How someone can receive and use a Ticket to Work:

Step 1: Confirm Eligibility

1. Eligibility Check:
• Ensure the individual is receiving SSDI or SSI benefits and is between the ages of 18 and 64.
• They should be actively receiving benefits and be interested in working.

Step 2: Learn About the Ticket to Work Program

1. Research the Program:
• Visit the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work website to understand how the program works.
• Review how it affects their benefits and the support it provides, such as employment services and vocational rehabilitation.

Step 3: Receive the Ticket to Work

1. Automatically Assigned:
• If eligible, the individual may have already received a Ticket to Work in the mail. The Ticket is typically sent automatically.
• If they haven’t received it, they can contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (TTY 1-866-833-2967) to request one.

Step 4: Choose an Employment Network (EN) or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agency

1. Select an EN or VR:
   • The individual must choose an Employment Network (EN) or a State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency to assign their Ticket. An EN is a private or public organization that provides employment services.
   • Use the Find Help tool on the Ticket to Work website to locate an EN or VR agency that meets their needs.
2. Contact the EN/VR:
• Reach out to the selected EN or VR agency to discuss their services and determine if it’s a good fit.
• The EN/VR will explain the process, set goals, and develop a plan to help them achieve employment.

Step 5: Assign the Ticket

1. Assign the Ticket:
   • Once they’ve chosen an EN or VR, they’ll need to assign their Ticket to that provider. The EN or VR will help them with this process.
   • The EN/VR will submit the necessary paperwork to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to officially assign the Ticket.
2. Start Receiving Services:
• After assigning the Ticket, the individual can begin receiving employment services, such as job placement, training, and career counseling, from the EN or VR agency.

Step 6: Participate in the Program and Report Earnings

1. Work and Report Earnings:
   • The individual can work up to 20 hours a week as discussed, but it’s important they report their earnings to SSA to ensure they comply with program rules.
   • They should keep track of their work hours and earnings to avoid any unintentional issues with their benefits.
2. Progress Reviews:
• The Ticket to Work program includes regular progress reviews to ensure the individual is moving towards their employment goals.
• They must show they are meeting the goals outlined in their employment plan to continue participating in the program.

Step 7: Understand the Benefits of the Program

1. Protection from Benefit Loss:
   • While participating in the Ticket to Work program, the individual’s disability benefits will not be automatically terminated if they start earning money from work. This protection continues as long as they are making timely progress in their work goals.
   • The program includes a “trial work period” where they can test their ability to work without losing their benefits.
2. Access to Support Services:
• Besides protection from immediate benefit loss, the individual will have access to various support services designed to help them succeed in the workplace.

Step 8: Stay in Contact with the EN or VR

1. Ongoing Communication:
• Regularly check in with the EN or VR agency to discuss progress, address any challenges, and make adjustments to the employment plan if needed.

Step 9: Review and Adjust

1. Evaluate Progress:
• Periodically review the goals and achievements with the EN or VR to ensure the individual is on track.
• If they are ready, they can gradually increase their work hours or responsibilities, knowing that their benefits are protected during the process.

Step 10: Exiting the Program

1. Transition Off Benefits:
   • If the individual eventually becomes fully self-sufficient and no longer needs disability benefits, they can exit the Ticket to Work program.
   • They will still have access to the safety net provided by SSA, which includes expedited reinstatement of benefits if needed.

By following these steps, an individual receiving disability benefits can participate in the Ticket to Work program and work up to 20 hours a week without risking their benefits.