The Basics

Ticket to Work is a federal program that helps adults with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep a job. To qualify, you must:

• Be 18 – 64 years old
• Currently be getting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits

Ticket to Work, sometimes simply called the “Ticket program,” offers beneficiaries many choices on where they can get employment services and what sorts of services they can get. Free services to help you prepare for, find, get, and keep a job can include:

• Vocational rehabilitation
• Training
• Referrals
• Job coaching
• Job counseling
• Placement services

For example, you might get help from a job counselor with finding jobs to apply for, advice on improving your resume, or instruction on how to successfully interview for a job. The Ticket to Work program can also help you get training, education, and assistive technology.

One great aspect of the Ticket to Work program is that while you are in it, Social Security will not make you do medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs). As long as you progress through your job search in a timely manner and continue working, you won’t lose your eligibility for SSI or SSDI for medical reasons.