The Ticket to Work program is a voluntary employment program offered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) in the United States. It is designed to assist individuals who are receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits in transitioning to employment or increasing their earnings through part-time work. Here are some key points about the Ticket to Work Program:
Eligibility: Individuals who receive SSDI or SSI benefits due to a disability are generally eligible for the Ticket to Work program. It provides an opportunity for recipients to explore employment options, receive vocational rehabilitation services, and potentially reduce their reliance on disability benefits.
Free Services: The program offers a range of free support services, such as career counseling, job training, job placement assistance, and ongoing employment support. These services are provided by various employment networks or state vocational rehabilitation agencies that participate in the program.
Trial Work Period: The Ticket to Work program includes a Trial Work Period (TWP) during which individuals can test their ability to work while still receiving their full disability benefits. During the TWP, individuals can earn an unlimited amount of income for up to nine months without jeopardizing their benefits.
Extended Period of Eligibility: After completing the TWP, individuals enter an Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) that lasts for 36 months. During the EPE, individuals can continue to receive disability benefits for any month in which their earnings fall below the substantial gainful activity (SGA) level. In 2023, the SGA level is $1,470 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,460 per month for blind individuals.
Continued Medicare or Medicaid Coverage: The Ticket to Work program also allows individuals to maintain their Medicare or Medicaid coverage while they explore employment opportunities and increase their earnings. This ensures that individuals have continued access to necessary healthcare services.
