Social Security is spreading the word about the underutilized Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program as a way for people with disabilities to achieve their employment goals.
Social Security mails letters to beneficiaries who qualify for the Ticket to Work program. These notices are mailed at regular intervals – once a beneficiary has been receiving disability benefits for 3 months, 1 year, 3 years, and 5 years.
I receive a number of questions about how the Ticket to Work Program helps people and how ERI works with ticket holders.
Why Ticket to Work?
Individuals who receive Social Security benefits may be able to access free employment supports and services through Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program.
What is Ticket?
Ticket to Work is a voluntary program that connects individuals to Employment Networks (ENs) or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies who offer services and supports to help them go to work and earn more money. The goal is to help individuals earn enough money to become financially independent.
Who’s Eligible? Social Security beneficiaries between the ages of 18 and 64.
The Ticket to Work Program Can Help!
The Ticket to Work Program is a great way for Social Security beneficiaries to get support to go to work. Examples of services offered by Employment Networks (ENs) include career counseling, resume revision, job search assistance, job retention services, and work incentives benefits counseling. Examples of services offered by the Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) include job training, coaching, career planning, job placement assistance, and work incentives benefits counseling.
ERI Can Help!
Our Ticket to Work Employment Network, called ERI PLUS, specializes in job retention. We support job retention and career advancement by providing career counseling and benefits counseling services. Helping people understand and prepare for changes in benefits and access to healthcare is a key component to achieving self-sufficiency. So far, our EN has helped 80 individuals successfully complete the Ticket to Work program and achieve financial independence. Our ticket holders repeatedly say one of the best things about the Ticket to Work program is the benefits guidance and support they receive from our agency.
You Can Help!
Someone you know may be eligible to receive services under the Ticket to Work Program. They might ask questions about a letter they receive from Social Security or how to find an agency that can help them reach their goals.
If you or someone you know has questions, or wants more information on Ticket to Work, contact ERI or the Ticket to Work helpline at 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 866-833-2967 (TTY). More about benefits counseling…
Let’s Work Together!
ERI’s mission is to help people with disabilities move forward with their employment goals. We want people to take advantage of the support they can get through Ticket to Work. If you have any questions about this letter, or the Ticket to Work program, please feel free to contact me.