Ticket to Work Program

Ticket to Work is a Comprehensive Customized Services for Those Who Has the Desire To Work & Reinvent Their Destiny!

Overview

01

What is the Ticket to Work Program?

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development & medical benefits (Medicare, Medicaid) support for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce. The program provides job and medical benefit support to people aged 18 to 64 who receive SSI or SSDI disability benefits. With this program, participants can assign their ticket to an Employment Network (EN) or a Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) service. You can choose either an EN or a VR but not both at the same time. When choosing to work with either an EN or VR service it's a good idea to choose a provider that delivers services you specifically require in order to obtain your employment goals. You can find profiles of providers who gives specific services you are looking for by using choosework.ssa.gov website's "Find Help" database. In addition in order to use your "Ticket" you must be in current pay status with your disability cash benefit and you are looking to achieve financial stability. To prepare you for your selection, it is a great idea to identify your own work goals, and consider your background, work experience or other credentials you already have. Then, review providers (VR or EN) to determine which is the best for you. Ticket to Work is free and voluntary. It gives beneficiaries real choices. These choices can help them create better lives.

02

What is an EN and VR and is the difference between the two?

Employment Networks (EN) are public or private organizations that are authorized by Social Security to provide a variety of free employment services to adults ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI/SSDI) and want to work. EN services are provided on a long-term basis. You can work with an EN for as long as you need their services.

What does an EN do?

An EN offers support services to help you prepare for, find or maintain employment. Although services vary among ENs, they can include: career planning, job leads and job placement, ongoing employment supports, assistance with requesting and obtaining job accommodations, and benefits counseling

What does a VR do?

Vocational Rehabilitation agencies (VR): State-level agencies that provide education, skills training, workplace accommodation and other aid for people who need more significant services to make it possible for them to work. VR services are short-term ususally 3 months. Beneficiaries who complete a VR program may shift to an EN to get continued support.

03

Who is a Good Fit for the Ticket to Work Program?

The Ticket to Work Program is a great program that helps disabled people transition back into the workplace and loosen their reliance on Social Security Disability benefits, and work toward greater independence and increased self-sufficiency.

The program is a good fit for people who currently receive SSI or SSDI benefits and are committed to preparing for long-term success in the workplace. If you're committed to improving your quality of life by gaining financial independence, our EN services can assess you

The minimum, monthly earnings needed to activate the benefits in this program is that your gross monthly income must be a minimum of $1,110.00/gross a month and must be met within the Trial Work Period for 9 months of one year and this does not have to be consecutive. In addition, during the Trial Work Period you are allowed to make unlimited income and keep both your medical and cash benefits!

04

What Services Do I Receive With AAFS,LLC EN Ticket to Work Program Provider?

You will be working with the EN of your choice and ENs are intensely trained specialist professionals who are certified and approved by Social Security Administration guidelines. Each EN may specialize in their services so you should check with Social Security Database "choosework.ssa.gov " for the type of specific needs or services you are looking for.

Under the Ticket to Work Program, the services range from...

Benefits Planning
Personalized employment goal development
Labor market research to match your job skills
Help with developing a resume and/or cover letter
Mock interviews
Work Incentives Benefits Counseling
Career planning & advancement
Post-job retention
Job change transitions
Job accommodation guidance
Ongoing employment support

In addition, Abbott & Associates Financial Services, LLC. Provides the following additional optional services;

Personal Financial education & counseling
Life Coach counseling services
Basic investment strategies
Advocacy for overpayment cases

05

What Happens If I Start Work and It Doesn't Work Out for Me?

The Ticket to Work Program provides you with various safety nets to protect you in your journey of re-entry into the workforce. At times, you may realize that working at a particular time is not for you. This happens and it is okay to give yourself credit for trying. Participants can choose to continue their healthcare benefits, as well as easily have their Social Security benefits reinstated if the job placement does not go as expected. The Ticket to Work Program is a Win-Win program. You lose nothing!!!

06

What Are the Eligibility Requirements to Apply for the Ticket to Work Program & Is the Ticket to Work Beneficial for Everyone Who Want to Apply?

Another feature of the Ticket to Work Program is that it provides safety nets, also called work incentives that protect the individual from losing their medical and cash benefits. However, to implement these safety nets and support, the individual will need to earn in 2024, $1550.00 gross a month at this time which is called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), a gainful level of earnings, where they can continue to receive Social Security assistance in Medicaid and Medicare coverage where they are earning more than they ordinarily might be able to make.

However, the individual who may only want to work to bring in monthly earnings for a temporary period or does not have the goal to improve self-sufficiency may not benefit from this program.

In conclusion, the eligibility requirements to apply for the Ticket to Work program include:

Has a disability that has been stated by the Social Security Administration as a formal disability
Between the ages of 18 to 64
Receives SSI, SSDI, or both
Can earn at least $1110.00/gross earnings every month for at least 9 months (SGA baseline for 2024)
Want to improve self-sufficiency and financial stability in time
Want to provide total participation and commitment in the program

Additional Benefits of the Ticket to Work Program

Ticket to Work is a free employment program that helps people with disabilities progress toward financial independence. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has partnered with our company for the last 10 years to help beneficiaries across the United States secure employment and improve the lives of individuals with disabilities. \

The Ticket to Work program is a good fit for people who:

Want to work full time without risk of losing their benefits. If something’s holding you back from taking on more work, we follow up to give you the support and confidence you need to obtain and maintain employment.

Need help submitting timely and accurate disability paperwork. Our team can assist you in completing and submitting SSA forms throughout your return to work.

Haven’t worked in some time. We help you work to identify jobs matching your capabilities, perform mock job interviews, and connect you with local resources to maximize your abilities in your chosen work environment.

Are worried about losing Medicare or Medicaid benefits. Enrollment in a TTW program preserves Medicare eligibility during and after your trial work period. You may also be able to keep Medicaid benefits depending on your income. You could also be eligible to receive $20.00 per for Impairment Related Work Expenses.

Are concerned that SSA will no longer consider you impaired. You receive protection from Continuing Disability Review (CDR) by having your Ticket to Work assigned with our Employment Network.

If you are interested in applying to the Ticket to Work Program and can meet the eligibility requirements listed above, sign up below by completing the application. Click the "Sign Up Now" button to access the application and will be contacted for additional information.