Table of Contents
- Do You Need to Assign Your Ticket to Work?
- What Does It Mean to Assign Your Ticket to Work?
- What Do You Get When You Assign Your Ticket?
- Does Assigning My Ticket Protect Me From a Medical Review?
- What Is Timely Progress?
- Can I Assign My Ticket If I Am Already Working?
- How Do I Assign My Ticket to an Employment Network?
No, you do not have to assign your Ticket to Work. The program is voluntary. However, you may choose to assign your Ticket to gain access to free employment services; career counseling, job search support, and other assistance as you work toward your employment goals. Assigning your Ticket can also provide protection from certain medical Continuing Disability Reviews when you meet Social Security's requirements for timely progress.
Do You Need to Assign Your Ticket to Work?
If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and want to explore work, you can choose whether to assign your Ticket to Work.
Assigning your Ticket can give you access to free employment services through an approved Employment Network (EN). Depending on your needs, these services may include career counseling, resume assistance, job search preparation, job placement support, and ongoing employment support.
At Disability Services of America, we can help you understand the Ticket to Work process, discuss your employment goals, and determine whether assigning your Ticket to us makes sense for your situation.
What Does It Mean to Assign Your Ticket to Work?
Assigning your Ticket means choosing an approved Employment Network, to work with you toward your employment goals.
The Ticket Program is designed for people who want to work toward greater financial independence while receiving SSDI or SSI. Participation is free and voluntary for eligible beneficiaries ages 18 through 64.
When you decide to participate, you and your Employment Network work together to develop an Individual Work Plan. This plan outlines your employment goal, the services you may receive, and the steps you agree to take toward that goal.
Your eligibility can be verified through an Employment Network of your choosing.
What Do You Get When You Assign Your Ticket?
Assigning your Ticket can give you access to employment support at no cost to you.
Depending on your needs and your employment plan, services may include:
- Career counseling
- Career planning
- Resume assistance
- Job search preparation
- Interview preparation
- Job placement support
- Ongoing employment support
- And most importantly, help understanding how work may affect your Social Security benefits
Does Assigning My Ticket Protect Me From a Medical Review?
If you assign your Ticket to an approved Employment Network before Social Security sends you notice that a medical Continuing Disability Review, or CDR, has been scheduled, and you make timely progress toward your employment goals, Social Security generally will not conduct a medical CDR while you remain protected under the Ticket Program.
This protection is not automatic simply because you have a Ticket or because you begin working.
You must use your Ticket and meet Social Security's requirements for timely progress. Social Security periodically reviews your progress to determine whether you are meeting the requirements established for your employment plan.
If a medical CDR has already been scheduled before you assign your Ticket, assigning your Ticket does not stop that scheduled review.
Because these rules can depend on your individual circumstances, it is important to understand your specific situation.
What Is Timely Progress?
Timely progress means taking the steps outlined in your Individual Work Plan within the timeframes established by Social Security.
Depending on your plan, progress may involve:
- Working at specified earnings levels
- Completing education or training
- Taking other steps toward your employment goal
Social Security conducts Timely Progress Reviews to determine whether you are meeting the requirements. If you do not make timely progress, you can generally continue participating in the Ticket Program, but you may lose protection from future medical CDRs.
Your Employment Network can help you understand the requirements of your plan and keep track of the steps you need to take.
Can I Assign My Ticket If I Am Already Working?
Yes. Being employed does not automatically prevent you from participating in Ticket to Work.
The program can provide employment support to people who are preparing for work, looking for a job, or working toward maintaining employment. The services available to you will depend on your goals and your Individual Work Plan.
If you are already working and considering assigning your Ticket, it can be best to discuss your current work situation, earnings, and employment goals.
How Do I Assign My Ticket to an Employment Network?
The process generally starts by choosing the right Employment Network that offers services that match your needs. Check this article to understand how to choose your employment network.
You can:
- Look for an approved Employment Network.
- Talk with the Employment Network about your employment goals.
- Review the services they offer.
- Work with the provider to develop your Individual Work Plan.
- Assign your Ticket and begin working toward the goals in your plan.
At Disability Services of America, we can help you understand the steps involved and discuss whether our employment services fit what you are looking for.