SSD attorney sitting with client in wheel chair

What Is the Ticket to Work Program?

Are you on disability benefits and are wondering about the Social Security Administration Ticket to Work Program? While the Ticket to Work Program may not be right for everyone, it can be a valuable resource for some. Here, we will go into more detail about the SSA Ticket to Work Program and whether it may be a good fit for you.

What Is the Ticket to Work Program? 

Those found eligible for disability benefits must have shown that they were unable to earn enough money to support themselves. Sometimes, beneficiaries of Social Security disability benefits may wish to re-enter the workforce and improve earning potential. The SSA established the Right to Work Program for this group of people.

The intent of the Ticket to Work Program is to support career development for those disability beneficiaries from 18 to 64 years of age who want to work. The program claims to offer disability benefit recipients opportunities to engage in meaningful employment with the assistance of program service providers referred to as “Employment Networks” with the goal of achieving financial independence and no longer needing to rely on disability benefit payments.

Through the Ticket to Work Program, participants have access to employment support services, vocational and rehabilitation services, as well as the ability to gain work experience all while maintaining eligibility to keep receiving Social Security disability benefits. The program is free. You can get career counseling as well as job placement and training. The program service provider, either the “Employment Networks” or your State Vocational Rehabilitation agency, will essentially become part of your employment seeking and training team, assisting you as you look to work enough to gain financial independence.

To get started with the Ticket to Work program, you can call HelpLine to verify your eligibility. You will then select a service provider that is the right fit for you. You will then collaborate with your service provider in establishing a plan to help you achieve your goals. This may involve job training, career counseling, and more ways of preparing for and exploring the job market and how best to reenter the job market in the most competitive and competent way.

Disability Attorney

While the Ticket to Work Program offers an impressive list of free benefits to participants, it is not right for everyone. Not everyone is able to or best situated to increase earning potential or become financially independent from needing social security benefits and other forms of assistance. Are you curious about the Right to Work Program and other aspects of Social Security disability benefits? Talk to our knowledgeable disability benefits team at Roeschke Law. We are committed to providing trusted legal counsel to those who seek to receive disability benefits or who are currently receiving disability benefits but have questions about the program. Come to us with your questions and concerns. We are here for you. Contact us today.