Success Stories

  • Road Warrior: Jeff's Story

    Jeff's headshotAfter a motorcycle accident sent Marine veteran Jeff off course, he used the Marine Corps’ mindset to ‘improvise, adapt and overcome’ with help from Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program, to find a new route forward. With the help of his State VR agency Jeff returned to school, maintained employment and found his road to financial independence.

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  • Jessica's Success Story

    Jessica in chair informalBorn with cerebral palsy, Jessica felt stigmatized her whole life. After getting her Masters, she was eager to enter the workforce. Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program and other Work Incentives helped her gain her financial independence.

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  • Andy's Circle of Support

    Andy in tire room at workAs Andy prepared to finish high school, he and his family considered his career options and realized there were programs in place to help him enter the workforce. With the help of his high school transition team, his Ticket to Work employment team and Project SEARCH, Andy found a job he loves. Learn how they all worked together to help Andy succeed.

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  • Rebecca's Story

    Rebecca smiling at camera

    After going into remission from cancer, Rebecca decided she wanted to return to work in a new field. While exploring her options, she received information in the mail about Social Security’s Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program. After calling the Ticket to Work Help Line to learn more, Rebecca connected with an Employment Network that could provide the support she needed to navigate a career transition.

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  • Rob's Success Story - Update

    Rob smiling at cameraWhen Rob became life-threateningly ill 20 years ago, his life dramatically changed. His business closed, he sold the family home and had to prepare for the many surgeries he needed for his best chance at recovery. Now, with the help of Social Security's Ticket to Work Program, Rob is in a career he loves and on track to create a legacy his family can enjoy for generations.

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  • Hazel's Success Story

    Hazel smiling at cameraAfter years of struggling with her mental health and addiction, Hazel found the support she needed to create a path to recovery and work towards financial independence. This success story details Hazel's journey to full-time work and how Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program helped her find her path to a better future and achieve her goals.

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  • Larry's Success Story Follow-Up

    Larry smilingIt's been 6 years since Larry shared his original Ticket to Work success story. Work has given Larry a source of comfort, achievement, stability, and a more engaged life in his community. As Larry and his family reflect on his path to work, they express gratitude for the growth he's experienced. Find out where Larry is now and how work has enriched his life.

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  • Matt's Success Story

    Matt smiling at cameraMatt began receiving SSDI when hearing loss interfered with consistent employment, but he was eager to have a fulfilling career and become financially independent. Thanks to the Ticket program, Matt had people in his corner who helped him work towards finding fulfilling employment. Find out how Matt received the help he needed to succeed at work.

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  • Chris' Stepping Stone

    Chris smiling at cameraStepping Stones stories celebrate the progress that individuals have made as they pursue the path to financial independence through work. In Chris' story, learn how benefits counseling and Social Security Work Incentives helped Chris, who has quadriplegia, start working with confidence.

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  • Shirley's Success Story

    Shirley smiling at cameraIt took several years and a combination of strategies and treatments for Shirley to manage her narcolepsy and depression. Once she did, though, she knew she wanted to return to work, and Ticket to Work helped her reach her goals.

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