When an injury, illness or other factors leave you incapacitated and unable to work, you may pursue disability benefits through the Social Security Administration. With treatment and time, you may find yourself feeling ready to get back to work, but weary of failing and losing your Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.
Through the SSA’s Ticket to Work program, you may set down a path toward reentering the workforce, while keeping your benefits until you no longer need them.
Getting help returning to work
According to the SSA, the Ticket to Work program provides you with the tools and assistance you need to broach returning to work. A voluntary service available to those between the ages of 18-years-old and 64-years-old who receive SSDI or Supplemental Security Income benefits, the Ticket to Work program helps you prepare for work, connect with employment services, find a job and maintain success in your employment. Working with an authorized service provider, you may receive assistance such as vocational rehabilitation, job training, job placement and career counseling to help you reduce your dependence on SSDI benefits.
Making timely progress
In exchange for Social Security’s assistance through the program, you must meet certain benchmarks. Based on a plan developed between you and your service provider, you must complete specified training or educational requirements or work at a certain earnings level within preset timeframes. The SSA views taking these steps as moving toward obtaining and maintaining employment, reducing your dependence on SSDI payments, and getting the training and education you need to succeed in the short- and long-term.
