We Help SSDI and SSI Beneficiaries Build a Stronger Financial Future Through Ticket to Work 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) manages two programs that provide monthly cash payments to assist people with disabilities: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). While SSI is for people with limited income and resources who are blind, 65 or older, or have a qualifying disability, SSDI is a government-sponsored disability insurance program for people with severe medical conditions that prevent substantial gainful activity (SGA). 

Monthly SSI and SSDI payments provide crucial support and stability. However, if you’re a recipient, you know that sometimes, it’s just not enough. The high cost of everything from housing to groceries can make it difficult to survive on Social Security disability benefits alone.  

When you can barely cover the basics and never have the funds to really treat yourself—whether it’s to lunch at your favorite restaurant once a month or season tickets to your local symphony—you can find yourself wanting more out of life. You might even consider getting a first-time job or reentering the workforce. Sound familiar? If so, Disability Services of America might have just the “ticket” to the more independent, financially secure future of your dreams. 

As an SSA-approved Employment Network (EN), we guide SSI and SSDI recipients through the Ticket to Work program, helping them test their ability to work while protecting their current benefits and potentially boosting their retirement. Discover how we could help you prepare for employment, find meaningful work, and thrive in the workforce. 

Understanding How Social Security Work Credits Impact Your Retirement Benefits 

The Social Security Administration calculates retirement benefits based on your lifetime earnings and the number of work credits you’ve earned while working in jobs that pay into Social Security. These credits are vital in determining both your eligibility for benefits and your benefits amount. 

You earn one credit for every $1730 in covered earnings and can earn up to four credits per year. The more credits you accumulate through working, the higher your eventual retirement benefits may be. 

For SSDI beneficiaries, returning to the workforce through Ticket to Work provides an opportunity to earn additional credits, while getting a first-time job could give SSI recipients a chance to begin amassing work credit for the first time. This could significantly increase your retirement benefit amount compared to relying on disability benefits as your sole income. Though the exact increase depends on your earning history and the number of years you work, these additional credits could translate to hundreds of dollars more in monthly retirement benefits. 

How Ticket to Work Protects Your Current Benefits 

Many SSI and SSDI beneficiaries have heard horror stories about recipients who have lost vital benefits when the SSA learned they were working. It’s a common misconception, but thanks to the Ticket to Work program, recipients can test their capability for full-time work without automatically losing much-needed benefits. Not only does participating in this free and voluntary work incentive program safeguard your current benefits and shield you from Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs), but it could also help you secure your financial future by increasing your Social Security retirement benefit amounts. 

At Disability Services of America, we understand that when you’re considering whether to enter or return to employment, concerns about the potential impact on your existing disability benefits can be substantial. Fortunately, the Ticket program includes several critical protections, including: 

  • Established medical eligibility. Once the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines that you have a qualifying disability, your medical eligibility remains established. Testing your ability to work doesn’t change that determination, so you don’t have to go through the grueling process of proving your medically determinable impairment (MDI) like you did when you initially applied. 
  • Expedited reinstatement. The Ticket program also includes a five-year expedited reinstatement period that allows you to quickly restart your SSDI benefits if you must stop working due to your disability.  

Examining How Ticket to Work Rules Differ for SSI and SSDI Recipients 

Working impacts (SSI) and (SSDI) benefits differently. Here’s what you should know. 

  • Supplemental Security Income. For SSI recipients, the Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a specific formula to reduce your cash benefits gradually. However, other SSA work incentives can help decrease how much of an impact your earnings make on your monthly payment. 

Wondering what happens to your health care? Both SSI and SSDI allow you to maintain your Medicare or Medicaid coverage while working—often for an extended period, even if your cash benefits stop due to your earnings.  

Partnering With Our Approved Employment Network to Prepare for Employment and Ensure Success 

As an SSA-approved Employment Network (EN), Disability Services of America specializes in helping disability recipients safely explore work opportunities. We understand that returning to work is a significant decision that requires careful planning and ongoing support. Thankfully, we’re up to the task and here for you at every stage of your journey to employment. We offer a wide range of free career development and employment support services, including: 

  • Expert benefits counseling. Our Community Partner Work Incentive Coordinators (CPWIC) help you understand exactly how working affects your SSI or SSDI benefits. They explain work incentives, reporting requirements, and income thresholds in clear, straightforward terms so you know exactly what to expect before starting work. 

  • Personalized career planning. Everyone has different work goals and abilities. We take the time to understand your interests, skills, and limitations to help identify suitable education, training, and employment opportunities. Our team assists with resume development, interview preparations, and connecting you with employers who value your talents. 

  • Ongoing employment support. Our partnership continues long after you start working. We regularly check in with you to address concerns, help with benefits reporting, and ensure you receive appropriate accommodations. If workplace challenges arise, we can help you find solutions. 

  • Benefits protection. Working with our Employment Network (EN) provides an extra layer of security. We coordinate directly with the Social Security Administration, ensuring accurate earnings reporting and benefits handling to prevent overpayments and benefit interruptions.  

By participating in Ticket to Work and assigning your “ticket” to Disability Services of America, you gain a dedicated partner in your journey toward financial independence. Our comprehensive support services help you prepare for employment and make a secure, successful transition to the workforce.  

Working to Boost Your Independence and Financial Security  

For SSI and SSDI recipients, working through the Ticket to Work program offers a unique opportunity to potentially increase your retirement benefits while maintaining crucial protections for your disability benefits. You’ve already proven your medical eligibility to the SSA, which is no small feat. Now, you can focus on testing your work ability and building a stronger future without risking essential monthly cash payments or health coverage. 

Don’t navigate the return to employment alone. Disability Services of America provides exceptional support for your employment journey—whether you’re sitting in our Illinois office or across the country. 

 

Talk to Us About Your Ticket to Work Options

Disability Services of America is a respected and SSA-approved Employment Network offering wide-ranging Ticket to Work career development and job support services. Since 2013, we’ve helped countless SSDI and SSI beneficiaries across the country navigate the Ticket to Work program and ease back into the workforce without risking Social Security disability benefits like monthly income payments and health care coverage.

Are you ready to find out how we can help you take advantage of your Ticket to Work? Complete the contact form or call us at 888-689-6760 to get started for free.