If you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency program is all about you. It's all about your employment goals, holding your own job, and enjoying the benefits and empowerment of employment. How much is it really about you? Here's one example: the employment network that serves you doesn't get paid unless you succeed in employment. How's that for a guarantee? If you don't get a job and maintain employment, your EN doesn't get paid!
You're a "Ticket-User" if you use your privileges under the Ticket to Work Program to explore employment. Did you know that if you remain on disability benefits until you reach retirement age, your Social Security retirement pension will be much less than if you had worked? A stable retirement income is only one of many reasons to explore employment.
You'll be glad you checked out the "rebuilt" Ticket to Work Program. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has made several positive changes to the program, and more good changes may be in place by the end of 2006.
It all adds up to this:
– Now you have virtually NO risk of losing benefits due to an unsuccessful attempt to work.
– Soon you'll have better support for exploring part-time work to see what you can handle.
– Soon you'll be able to use all Ticket services, even if you just received your SSDI benefits.
If you need substantial support to prepare for employment, and possibly accommodations at work, your state's vocational rehabilitation agency may be the place to start. They have specialized resources to serve you. Once you're employed, your state agency may help you select a Ticket to Work "employment network" for longer-term support to help you keep your job and move up the career ladder.
If you feel you're ready to seek employment without a rehabilitation process, it may be simplest to go straight to an employment network (EN). Your EN can help you do your prep work to seek employment, and may also be able to help you locate an appropriate job. Once you're employed, your EN can help you stay employed. Your EN can also help you navigate the transition when you're ready to end your use of disability benefits from Social Security.
If you've attempted to contact an employment network for support services, but can't find one in your area ready to serve you:
– visit http://www.yourtickettowork.com/endir to search for an EN in your community or state;
– email or call us at NENA and we'll make some calls to help you.