There are millions of people nationwide who receive SSDI or SSI disability benefits who are unaware of a special ‘return to work’ program created by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This program offers a gradual approach, free job placement help, and many protections and safety nets for disability and medical benefits. Sound too good to be true?
The Social Security Ticket to Work Program is both good and true! The program is celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year and is changing lives every single day!
What is the Ticket to Work difference? It is free and voluntary, and all service providers are approved to work within the program and qualified to provide free job placement services. Moreover, it aids job seekers on SSDI or SSI in easing back into the workforce and have access to the resources and tools they need to succeed.
Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program helps qualified beneficiaries (ages 18-64), who receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), in returning to work again while protecting their medical and disability benefits. This allows job seekers to ‘test the waters’ of working again after an injury or illness with the help of an authorized service provider who guides them every step of the way!
Many citizens are concerned to return to work because they are fearful they will lose their disability or medical insurance immediately just because they start working. The program has built in ‘safety nets’ and ‘work incentives’ that an Employment Network or Ticket to Work agency can help explain to a job seeker. These Ticket to Work service providers are trained to help their clients navigate the process every step of the way! A good provider can help reduce worry about benefits and insurance, explain how the program stages work, help track benefits and more – so the job seeker can focus on getting a job and working.
There are hundreds of providers from whom to choose from so that the job seeker is matched with the service provider that is best suited for them. These service providers may vary in terms of their specialties, locations served, and range of services provided.
Some agencies for example, like My Employment Options, who was the recipient of the IDA 2019 Corporate Leadership Award, may be ‘virtual’ and serve their clients via phone, Internet, and mail. They also specialize in Work at Home jobs. While other agencies may only serve their own state and have local offices in certain cities.
My Employment Options, for example, offers job seekers on SSDI or SSI a full array of free services including resume and interview help, finding legitimate employers that fit abilities, accommodation assistance and guidance with disability and health insurance questions. They also help clients with career advancement.
What makes My Employment Options unique is that it has been a part of the Ticket to Work Program since it began in the early 2000’s! It also is one of the few agencies in the program that offers both Work at Home and Onsite job options in 47 states. Work At Home jobs allow those, who may have difficulty working outside the home, due to transportation or health reasons, to use their needed skills and abilities.
The Ticket to Work Program and My Employment Options have helped THOUSANDS of job seekers find suitable employment and reach their goals! What is great about Ticket to Work is that the program gives a job seeker on SSDI or SSI the chance to ‘try to work again’ in a safe and supportive environment. It is truly a gem of a program. If you are eligible, don’t miss it!
Paula Vieillet, is the President and Founder of Employment Options Inc., an authorized Social Security Administration Employment Network (EN) in the national, free Ticket to Work Program that serves 47 states. They specialize in Work At Home jobs but also help their clients with Onsite local employment.
