Social Security Ticket To Work Program
The Ticket To Work Program can help those who receive Social Security benefits go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, save money, and become financially independent, all while keeping their health coverage.
When you take part in the Social Security Administration (SSA) Ticket to Work program, you can get help finding a job, vocational rehabilitation, or other support. Employment networks and state vocational rehabilitation agencies provide these services. These networks include private organizations and government agencies that have agreed to work with Social Security. They provide employment services and other support to citizens with disabilities.
The Ticket to Work program is voluntary. If you can’t work, you don’t have to take part. Your participation in the Ticket to Work program begins when you sign an agreement with an employment network or state vocational rehabilitation agency. With their help, you will create an employment plan and SSA will review your progress in achieving the goals of your employment plan every 12 months.
The following table explains how SSA determines whether you’re making timely progress. As well as the items in this chart, earning a high school diploma or GED will satisfy the educational requirement for the first 12-month review.
It is important to note that if you work and collect benefits at the same time, there are possible implications for your benefit amounts. If you’ve completed your trial work period and have substantial earnings, your Social Security disability benefits may be stopped, though they can quickly start your benefits again if your income drops, or you stop work and are still disabled.
As your earnings increase, SSA reduce your Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payment amount until your earnings reach a high enough level that you’re no longer eligible to receive a benefit payment. Less than half of your earnings are counted toward figuring your SSI payment.
