Your Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Social Security Ticket to Work Program

When you’re receiving Social Security disability benefits, returning to work can seem daunting. You’d like to try working part- or full-time again, but the last thing you want is to jeopardize your financial stability. Sound familiar?

What if you could work at your own pace without automatically losing the benefits that sustain you?  

The Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work program makes this possible, but many beneficiaries hesitate to apply due to concerns about losing crucial benefits and confusion about the application process.

At Disability Services of America, our disability employment specialists guide SSDI and SSI recipients through this process, helping them achieve greater financial independence while maintaining their benefits and health coverage. Here’s what you should know about the Ticket program and how we can assist you. 

Understanding the Ticket to Work Program Basics 

Ticket to Work serves as a bridge between disability benefits and employment for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients. Participation in the program offers numerous resources and protections. 

Work Incentives That Protect Your Benefits 

The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows you to test your ability to work without immediate benefit loss. Assigning your “ticket” to an Employment Network like Disability Services of America enables: 

• Protection from medical reviews. While actively participating in the Ticket program, the SSA suspends medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) that might otherwise terminate your benefits, providing peace of mind that allows you to focus on your employment journey. 

• Continued benefits during the transition. You can earn any amount during your Trial Work Period (TWP) and still receive your full benefits. This nine-month period doesn’t have to be consecutive, allowing you to work at your own pace. 

• Extended Medicare coverage. Medicare coverage for SSDI recipients continues for at least 93 months (more than seven years) after your TWP ends, even if cash benefits stop due to your earnings, providing critical health security during your transition to work. 

• Expedited reinstatement. If your benefits end due to work, but you later find yourself unable to continue working due to your disability, you can request expedited reinstatement without filing a new application. 

Who Qualifies for Ticket to Work 

Eligibility for the Ticket to Work program is straightforward. You qualify if you: 

1. Currently receive SSDI or SSI benefits 

2. Are between ages 18 and 64 

3. Have a disability determination from the SSA 

There are no complex income or asset restrictions, as eligibility is based primarily on your current benefit status. 

Steps to Apply for the Ticket to Work Program 

The application process for Ticket to Work involves several key steps. Following this sequence will help ensure a smooth transition to the program. 

Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility 

Verifying your Ticket to Work eligibility is simple. Are you currently receiving SSDI or SSI benefits? Are you between the ages of 18 and 64? If so, you’re eligible.  

Step 2: Choose an Employment Network 

Selecting the right Employment Network is one of the most important decisions on your Ticket to Work journey. Employment Networks like Disability Services of America provide employment services and personalized guidance for every transition stage. Consider: 

• Service area. Make sure to choose an Employment Network that serves your area. As a national Employment Network, Disability Services of America works with beneficiaries across the country, offering consistently exceptional service regardless of your location. 

• Available services. Different Employment Networks offer varying levels of support. Our team provides comprehensive services, including benefits counseling, career planning, job search assistance, and ongoing support after placement. 

• Communication approach. Communication with your EN should be simple and responsive. We happily communicate via your preferred method—phone, email, text, or video conferencing—and respond promptly to questions. 

Step 3: Complete a Benefits Planning Session 

Before assigning your ticket, schedule a benefits planning session with your chosen Employment Network. At Disability Services of America, these crucial meeting provides personalized guidance on: 

• Benefit impacts. Learn how different earning levels might affect your SSDI or SSI benefits based on your situation. 

• Work incentives. Discover which Social Security work incentives apply to your circumstances and how to use them effectively. 

• Timeline expectations. Gain a clear understanding of essential program timelines, including your Trial Work Period (TWP) months and when benefit changes might occur. 

Step 4: Assign Your Ticket  

Once you’ve chosen an Employment Network and understood the impact on your benefits, you’re ready to assign your ticket. Disability Services of America will provide a Ticket to Work assignment form, help you review and sign an Individual Work Plan (IWP) outlining your employment goals, and submit your documents to the SSA. It can take up to three weeks for the SSA to process and approve your assignment. 

Common Application Mistakes to Avoid 

Even with the relatively straightforward Ticket to Work application process, certain pitfalls can create complications or delays. Watch out for these common mistakes: 

Assigning Your Ticket Without Benefits Counseling