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Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program

The Ticket To Work And Self-Sufficiency Program (the Ticket Program) is a new part of the Social Security program. It is for people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits and Supplemental Security Income benefits because of disability or blindness.  This landmark legislation focuses on the need for effective training that leads not only to employment, but to sustainable careers.  The program offers greater choices in getting the services needed to help people go to work or to earn more money. The goal of the program is to help benefits reciepients earn enough money so Social Security cash benefits will not be needed.  It was the last piece of legislation to be signed by President Clinton in 1999 and reflects the recognition that people with disabilities did not share in the plentiful employment and rising incomes of the 1990s.

How The Program Works

Under the Ticket Program, beneficiaries of Social Security receive employment services, vocational services or other services to help you go to work or to earn more money. Employment Networks, which are private organizations or government agencies, have agreed to work with Social Security in providing employment services to beneficiaries with disabilities.

Do I Have To Take Part In the Ticket Program?

No. The Ticket Program is voluntary. If you decide that you are not interested in the program, or that you are not able to work, you do not have to take part. Your decision will have no effect on your disability benefits. However, you should keep the Ticket issued by Social Security in a safe place in case you decide later to take part in the program.

How Do I Get Started?

If you are interested in taking part in the Ticket Program, you should call MAXIMUS, INC. at 1-866-968-7842 toll-free (TTY 1-866-833-2967). MAXIMUS is a private company working with Social Security to manage the program. MAXIMUS can answer most of your questions about the Ticket Program, and can give you the names, addresses and telephone numbers of employment networks that are in your area. The MAXIMUS website is yourtickettowork.com

What Is An Employment Network?

Employment networks are public or private providers in your local community, and can include the State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency. Employment networks are the organizations responsible for providing the services you need to work or to earn more money, at no cost to you. The Ticket Program gives you the opportunity to choose from a variety of employment networks.

An employment network may be a single organization that provides all of the services you need, or it can be a group of providers. It may also work with other individuals or organizations that are not part of the network to provide the appropriate services.

Before you give your Ticket to an employment network, you should carefully choose the one that you think can best help you to reach your employment goal. You are free to talk with as many employment networks as you choose before giving one your Ticket.  Remember: Employment networks can not charge you for the services they provide.

Will I still be required to have Continuing Disability Reviews?

No.  During the period that a eneficiary is using a ticket, the Social Security Administration is prohibited from initiating a Continuing Disability Review (CDR).  For individuals receiving SSI and/or SSDI payments for 24 months or more, work activity cannot be used as the basis for Continuing Disability Reviews.  CDRs can occur on a regularly scheduled basis if they are triggered by something other than work activity.  The Act provides for expedited reinstatement of benefits for former beneficiaries whose termination was due to work activity.

What will happen to my Medicaid/Medicare?

The State's options and funding for Medicaid buy-in for workers with disabilities has expanded the availability of health care services (for people age 16-65).  This is done by: (1) liberalizing limits on resources and income and (2) providing the opportunity for employed individuals with disabilities to buy into Medicaid even though they are no longer eligible for SSDI or SSI disability benefits due to medical improvement.  Premium-free Medicare coverage is extended for people with disabilities who return to work for an additional 4-1/2 year period beyond the 4 years provided under current law for SSDI beneficiaries.

In addition to MAXIMUS, Inc. here are two other important sources of information and advice about the Ticket Program that you should use"

Your State Protection and Advocacy System can provide legal service, advocacy and other services you may need in using the ticket. In Kansas, contact: The Disability Rights Center, 3745 SW Wanamaker Road, Topeka, KS 66610. Phone: (785) 273-9661, FAX: (785) 273-9414.

The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Projects (WIPA) are a community service that help you with work incentives and other employment support programs available to you.  In Kansas, contact: The CPRF-Kansas Benefits Counselors Network, 5111 E. 21st N., Wichita, KS  67208. Toll Free #1-800-550-5804.

WIPA and Protection and Advocacy Contact Information...  www.ssa.gov/work/ServiceProviders/BPAODirectory.htm

[ii] Adapted from the Social Security Legislative Bulletin, No. 106-13R, December 3, 1999, 15pp. Downloaded from www.ssa.gov/legislation.

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