Some people may be unaware that those who are receiving either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are not considered to be permanently disabled by Social Security. Even after someone has been awarded benefits, SSA is likely to follow-up a few years down to the road to confirm if the benefit recipient is still disabled.
A disabled person’s ability to work can improve over time and the Ticket to Work program is a program aimed at getting Social Security disability recipients back to work.
In fact, those who become eligible for either SSDI or SSI benefits become eligible to participate in the program after they start receiving benefits.
The program is voluntary and free to participants. Everyone age 18-64, who receives SSDI or SSI because of a disability, are eligible to participate in the program.
To start the ball rolling, SSA asks that you contact any authorized employment service provider in your area. These providers are called Employment Networks (ENs) that offer special services such as career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, job placement and training. You have the option of working with an EN that is under contract with the Social Security Administration or your State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency.
The idea behind the program is that when you participate in the Ticket to Work program, you have an opportunity to eliminate your dependence on SSDI and SSI by becoming gainfully employed.
Social Security has come up with time frames to making progress towards receiving the education and training to be successful at work, becoming and staying employed, reducing your dependence on SSDI or SSI and earning enough to be off of cash benefits.
For more information about the Ticket to Work program click here.
