Basic Facts of the Ticket to Work Program

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What’s a Ticket?

• The "Ticket" is a document that shows SSA’s commitment to pay an Employment Network (EN) or a State VR agency (VESID), for providing employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, and other support services to the beneficiary.
• Use of Ticket to Work is voluntary. If you decide that you are not interested in the program, or that you are not able to work, you do not have to take part.
• You may decide when to use a Ticket to obtain services from an EN or from a State Vocational Rehabilitation agency.
• You may assign the Ticket to any EN willing to accept it.
• If you are not happy with the services you receive, you may take back your Ticket from the EN or from VESID at any time by contacting Maximus. You may reassign it as long as you meet SSAs rules.
• Lost Tickets may be replaced by calling Maximus, Social Security’s Program Manager, at 1-866-YOUR TICKET.
• You may assign your Ticket to only one EN at a time. You may not assign your Ticket to an EN and VESID at the same time. (An EN, to whom you have assigned your Ticket, may refer you to VESID for services only if the EN has signed agreement with us.)
• Whether you decide to work with your State Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (VESID) or another EN, you will be developing a plan that outlines your work goal and the steps to reaching that goal.
• EN and/or VESID will discuss with you the advantages of using your Ticket to Work.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) will not conduct a Continuing Disability Review as long as you "meet timely progress" under their Ticket rules. (See Timely Progress section).
• Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach is an important free service available to you under the Ticket program. See the Resource list for contact information.

If You Choose VESID as your Ticket provider

• VESID is regulated under the federal Rehabilitation Act, and serves all eligible individuals.  
• Should you want to work, but not at a level where you will stop receiving SSI/SSDI monthly checks, VESID will still assist you in reaching a vocational goal.
• If you assign your Ticket to VESID, but later rescind your Ticket and assign it to another EN, it can affect the services you receive from VESID.
• Maintaining SSA’s "timely progress guidelines" is not a condition for obtaining services from VESID. The Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) outlines the services and time required for you to reach your goal.
• At the time you and your counselor agree on your Individualized Plan for Employment, you will be asked to assign your Ticket to VESID.  According to SSA, by signing your IPE you are choosing VESID as your Ticket provider.  By doing so, you enable VESID to recover from SSA the money we spend on you.  This makes it possible for us to serve more people.
• In addition to protection from continuing disability reviews while actively using your Ticket, "Sections 301" SSA rules will usually allow you to continue receiving your SSI/SSDI while you complete your VESID plan, even if a CDR finds you are medically improved.

Social Security’s definition of "Making Timely Progress" While Using Your Ticket to Work

• During the initial 24-month period of using the Ticket, a beneficiary is using the Ticket if he or she engages in activities outlined in the Individual Work Plan (IWP) or Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) on a regular basis and within appropriate time frames.
• After the initial 24-month period, to be considered using a Ticket, the beneficiary must work at least 3 months at the non-blind "Substantial Gainful Activity" (SGA) level within the next 12 months. For example, in 2002 the person would be required to earn $780.00 (prior to applying income exclusions)/per month for three months. These three months do not need to be consecutive.
• During the second 12-month period, the beneficiary must work at least 6 of 12 months at the non-blind SGA level prior to income exclusions.
  
• During the third and any subsequent 12-month review periods the beneficiary must work for 6 of 12 months with enough earnings to eliminate federal SSI and SSDI cash payments for those six months worked.

Ticket Resources Available to You

• Maximus, Program Manager of the Ticket to Work Program for Social Security, is available at 1-866-YourTicket. This is a toll-free number. Toll-free number for individuals with hearing or speech impairments, 1-866-833-2967. Their website is www.yourtickettowork.com
• NYS Work Incentives Support Center, toll-free, 1-888-224-3272, or via computer at www.nywisc@nls.org.
• Throughout New York State, Benefits Planning, Assistance and Outreach services are available to assist you in understanding how to make use of work incentives available under SSA rules. The BPA&O service nearest you may be located by calling the NYS Work Incentives Support Center. (above)
• Your local Social Security office has detailed information on the Ticket to Work program. The national web site is www.ssa.gov/work SSA toll free # is 1-800-772-1213.
• Independent Living Centers are available to provide support and guidance to individuals with disabilities. To locate the ILC nearest you, call 1-888-4-NYSILC, or via computer at www.nysilc@nysilc.org
• If you require advocacy or dispute resolution relating to the Ticket to Work Program, or if you want more information, you may access Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) services by contacting the NYS Commission on Quality of Care at 1-800-624-4143 (Toll free/Voice/TTD).
• Client Assistance Program (CAP) advocates provide information on VESID, Ticket to Work and other services leading to employment.  CAP also helps in dispute resolution.  For the CAP advocate nearest you, call the NYS Commission on Quality of Care at 1-800-624-4143 (Toll free/Voice/TTD).
• Individuals who are blind or have visual impairments may contact the Commission for the Blind and Visually Handicapped, 1-866-871-3000.  TDD is 1-866-871-6000.
• VESID, New York State Education Department, Office of Vocational and Educational Services for Individuals with Disabilities, Ticket to Work Unit, 1-800-807-5611.

What is the Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program?

The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program (The Ticket Program) is a new program from the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is for people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because of disability or blindness. The program offers you greater choice in getting the services you need to go to work or to earn more money. The goal of the program is to help you to earn enough money that you will not need Social Security cash benefits.