The Ticket to Work program helps people on SSDI and SSI find employment while protecting their benefits. Here's everything you need to know about this free program.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What Ticket to Work is
- Who is eligible
- How the program works
- Benefits and protections
- How to get started
1. What Ticket to Work Is
The basics:
- Free, voluntary program
- Run by Social Security Administration
- Helps disability beneficiaries work
- Provides support services
- Protects benefits during transition
What it offers:
- Career counseling
- Job placement assistance
- Training and education support
- Benefits counseling
- Ongoing support
The "ticket":
- You're assigned a ticket (not a physical ticket)
- Take it to an Employment Network (EN)
- Or state Vocational Rehabilitation agency
- They provide services
2. Who Is Eligible
You qualify if:
- Age 18-64
- Receiving SSDI or SSI (disability-based)
- Want to work
Not eligible:
- SSI aged (65+, not disability-based)
- In certain medical review status
- Currently in a CDR that may end benefits
Check your eligibility:
- Call Ticket to Work Help Line: 1-866-968-7842
- Visit choosework.ssa.gov
- Use the eligibility checker online
3. How the Program Works
Step 1: Learn about the program
- Attend a webinar or call the help line
- Understand your options
- No obligation to participate
Step 2: Choose a service provider
- Employment Network (EN): Private or nonprofit organization
- State VR Agency: Government vocational rehabilitation
- Compare services and track records
- Interview before choosing
Step 3: Assign your ticket
- Fill out paperwork with chosen provider
- Ticket is assigned to that EN or VR
- They create an employment plan with you
- No cost to you
Step 4: Receive services
- Job training
- Resume help
- Interview preparation
- Job placement
- Ongoing support
Step 5: Work toward your goals
- Follow your employment plan
- Report progress
- Achieve employment outcomes
- Providers are paid when you succeed
Important: You can change providers if the first one isn't working out. Your ticket can be reassigned.
4. Benefits and Protections
Work incentives:
- Trial Work Period (9 months of unlimited earnings for SSDI)
- Extended Period of Eligibility
- Expedited Reinstatement if you need benefits again
- Medicare/Medicaid continuation
Timely Progress Review exemption:
- While actively participating in Ticket
- Protected from medical CDRs
- As long as you're making progress
- Must meet "timely progress" requirements
What counts as timely progress:
- Working certain hours or earning thresholds
- Completing education/training
- Following your employment plan
- Requirements increase over time
If work doesn't work out:
- Expedited Reinstatement available for 5 years
- Can get benefits back without new application
- Provisional benefits while SSA reviews
- Safety net if you can't continue working
5. How to Get Started
Option 1: Call the Help Line
- 1-866-968-7842
- TTY: 1-866-833-2967
- Monday-Friday, 8am-8pm ET
- Free information and support
Option 2: Visit the website
- choosework.ssa.gov
- Find Employment Networks
- Learn about work incentives
- Access resources
Option 3: Contact local VR
- State Vocational Rehabilitation agency
- Find your local office
- Request services
- Free to all eligible individuals
Questions to ask providers:
- What services do you offer?
- What's your success rate?
- How will you support me specifically?
- What happens if I need to stop working?
Making the Most of Ticket
Be proactive:
- Communicate with your provider
- Follow through on your plan
- Report progress and challenges
- Ask for help when needed
Understand your protections:
- Know the work incentives
- Track your Trial Work Period months
- Keep records of earnings
- Plan for benefit transitions
Think long-term:
- Work toward sustainable employment
- Build skills that last
- Consider career growth
- Plan for benefit independence (if possible)
How Purple Helps
Purple supports your work journey:
- Track earnings alongside benefits
- Monitor SSI resource limits while working
- Early access to both wages and benefits
- Clear financial picture