If you have a long-term disability that impacts your ability to work, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These programs are intended to provide financial assistance to those who are unable to earn a livable wage.
However, they also offer work incentives to encourage those who can work. One such incentive is the Ticket to Work program, which has over 300,000 participants each year.
Work Incentives of the Ticket to Work Program:
- Trial Work Period
- Expedited Reinstatement
- Protection from Medical Continuing Disability Reviews
With the Ticket to Work program, recipients of Social Security disability benefits can access career counseling and employment services which can assist them in reentering the job market – while still retaining SSDI benefits.
What Is the Ticket to Work Program?
The Ticket to Work Program is a free and voluntary program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA) for Americans who receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. The program is designed to provide career counseling and employment services to those who are willing and able to work.
The program was established in 1999 when it was signed into law via the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act. The program aimed to address concerns that disability beneficiaries lacked access to employment opportunities. It encourages beneficiaries to seek out meaningful employment and provides them with the tools and resources they need to find a new job.
Through the program, people with long-term disabilities can achieve a higher standard of living by learning a new skill or trade and earning income instead of relying solely on government benefits. The program offers assistance through its Employment Network (EN), which is a group of employment service providers who have partnered with the SSA to work with beneficiaries.
Participants receive “tickets” that they can use with an EN or a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency in their state. Services can then be tailored to the individual and target the vocational services and supports they need.
The program protects the individual’s benefits while they are enrolled and seeking work. It allows them to start working for a provisional period of time to see how they acclimate to their new job while continuing to receive their SSDI or SSI benefits as well as healthcare through Medicaid or Medicare. If after this time, it’s determined that the individual is unable to return to the workforce, they will have had no break in benefits.
What Are Work Incentives?
The Ticket program offers three Social Security work incentives that can help beneficiaries explore supported employment options without risking the loss of their benefits. These incentives include a trial work period, expedited reinstatement, and protection from medical continuing disability review.
In the past, disability beneficiaries who started working or earned income risked losing their government benefits if their income surpassed a certain threshold. These incentives allow individuals to earn income temporarily without affecting their monthly payments and without worrying about periodic reviews.
Trial Work Period
The Ticket program’s Trial Work Period (TWP) is an important feature for individuals who rely on their monthly benefits but are hesitant to return to work due to concerns about sustaining a job. For instance, if someone like Bob starts a part-time job developing event ideas for a law firm, but fears losing his limited monthly income if it doesn’t work out, the TWP allows him to try out the job for up to nine months while still receiving SSDI benefits, regardless of his income.
The only requirement is that the person reports their work activity to the SSA and their disability still qualifies them as impaired. However, this option is only available for those receiving SSDI, not SSI benefits. If they can sustain their employment after nine months, their monthly payments will stop since their income exceeds disability benefit income guidelines.
Expedited Reinstatement
Expedited Reinstatement (ER) is a Social Security work incentive available for former recipients of both SSDI and SSI disability benefits who have previously transitioned to the workforce but whose disability has since made it impossible to continue working. Disability symptoms can come and go, and it’s not uncommon to see someone experience a period of wellness only to have the symptoms return later.
Under the ER program, these individuals do not have to fill out a new application to have their Social Security disability benefits reinstated. Instead, they can immediately start receiving interim benefits, which will last for six months while the SSA reviews their case. After this time, the SSA will either fully reinstate their benefits or deny their case. If they are denied, the individual can work with an attorney or disability advocate to appeal the decision.
Protection from Medical Continuing Disability Reviews
Individuals receiving Social Security Disability Benefits are subject to a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) periodically, typically once every three years. During this reevaluation, the Social Security Administration (SSA) assesses factors such as income, resources, and living arrangements to determine ongoing eligibility for benefits.
Those who wish to explore employment opportunities may worry about losing their benefits if the SSA discovers they are earning an income. Fortunately, participants in the Ticket program are shielded from such reviews for as long as they remain in the program. As a result, they do not need to provide additional documentation or evidence. This benefit applies to individuals with SSDI or SSI benefits.
Common Questions About the Ticket To Work Program
How can I enroll in the Ticket to Work program?
To begin the enrollment process, you should call the Ticket to Work helpline at 1-866-968-7842 to verify your eligibility for the program. From there, a representative will provide you with a list of service providers and assist you in selecting one that best fits your location, needs, and career goals. After selecting a provider, you will need to assign your Social Security ticket to that provider to begin receiving assistance.
What are the benefits of the Ticket to Work program?
There are several benefits to participating in the Ticket program. You can explore employment options without jeopardizing your current benefits. You can even choose your own service provider, who will work collaboratively with you to develop an individualized work plan based on your skill set, needs, and interests.
There is no penalty for trying. Through the TWP, you can test out a new job for 9 months, and if it does not work out, nothing will change with your benefit structure.
What are my options for service providers?
The Ticket program partners with Employment Networks, Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, and Workforce (WF) Employment Networks across the country. These partners may be public or private entities, and some may be available only to local recipients, while others may serve an entire state or a national base such as the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN).
Can I switch service providers after assigning my ticket?
Yes, you may switch service providers if the EN assigned to you is not meeting your needs. To switch, you will need to submit a ticket in-assignment form to the SSA, officially un-assigning your ticket from your current provider. However, you must re-assign your ticket within 90 days to avoid losing your protection from Medical Continuing Disability Reviews.
What is the duration of the Ticket to Work program?
There is no set time limit for those who participate in the Ticket program, as each beneficiary’s needs will be unique. However, the SSA will make periodic checks on your progress.
Every 12 months, you will need to submit to a “timely progress review,” during which the SSA will evaluate your vocational progress. If the SSA feels you are not making adequate progress, you may risk losing your incentives.
Can I pursue self-employment with the Ticket program?
Yes, there are opportunities for self-employment through the Ticket program. However, you will need to choose the right service provider who can offer you the necessary support. Not all providers may be able to provide the help you need to start your own business, so it is essential to inform them of your career goals before assigning your ticket. You can also get help from a representative at the Ticket to Work helpline to find the right provider.
The Ticket to Work Program
For over 20 years, the Ticket to Work program has provided employment opportunities to Social Security beneficiaries. This program is a crucial resource for disabled individuals who want to explore their job options but may not know where to begin or fear losing their benefits.
Through these disability services, participants can receive assistance with vocational rehabilitation, career counseling, and job placement. For beneficiaries who are capable of working, the Ticket to Work program is a vital step toward achieving independent living.