What is Ticket To Work?

The Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work (TTW) program is part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999. This voluntary program is designed to help people between ages 18 and 64 who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) return to work, enter a new line of work, or enter the workforce for the first time. TTW connects these beneficiaries with service providers known as Employment Networks (EN) or with State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies. Employment Networks offer specialized services such as training, career counseling, job placement, or vocational rehabilitation. An EN works with each beneficiary to identify employment goals and make a work plan. A successful connection with an EN or VR can provide a beneficiary with better access to meaningful work, improved earning potential and personal fulfillment through employment.

Under the Ticket Program, SSA issues a Ticket to an eligible beneficiary who in turn, can assign the Ticket to an EN/VR agency of his or her choice. If the Ticket is accepted, the EN/VR provides support services and works with the beneficiary to create an individualized plan that may lead to finding or maintaining employment. The beneficiary can continue to explore work options while maintaining control of benefit choices and is provided with protection from Social Security’s continuing disability reviews. (Wikipedia)

Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program is free, voluntary and available to most people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because they are disabled or blind. Eligible beneficiaries may choose to assign their Ticket to an Employment Network (EN) of their choice or to a State Vocational Rehabilitation (SVR) agency to obtain employment services and supports necessary to achieve a work goal. The EN/SVR, if they accept the Ticket, will coordinate and provide appropriate services to help the beneficiary find and maintain employment.