Work Incentives

As 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.

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.

Ready to work and looking for support on your employment journey? If you are age 18 through 64, receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work, the Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can help you reach your employment goals! This fact sheet tells you what you need to know to get started.

When 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.

After 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.

It'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.

Matt 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.

It 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.

After being issued a medical retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Angel was unsure of his options for employment as he focused on recovering his health from injuries and cancer. A job offer from a federal contractor and support and services from the Ticket to Work program gave him the confidence he needed to return to work.

After Brenda was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, she spent nearly a decade learning how to manage the symptoms of her mental illness. Once she found the right combination of treatments and strategies for her, Brenda felt she was ready to work. Learn how Social Security's Ticket to Work program helped her find the path to employment.