Dear DSB Consumer,

The Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act was enacted on December 17, 1999. This law includes several important new opportunities for people who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to go to work.

Beginning in November 2002, individuals who reside in Arkansas and are SSDI or SSI beneficiaries will start receiving their tickets, if they meet eligibility requirements. If you receive a ticket in the mail and would like more information, you can contact the Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind toll-free at: 1-800-960-9270.

The Social Security Administration has contracted with MAXIMUS, Inc. to serve as program manager for Ticket To Work. MAXIMUS, Inc. will manage the nation wide program. You may also contact MAXIMUS, Inc. for information about the Ticket program by calling toll-free 1-866-968-7842 (1-866-YOURTICKET) or 1-866-833-2967 (TYY 1-866-TDD2WORK).

http://www.maximus.com/corporate/pages/aboutmaximus2.asp

The Ticket will be a paper document that has some personal information about the person receiving it and some general information about the Ticket Program. You can find an example of the Ticket at

http://www.ssa.gov/work/Ticket/newTicketImage.html

Ticket To Work is a volunteer employment-related program. When you receive a Ticket you are free to choose whether or not to use the Ticket as well as when to use the Ticket. If you decide to "assign" it, (use it), then take it to the Division of Services for the Blind or a participating Employment Network. An Employment Network (EN) is a private organization or public agency that has agreed to work with the Social Security Administration to provide services under the Ticket.

The Arkansas Division of Services for the Blind would like to have the opportunity to serve you if you choose to use the Ticket. You may call DSB toll-free at 1-800-960-9270. If you prefer to use an EN you may contact MAXIMUS, Inc. at the toll-free number above. You may also access the MAXIMUS, Inc. website: www.yourtickettowork.com Employment networks may also contact you direct. Additionally, a brief summary of the Ticket Program is available on the DSB website: http://www.arkansas.gov/dhhs/dsb/NEWDSB/index.htm

Sincerely,
James C. Hudson, DSB Director

Cc:file