Ticket to Work
What is the Ticket to Work Program?
The goal of the national Ticket to Work program is to give people receiving disability benefits the chance to achieve steady, long-term employment.
Ticket holders get more choices about going to work, earning income and receiving continued healthcare benefits than ever before. This is a voluntary employment-related program. When an individual gets a Ticket, he or she is free to choose whether or not to use the Ticket.
How Does this Program Work?
Eligible beneficiaries receive "Tickets" (they look like a certificate) from the
Social Security Administration. After receiving a Ticket, if a person wants to
go to work, they contact and "assign" their Ticket to a local entity called an
Employment Network like Challenge or any state vocational rehabilitation agency.
With the counselor, an Individual Work Plan (IWP) is developed stating the desired employment goals. After this is done, the Ticket is considered "in use."
When a person's Ticket is in use, no Medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) take place, as long as the person demonstrates they are making "timely progress" and/or working to meet the goals identified in their IWP.
Who is Eligible?
SSA determines which SSI and Social Security Disability beneficiaries are
eligible to receive Tickets. Generally, eligible beneficiaries:
- Are 18 or older and have not reached age 65
- Are in "current pay status" for monthly Title II cash benefits based on disability, or Are a Title XVI disability beneficiary
- Monthly federal cash benefits based on disability or blindness under Title XVI are not suspended
- SSA has conducted at least one CDR and made a final determination or decision that the disability continues
Challenge received the very first "Ticket" assignment in New York state, and
is widely recognized as a leading expert on the Ticket to Work program.
For more information, or if you are a Ticket Holder
Celia Miller at 607.272.7570 or email
Celia Miller