The Ticket to Work Program is a free and voluntary Social Security program for disability beneficiaries ages 18 through 64 who want to work. It connects participants with approved service providers such as Employment Networks and State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies for career support, job preparation, and placement services while protecting important benefits. 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.
If you receive SSDI or SSI and are thinking about returning to work, Ticket to Work was designed specifically for you.
What Is the Ticket to Work Program in Simple Terms
The Ticket to Work Program allows people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to explore employment without immediately losing their benefits. Participants can receive free employment services, keep Medicare or Medicaid in many situations, and may be protected from Medical Continuing Disability Reviews while making progress toward work goals.
The Ticket to Work creates a structured path from disability benefits to employment; it is a way to transition back into fulfilling employment that doesn’t require you to give up your benefits.
Who Is Eligible for Ticket to Work
You may qualify if:
• You are between ages 18 and 64.
• You receive SSDI or SSI based on disability.
• You want to explore employment.
Participation is completely voluntary. Ticket to Work is a free employment program that helps people with disabilities progress toward financial independence.
How Does the Ticket to Work Program Actually Work
You assign your Ticket to an approved Employment. When we receive your ticket, you and our team create a work plan outlining your employment goals and the steps needed to achieve them. As long as you make timely progress under that plan, you may receive protections such as postponement of certain medical disability reviews.
Now let us break that down into practical steps.
Step 1: Assign Your Ticket
Once assigned, we become your primary employment support partner.
When you assign your Ticket to us, we work directly with you to understand your goals, limitations, and timeline.
Step 2: Create an Individual Work Plan
This plan may outline:
• Your career goals.
• Training or certifications needed.
• Resume development.
• Job search strategy.
• Ongoing employment milestones.
The plan must reflect realistic and measurable progress.
Step 3: Receive Employment Support
We provide all services free of charge, including:
• Career counseling.
• Resumé Development and Practice Interviews.
• Navigating Your EEOC and ADA Rights.
• Job Placement and Development.
• Benefits counseling.
Support continues as you transition into employment.
Can You Keep Medicare or Medicaid While Working
Yes, in many cases. One of the biggest concerns beneficiaries have is losing health coverage. Social Security includes work incentives that allow continued access to Medicare or Medicaid even after cash benefits decrease or stop due to earnings.
The exact duration depends on your benefit type and earnings level, but health coverage protections are built into the system to reduce fear about returning to work.
We review these details with you before you increase your income, so you understand what to expect.
What Are Continuing Disability Reviews and How Does Ticket to Work Affect Them
A Continuing Disability Review is a medical review conducted by Social Security to determine if you still meet disability criteria.
When you assign your Ticket and make timely progress toward your work goals, Social Security generally will not conduct a medical Continuing Disability Review.
This protection allows you to focus on employment without the added stress of a medical review during active participation.
Does Joining Ticket to Work Mean You Will Lose Benefits
No. Ticket to Work does not automatically stop your benefits. Instead, it works alongside existing Social Security work incentives such as:
• Trial Work Period for SSDI.
• Extended Period of Eligibility.
• SSI earned income exclusions.
Your benefits change based on earnings, not simply because you joined the program.
Planning income growth carefully is key. We walk you through projected earnings scenarios so you can make informed decisions.
Why Should You Assign Your Ticket Instead of Searching Alone
Searching alone is possible, but structured support can reduce mistakes and confusion.
When you assign your Ticket, you gain:
• Coordinated employment planning.
• Clear explanation of income limits.
• Accountability and milestone tracking.
• Guidance on accommodations and disclosure decisions.
Returning to work after receiving disability benefits can feel overwhelming. A structured plan makes the process clearer and more manageable.
What Happens If You Try Working and It Does Not Work Out
Social Security provides safeguards.
If your medical condition prevents you from continuing employment, work incentives such as Expedited Reinstatement may allow you to request benefit restoration without filing an entirely new application.
The purpose of Ticket to Work is to encourage attempts at employment without punishing effort.
Work Without Fear: How Ticket to Work Protects Your Benefits
The Ticket to Work Program is a structured pathway for SSDI and SSI beneficiaries who want to return to work safely. It provides free employment support, benefit protections, and potential medical review safeguards while you pursue financial independence.
If you are considering working but fear losing benefits, assigning your Ticket creates a clear and supported path forward. We can review your goals, explain your protections, and help you move toward employment with greater confidence and clarity.