Ticket-to-Work FAQ

Authorized clients will have the advantage of teaming up with dedicated employment consultant who specializes in helping individuals explore career options, develop job search strategies, and improve their interview skills.

The Ticket to Work Program provides most people receiving Social Security disability benefits (beneficiaries) more choices for receiving employment services. Under this program, most beneficiaries become eligible for the Ticket to Work Program when they start to receive SSDI or SSI benefits based on disability. Beneficiaries may choose to assign their tickets to an Employment Network (EN) of their choice to obtain employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, or other support services necessary to achieve a vocational (work) goal. The EN, if they accept the ticket, will coordinate and provide appropriate services to help the beneficiary find and maintain employment. 

 The ultimate goal of the Ticket to Work Program is to assist people receiving Social Security disability benefits in reducing their reliance on disability benefits. The Ticket Program also seeks to promote increased self-sufficiency and greater independence for people receiving Social Security disability benefits through work. 

People with disabilities receiving benefits from SSA can use the Ticket issued to them by SSA to obtain services and support to assist them in preparing for work and entering and maintaining employment. SSA pays approved providers of services, referred to as "Employment Networks" (ENs), when the Ticket Holders they are serving go to work and achieve designated levels of work and earnings. Rather than being a fee for services, these payments are compensation for assisting beneficiaries to achieve employment-related Milestones and Outcomes as they move towards self-supporting employment. 

No. The goal of the Ticket to Work Program is to help people receiving Social Security disability benefits obtain employment and work toward greater independence and increased self-sufficiency. Social Security pays ENs when the people receiving Social Security disability benefits they work with achieve certain Milestones and Outcomes associated with work and earnings. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary, meaning you do not have to pay for services received under the Ticket Program and there is no penalty for not participating. 

 No, you do not need to have the paper Ticket to start working with an approved provider of vocational services and supports called an Employment Network (EN). The EN you select can contact the Ticket Program Manager to verify your eligibility to participate in the program. 

 No. The Ticket Program is free (and voluntary) for people receiving Social Security disability benefits. The Ticket Program allows you to receive vocational services and supports at no cost to you to help you obtain employment and work towards greater independence and increased self-sufficiency. Social Security pays the Employment Network you chose to work with when you achieve certain milestones and outcomes associated with work and earnings 

 It depends. The Ticket Program only allows you to work with one EN (including a State VR agency) at a time. However, you might be able to get services from the VR agency first and then, once VR closes your case, get follow-along or ongoing support services from a different EN. In addition, you may be able to work with a service provider that provides services under a contract with the State VR agency while your VR case is open and, after your VR case is closed, continue working with that same services provider under the Ticket Program if the provider is an approved EN. 

 Work Incentives are disability program rules that allow you to reduce your countable income so that you can continue to receive a cash benefit while you explore work or look for a job that is right for you. Examples of such Work Incentives include the extension of Medicare and Medicaid coverage while working, Impairment-Related Work Expenses, and Plans for Achieving Self-Support. In addition, if your work attempt is unsuccessful, Social Security has made it easy for you to get back on benefits when and if needed.

To learn more about these and other Social Security Work Incentives, check out the Social Security Red Book at www.ssa.gov/redbook. 

Yes! WIPA projects provide free benefits counseling to Social Security disability beneficiaries to help them make informed choices about work. Many VR agencies and Employment Networks also offer benefits counseling. To find a WIPA near you, visit our Find Help tool.