.  

• September 12: Pasadena, CA
• September 26: Portland, OR

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.

• September 5: Nashville, TN
• September 17: Cincinnati, OH
• September 24: Operations Virtual Career Fair
• September 26: Richmond, VA

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.

• September 10: Danbury, CT
• September 17: Orlando, FL
• September 25: Houston, TX

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.

As we've discussed before, benefits counseling is one of many free services and supports that are available to individuals who receive Social Security disability benefits. To better understand why this service can be important, we caught up with Tammy Austin, a Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) with Aspire Indiana.

She answered our questions about benefits counseling, whether it's with a CWIC through a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) project like Aspire Indiana or through a Ticket to Work program Employment Network (EN) or a State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency that has a certified Benefits Counselor on staff. The benefits counseling process may vary depending on your service provider. For example, your service provider may offer benefits counseling in person or virtually (by phone or email). Others may refer you to an outside source.

What to expect?

Working with a Benefits Counselor offers an individual in-depth guidance about their public benefits, including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicare or Medicaid.

"We start with an intake form that asks basic questions: Are you working? Are you looking for work? How many hours are you working? What is your salary? Are you married or single?" Tammy explains. "We also ask about what other types of benefits they receive — whether that be Medicare, Medicaid, food stamps (SNAP), and housing."

A Benefits Counselor will also request an individual's BPQY, or Benefits Planning Query. A BPQY includes information about SSDI cash benefits, SSI cash payments, health insurance, any scheduled Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR), work history and more.

The intake form and the BPQY helps the Benefits Counselor create a Benefits Analysis Report that they then review with the individual. The review will include, for example, whether someone who receives SSDI has used any of the Trial Work Period months. This information can give someone an in-depth understanding of how working will affect their benefits, when those effects will happen and what Work Incentives or other supports are available to them.

Is benefits counseling only for Social Security disability benefits?

No. "It's important for people to understand that we help with more than just Social Security disability benefits," Tammy says.

Whether it's housing assistance, food stamps or health care, a Benefits Counselor can help people understand their benefits and connect them with resources that can help. For some types of benefits, this may include referring someone to another program or resource in the state, such as a state health buy-in program.

Can Benefits Counselors help with wage reporting and overpayments?

"Yes!" Tammy says. "Wage reporting is something we discuss even when discussing that intake form because that's something people should know about right away." Tammy explains that they'll discuss responsibilities of wage reporting and how to report wages — whether it's by going into the local Social Security field office, online or through the app.

If someone is overpaid by Social Security, a Benefits Counselor may be able to help them with it, too. "We can work with them and look back over that timeframe," Tammy explains. "There have been instances where we've been able identify expenses that would qualify for an Impairment-Related Work Expense or subsidies and accommodations and get that overpayment wiped out or reduced."

Why is benefits counseling important?

"We want to break your situation down," Tammy says. "We work specifically to ask questions based on specific situations."

While individuals can find information in the Social Security Red Book or visit their local Social Security field office, a Benefits Counselor can offer guidance based on individual circumstances. For example, an individual who receives SSDI may know that Social Security determines eligibility for cash benefits based on substantial gainful activity (SGA, which is $1,220 per month for individuals who are not blind in 2019). "That $1,220 doesn't necessarily mean gross earnings. It's countable income," Tammy explains. "So, we can help them set up an Impairment-Related Work Expense, subsidies and other Work Incentives."

Having this type of support and individualized information can help individuals pursue their career goals with a better understanding and less worry about their benefits.

Connecting with a Benefits Counselor

To learn more about the Ticket program and connect with a service provider who offers benefits counseling, we encourage individuals to call the Ticket to Work Help Line, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).

Representatives can answer questions and make referrals to service providers. In some cases, a representative can refer individuals to a WIPA project if they receive SSDI, SSI, SSDI-related Medicare or SSI-related Medicaid, and they:

• Are working
• Have a job offer pending
• Are actively interviewing for jobs
• Had an interview in the past 30 days
• Have a job interview scheduled in the next 2 weeks
• Are a veteran, or
• Are age 14 – 25 (even if they are not actively pursuing work)

Individuals can also use the Find Help tool to search for ENs or State VR agencies who have certified Benefits Counselors on staff.

If you or someone you know receives Social Security benefits (SSDI or SSI) due to a disability, returning to work comes with a list of questions, especially about how working will affect your benefits. Talking with a certified Benefits Counselor can help you find the answers you need. But there are also resources you can use to do your own research. Today, we'll discuss some Social Security Work Incentives that may apply to you and point you to additional sources of information to help you understand your Medicare and Medicaid options.

Social Security Work Incentives

Work Incentives help eligible individuals as they pursue financial independence through work.

Special rules make it possible for people with disabilities receiving Social Security or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to work and still receive monthly payments and Medicare or Medicaid.

Further details are provided on the Social Security website.

Supports for people who receive SSDI and Medicare

1. Continuation of Medicare Coverage

Your Medicare coverage continues while you are working as long as you are receiving SSDI benefit payments. When you reach a point that your SSDI benefits stop because of your earnings, you may be pleased to learn that most people can keep their Medicare coverage for at least 93 consecutive months (7 years and 9 months) after the end of their Trial Work Period. You do not pay a premium for Part A (Hospital Insurance) of Medicare. If you are already enrolled in Medicare Part B (Supplemental Medical Insurance) or Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage), your coverage will continue, though it is not premium-free.

2. Medicare for Persons with Disabilities Who Work

Once your premium-free Medicare coverage ends because of your work and earnings, you can buy continued Medicare coverage if you continue to be medically disabled and you're under the age of 65. If you have limited income and resources, you may be eligible for state assistance to afford the premiums.

For "Medicare for Persons with Disabilities Who Work," you can buy Part A separately from Part B, but you cannot buy Part B unless you also buy Part A. Part D coverage is available to anyone who is entitled to Part A and/or enrolled in Part B.

Supports for people who receive SSI and Medicaid

3. Medicaid While Working – Section 1619(b)

After you start working, your Medicaid coverage can continue, even if your earnings (alone or in combination with your other income) become too high for an SSI cash payment.

You must meet all of the following qualifications:

• Were eligible for an SSI cash payment for at least one month;
• Would be eligible for cash payment except for earnings;
• Still be disabled;
• Still meet all other eligibility rules, including the resources test;
• Need Medicaid in order to work; and
• Have gross earned income that is insufficient to replace SSI, Medicaid, and any publicly funded attendant care.

Social Security uses a "threshold amount" to decide whether your earnings are high enough to replace your SSI and Medicaid benefits. Your threshold amount is based on:

• The amount of earnings that would cause your SSI payments to stop in your state; and
• The average annual per capita Medicaid expenditure for your state.

Even if your gross earnings are higher than your state's threshold amount, you may still be eligible for Medicaid While Working. Social Security will figure your individual threshold if you have:

• Impairment-Related Work Expenses
• Blind Work Expenses
• A Plan to Achieve Self-Support
• Publicly funded attendant or personal care
• Medical expenses above the state per capita amount

Learn more

To find out more about these Work Incentives, pricing information for buying Medicare coverage and eligibility requirements for price reductions and state assistance, threshold amounts for Medicaid While Working in your state, and other supports, please visit the Social Security Red Book.

You can also join us for the next WISE webinar! On September 25, we'll discuss these Work Incentives and how working with a Ticket to Work service provider can help you on the path to financial independence through Work. Register now!

Additional resources to help you find information about Medicare and Medicaid:

• Medicare.Gov
• Medicaid.Gov
• The U.S. Department of Labor's Medicaid "Buy-in" Q&A
• Medicare Savings Programs

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. Ticket program service providers, like Employment Networks and State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, can offer you the services and supports you need to succeed on the path to financial independence through work.

To learn more about the Ticket program, visit choosework.ssa.gov. You can also 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.

What kind of work interests you? Do you like building things or fixing machinery? Do you enjoy helping people or would you rather work with animals? Would you prefer to work indoors or outdoors? Do you have a hobby that you'd like to pursue as a job?

These are the kinds of questions to ask yourself to identify the type of career path that makes the most sense for you. We often think first about applying for so-called "office" jobs, but there are thousands of non-office job opportunities that you might want to consider. These jobs are sometimes called "blue-collar" occupations.

What are blue-collar occupations?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statics, blue-collar jobs include "precision production, craft, and repair occupations; machine operators and inspectors; transportation and moving occupations; handlers, equipment cleaners, helpers, and laborers; and service occupations." Typically, these opportunities don't require a college degree, but they can require special training or certification and licensing.

These occupations are divided into "unskilled" and "skilled" labor categories, referring to the level of education and training required by the position. "Unskilled" labor refers to jobs that require a high school diploma or could also be filled by an individual who learns job-specific skills. "Skilled" labor requires additional skills and education often involving specialized training.

"Unskilled" labor doesn't mean that you won't need to learn specific tasks and skills to perform the job. Instead, "unskilled" labor refers to work where employers don't require a college degree when looking for the right job candidate. For this type of work, employers are looking for people who have job-specific skills that were learned at past jobs or for people who can learn these skills while working.

Increased use of technology and automated processes in non-office occupations mean that these jobs don't necessarily involve manual labor. You may need to learn some job-specific skills and knowledge, but you can often learn them through on-the-job training, apprenticeships or job-related supports. With the availability of automated technologies, adaptive equipment and reasonable accommodations in the workplace, you may find that there are now more non-office positions for job seekers with disabilities.

Why consider non-office work

Recent reports have shown that workers in non-office and blue-collar fields are more likely to experience wage growth and job satisfaction, and earnings are often comparable to many office jobs.

If you're looking for career opportunities outside of an office setting that fit your skills and interests, you have many options in a variety of industries. For example, while some positions require vocational school attendance or additional education, many employers offer internships, apprenticeships or on-the-job training that can lead to careers in high-paying jobs. That means you can start earning while you're learning.

Remember reasonable accommodations can enable workers with disabilities to succeed in these careers. For example, an employer may adjust an employee's work schedule to accommodate the employee's needs or install a ramp for access and mobility. Accessible and assistive technologies enable workers to flourish in all types of jobs. If you're interested in learning more, you can get help requesting accommodations.

About Ticket to Work

Whether you're returning to work or looking for work for the first time, you can receive support for your employment journey. 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.

When you were in school or at a job, did you ever have to work on a "team" project? What was that like? Did one person dominate the discussions and hand out assignments? Did one person consistently fail to meet deadlines? Or, was your group a cohesive team that built consensus to accomplish the project? A project can be successful even when some team members don't pull their weight. However, it is much more likely to succeed (and much more enjoyable) when the group collaborates, communicates and cooperates. That's teamwork. Today, we're discussing why this soft skill is so highly valued by employers and how to assess your own teamwork skills.

The value of teamwork

Employers prize employees who can work productively in a team setting because it demonstrates that you:

• Are reliable: You understand that others are depending on you, and you make sure your work is done well and on time. Being dependable makes you effective on both collaborative and independent projects because your employer trusts you to get your work done.
• Have leadership skills: Even if you're not managing a team, leadership skills show that you can keep a project on course, understand how to coordinate multiple parts of a task and motivate others.
• Can manage conflict: You and your team probably won't agree all the time. Managers and bosses want to know that the people on their team can handle disagreements and find solutions that work without conflict getting in the way of productivity. Managing conflict involves respecting your coworkers, listening to their concerns and points-of-view, and creatively solving problems.
• Communicate effectively: We've talked about communication before, so you already know that communication involves how you express your thoughts and ideas as well as your ability to understand the people you work with. Communication is a critical part of teamwork because bosses want to know that everyone on their team is on the same page.

Gold STAR Interviews

Not sure how to talk about your soft skills in an interview? We explain the STAR method in "Be a STAR in Your Next Interview."

Identifying your teamwork skills

As you write your resume and prepare for a job interview, think about your own experiences working as part of a team.

Volunteer work is a great place to start. If you've participated in community service or other volunteer activities, think about the goals of the projects you were working on and what you did to contribute to the success of those projects. Were there issues that came up that needed to be solved – maybe a decision needed to be made that no one could agree on? If you were able to help find an answer, you used leadership and conflict management to help your team.

Or, if you've worked before, remember specific projects you contributed to. Did you create a schedule to keep everyone on task? Did you help your team members complete their tasks on time? Did you present a new idea that improved the quality of the work? Using examples like these in your resume or noted during an interview show that you're reliable and organized as well as innovative.

Ticket to Work

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program is free and voluntary. The program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI or SSDI) and want to work. Ticket program service providers, like Employment Networks and State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, can offer you the supports and services you need to succeed on the path to financial independence through work.

Learn more

To learn more about the Ticket program, visit choosework.ssa.gov. You can also 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.

Whether you're looking for your first job or planning to go back to work, one of the smartest things you can do is recognize that finding your place in the workforce can take time. In previous blogs, we've written about how to prepare for the search. Today, we want to focus on how to make the most of the time before you land that job.

Stay motivated

Unless you're among the most fortunate of job seekers, it's likely that your search for the right job will take weeks or even months. That's typical and it's not personal. Staying motivated in the face of silence or even rejection is a skill worth mastering. There are many factors that go into a hiring decision. There may be internal candidates who have priority; there could be a lot of qualified candidates; or the job may be eliminated before it's filled. The point is: it doesn't always have something to do with you.

One way to remain positive is to set some milestones for yourself. Decide what success looks like on a daily or weekly basis. For example, how many applications do you want to send out? How many networking contacts do you want to make? When you pick and achieve milestones that will help you make progress toward your end goal of getting a job, you also gain a sense of accomplishment that can keep you motivated. Focus on the present time, and what you're doing today to create the experience you want.

Keep a daily rhythm

When you're looking for work, it's tempting to spend every waking hour searching job boards, filling out applications and writing cover letters. After all, everyone says looking for a job is a full-time job. Yes, it's important to set yourself a schedule to conduct your search. Having that discipline will pay off.

However, it's just as important to block out time for the other things in your life that you would ordinarily do. Remember the dog still needs to be fed, the beds still need to be made and the kids still have homework. But it's not just chores. Save time for social activities and your hobbies as well. Finally, make sure you continue to spend time with family and friends. Now is not the time to go it alone. The energy and support of those closest to you can boost your spirits when the job search seems to be taking too long.

Give yourself time to think

Along with all the activities involved in just living your life, see if you can schedule 30 minutes of quiet time a couple days a week just to think about how you can make the future you're seeking actually happen. For example, if there's a specific job you want, have you done everything you can to achieve it? Many people spend hours tweaking and rewriting their resumes and cover letters when they would benefit much more from sitting down to think deeply about who might be able to help or provide valuable information.

Or, you might want to ask yourself if there's something more you could do to be prepared for that job. Are there on-line courses you could take? Volunteer organizations in that particular field that could use your help? Temporary agencies that service that industry? These are just examples. The idea is to challenge yourself to reflect on what you really want and what you can do about getting it. 

The Tortoise and the Hare

Remember that fable whose moral was "slow and steady wins the race?" For most of us, finding the right job requires both persistence and patience. You might get discouraged along the way, but if you know what you want and take every step you can to achieve it, chances are very good you can make it happen.

Ticket to Work and the job search

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

Through the Ticket program, you can connect with service providers who can help you stay focused on a long job search. When you work with a Ticket to Work service provider, they will help you develop a work plan that serves as a roadmap to your success. Learn more about work plans, such as what work plans include and what your responsibilities are in Planning Your Employment Goals with Ticket to Work. Setting goals can help break down a longer job search into small, achievable steps.

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.

Everyone's path to work looks a little different and can come with a lot of questions. Whether you're just starting to think about work or are transitioning to a new workplace, Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) program can help!

Attending a monthly Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) webinar can help you discover resources, supports and services to answer the questions you have about returning to work and the effect earning income through work has on your Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI).

To better serve you, check out these WISE features to start on your path to financial independence through work.

Accessibility

If you're fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) and want to participate in a WISE, check out our new WISE ASL Guide. This guide will walk you through how to access ASL Video Relay Services (VRS), whether it's through the same screen you use for the webinar, a second monitor or, if you have one, a video phone.

Additional accessibility features include:

• Closed captioning: Captions appear in the webinar platform, or you can choose to open them in a separate window.
• Keyboard shortcuts: Adobe Connect, the webinar platform used for WISE, includes keyboard commands to help attendees access information. You can use Adobe's list of shortcuts to help you navigate.

New look – same great content

We're pleased to announce a new look for our Webinars and Tutorials webpage! The fresh new look makes it easier to find the resources you're looking for, whether it's registering for a new webinar, revisiting a recent event in WISE On Demand or equipping yourself with important knowledge in our 6 self-paced tutorials.

What's next?

While WISE webinars can help you learn about the services and supports that are available to eligible beneficiaries through the Ticket program, they're just a step on the path to work.

Once you're ready to learn more and start making progress toward your goals, we encourage you to connect with a Ticket program service provider. You can:

• Call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. ET. A representative can answer additional questions you might have and send you a list of service providers.
• Use the Ticket to Work Find Help tool to search for service providers on your own. You can filter your list to include providers who serve your area, who offer benefits counseling, or who have experience with specific work goals (like self-employment).

Employers often ask job applicants for references. A reference is someone who can vouch for you, whether it's confirming your professional experience or speaking about the personal attributes that make you a strong job candidate.

Because of the value employers place on what your references say about you, it's important that you choose them wisely. A good reference can make all the difference in whether you'll get that job offer. Today, we'll discuss the steps involved in obtaining and developing your reference list.

What are employers looking for in a reference?

When an employer contacts your references, they are really seeking information about you that will help them decide if you will be a good fit with their organization. They'll often be interested in learning about your work habits. For example, are you a team player, self-starter, or problem-solver? They will also ask questions about:

• Your previous duties and responsibilities
• Your accomplishments
• Your dates of employment

Who makes a good reference?

Now that you know what an employer is looking for, you can make a decision about who you should choose to be your references. A good rule is to have at least 3 references. These do not belong on your resume. Rather, prepare a list with the names of your references and their contact information that you can take with you to an interview or send separately when asked by the potential employer.

Who you choose depends on your own work experience. For example, if you've had a job before, you can ask your past supervisor or manager to be a reference. They can confirm your work history and your ability to perform specific job tasks. A coworker that you've completed projects with can also speak to your abilities, experience and your teamwork skills.

If you're looking for your first job or just completed school or training, a teacher, advisor or instructor would be an appropriate choice. Similarly, a colleague with whom you did volunteer work could be a reference.

The important thing to consider is how well this person knows you and what they are likely to say about you. If you have any doubt that they will give a lukewarm or even a negative answer to any of the questions above, choose another person. You want your reference to be your enthusiastic supporter.

How to ask someone to be a reference

Once you've narrowed your list of possible references, there's still work to be done. You not only have to ask the person if they'll agree to be a reference for you, you also need to prepare them to be an effective voice for you. Take the time to follow these tips.

• Get their permission. It can leave a bad impression with a potential employer if someone you've listed as a reference is caught off guard when they are
  • If you haven't been in contact with the person recently (such as a previous supervisor), consider a written request by letter or email. Otherwise, an in-person or telephone request is best.
• Include details. If the person isn't familiar with your current job search, let them know what sort of work that you're looking for. Knowing what type of work you're interested in will help the person think about skills and experience you have that relate directly to that type of job when they are contacted by the employer.
• Provide your latest resume. This gives your reference a fuller appreciation of your capabilities and also lets them know what the employer has seen.
• Follow up and stay in touch. If you learn that the employer called your reference, you'll want to know how the conversation went. This will give you a sense of what the employer thinks is important and possibly more information on the skills and experiences for the position. Periodically, let your references know how your job search is going.
• Say thanks. Once you receive a job offer, remember that the people you've asked to be references helped. Let them know that you've gotten a job. If they agreed to serve as a reference, they'll be excited for you! A written thank you note or a personal phone call will show your appreciation for the person's time and help.

About Ticket to Work

As you start thinking about who to ask to serve as a reference, a Ticket to Work (Ticket) Employment Network (EN) can help you brainstorm ideas. 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. ENs and other service providers, like State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, can offer you the supports and services you need to succeed on the path to financial independence through 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.