No. The Ticket to Work Program (TTW) is entirely legitimate and has supported hundreds of thousands of individuals over its 25+ year history.
TTW is a federal assistance program designed to help Social Security disability beneficiaries re-enter the workforce after experiencing a disability. It is not a trap, nor are the state Employment Networks (EN) that provide essential support through the program.
What Is The Ticket To Work Program?
The Ticket to Work (TTW) Program is a free, voluntary benefit program available by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to assist individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who want to return to work. Many SSI and SSDI beneficiaries worry about losing their benefits if they start working, but Ticket to Work provides important protections to help ease this transition.
The Foundation of the Ticket to Work Program
The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 (Public Law 106-170), enacted on December 17, 1999, established the program. Since then, it has played a crucial role in supporting workers with disabilities in the United States, helping them return to work after achieving medical recovery or stability. The program partners with Employment Networks (ENs), which are authorized by the SSA, to offer services to beneficiaries to return to work.
Who is Disability Services of America?
Disability Services of America is an approved Employment Network (EN) by the Social Security Administration (SSA) that assists individuals with disabilities in returning to work through the SSA's Ticket to Work program. They offer services such as career and benefits counseling, resume development, and interview preparation to help clients re-enter the workforce while protecting their benefits. Additionally, they assist individuals in applying for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), guiding them through the application process and advocating on their behalf. Their services are available nationwide, including Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Guam, and all inhabited U.S. territories.
Is there a way to verify the Ticket To Work program and Disability Services of America are legitimate?
Ticket To Work has an official .GOV website, and Disability Services of America is listed there as an authorized EN.
The SSA’s Ticket To Work website is https://choosework.ssa.gov/.
Disability Services of America appears in their “Find Help” provider registry: You can click here for quicker access
Empowering Independence: Resources and Support for Gaining Employment
The idea is to offer support and resources to help individuals gain employment and improve their financial independence.
However, some people may be concerned about potential risks, such as losing benefits prematurely. Here are a few things to consider:
- Trial Work Period (TWP): During the Trial Work Period, you can test your ability to work while still receiving full Social Security disability benefits. This period lasts for nine months, and you won’t lose your benefits as long as you earn below a certain level.
- The Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): After the TWP, if you continue to work and earn over a certain threshold, you may enter a phase where benefits are suspended but reinstated if your income drops below the threshold.
- The Importance of Communication: Make sure to report your earnings to SSA regularly and be clear about the rules regarding earnings limits and work incentives.
So, while it’s not a "trap," it’s important to fully understand the rules and work with a disability benefits counselor to avoid any misunderstandings or unintended consequences.