Success Stories
“I’ve Earned This”
Kushal was ready to work full-time, but was worried about how it would affect his health care benefits. With help from his Ticket to Work service provider and family, he was able to get a full-time job and keep his Medicaid by utilizing Work Incentives.
His story reflects 10 years of learning, persistence, hard work and support that led him to achieve his goals.
Explore how this all happened in Kushal’s Story!
Be Our Next Success Story
Will you be our next success story? Share your success by contacting stories@choosework.ssa.gov.
Stepping Stones
The journey to employment is different for every job seeker. Often the path is not a straight line and is filled with detours and setbacks. But even if you haven't reached your goal yet, each stepping stone that brings you closer deserves celebration. Check out our Stepping Stones series to learn how individuals have made progress toward financial independence through work.
Social Security has the authority to change the earnings amounts used to define Trial Work Level (TWL) earnings and Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) on an annual basis. As a result, the TWL and SGA amounts included in these success stories may be outdated. Current levels and amounts used for various Social Security Work Incentives are found in the Social Security Red Book.
More Success Stories
Ticket to Work: Support for America’s Veterans
For veterans receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program offers help to identify transferable skills and find civilian jobs. Veterans Angel, Robert and Jeff received help to transition to the civilian workforce.
Adrienne
When Adrienne, a young woman with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), was ready to graduate from high school, her parents were uncertain on how to help their daughter lead a full life. An effort from local agencies and Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program has led to her rewarding career.
Kushal
As Kushal manages muscular dystrophy, he has overcome many challenges to keep his health care benefits as his career progressed. Learn how the Ticket to Work Program helped Kushal reach his educational, employment and financial goals.
Robert, Hazel and Jesus
Did you know that you can turn volunteer skills into work skills? Learn how the Ticket Program helped Hazel, Robert and Jesus turn volunteer experience into work opportunities. Let's explore how this works and the experiences of Hazel, Jesus and Robert.
Jeff
After 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.
Amy and Jason
Did you know that if you're eligible for Social Security's Ticket to Work Program, you have the option to work with your State VR agency and an Employment Network? Let's explore how this works and the experiences of Amy and Jason.
Jessica
Born 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.
Andy
Andy had the support of his employment team, including Ticket to Work service providers and Project SEARCH on his path to financial independence.
Rebecca
After going into remission from cancer, Rebecca decided it was time to find a new career. With the help of Ticket to Work, she achieved financial independence and found a fulfilling new job.
Angel
Ticket to Work helped Angel transition to the civilian workforce after a medical retirement from the military.
Lori
At 38, Lori has come a long way from the little girl who was paralyzed with fear. Today, she works from home as a Senior Marketing Liaison.
Robert
Robert is a Veteran who had questions about employment and disabilities. With the help of Ticket to Work, he's now employed, financially independent and helping other Veterans.
Matt
Matt received SSDI due to hearing loss, but was eager to have a fulfilling career and become financially independent. The Ticket to Work Program helped him achieve those goals.
Walter
Growing up with a developmental disability, Walter was unsure what his employment options would be. But working with a Ticket to Work EN helped him learn the skills he needed to reach 2 goals.
Rob - Update
This follow-up success story reflects on Rob's transition back to full-time work with support from Social Security's Ticket to Work Program.
Hazel
After years of struggling with her mental health and addiction, Hazel found the support she needed to create a path to recovery for herself and work towards her employment goals.
Shirley
Once Shirley was able to control her narcolepsy and depression, she wasn't sure how to return to work.
Brenda
Once Brenda found the treatments and strategies to manage her mental illness, Ticket to Work helped her find the path to work.
Josh
Josh is an active young adult with a disability who has seen marked improvements in his life since he decided to participate in the Ticket to Work Program.
Michele
Michele, a young adult with a disability, talks about how PASS helped her get an education and reach her career goals.
Peter
Peter was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Find out how the Ticket to Work Program helped him on the path back to employment.
Shileta
Shileta, a young adult with cerebral palsy, used the Ticket to Work Program to find a career mentoring others with disabilities.
Jason
A lifelong mental illness made it difficult for Jason to find employment. Learn how Ticket to Work helped him.
Andraea
Meet Andraea, a 30-year-old woman with muscular dystrophy who serves as a role model for girls with the Girl Scout Council of the Nation's Capital.
Amy
Amy, who has a developmental disability that affects her language, learning and social interactions, found the support and training she needed with her State VR agency and EN to find a job and succeed in the workplace.
Rob
Meet Rob, a former small business owner who returned to work and regained financial independence after experiencing renal failure. Learn how Ticket to Work helped him.
Cherie
Cherie found success with her Ticket. Learn about the role of work in her mental health recovery.
Larry
An internship and support from Ticket to Work helped Larry develop soft skills and achieve his career goals.
Rae-Anna
Rae-Anna is a mother of 3, who had trouble finding work after her car accident. Read how Ticket to Work helped her.
Vilmarie
Vilmarie is an energetic 26-year-old young woman who worked in retail until multiple sclerosis disrupted her life. Through the Ticket to Work Program and its supports, she was able to return to work.
Jesus
Through volunteer work and the Ticket to Work Program, Jesus, who has spina bifida, found passion for working with others and created a path to success and full-time work.
Laura
Laura, who experienced cancer and a leg amputation, found the support, resources and services she needed to pursue her goal to help other people with limb loss.
Marty
Marty used the Ticket to Work Program to stay in the construction business after losing a limb to cancer.