SSA determines which SSI and Social Security Disability beneficiaries are eligible to receive Tickets. Generally, eligible beneficiaries: Are 18 or older and have not reached age 65 Are a Title II disability beneficiary (exceptions are stated in the legislation and regulations) Are in "current pay status" for monthly Title II cash benefits based on disability (exceptions stated in the legislation and regulations) or Are a Title XVI disability beneficiary (exceptions stated in the legislation and regulations) Monthly Federal cash benefits based on disability or blindness under Title XVI are not suspended; and SSA records show: a case is not designated as a medical improvement expected diary review case; or a case is designated as medical improvement diary review case and SSA has conducted at least one CDR and made a final determination or decision that the disability continues

Through SSA mailings, eligible SSI and Social Security Disabilty beneficiaries receive "Tickets" (they look like a certificate) from the Social Security Administration. If beneficiaries receiving these Tickets want to go to work, they contact and "assign" their Ticket to either the State Vocational Rehabilitation agency or a local entity called an "Employment Network" (EN). These providers are key to the success of a beneficiary moving toward self-sufficiency.

Beneficiaries can only "assign" their Ticket to one EN or DSB) at a time. They can change ENs if they are not satisfied with the services as long as they inform (in writing) the MAXIMUS Employment Network Coordinator that they wish to do so and why.

Once a Ticket-holder identifies the EN (or the VR Agency) they want to "assign" their Ticket to, the Ticket-holder talks with and develops a written Individual Work Plan (IWP) with the EN, or an Individual Plan for Employment (IEP) with the VR agency, so that together they can agree on the employment goals desired. After this is done, the Ticket is considered "in use."

When a person's Ticket is in use, no Medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs) take place, as long as the beneficiary demonstrates they are making "timely progress" and/or working to meet the goals identified in their IWP. Demonstrating timely progress allows them to continue to benefit from suspension of their CDRs.

When Tickets are mailed, a toll free phone number (1-866-YOURTICKET) will be mentioned in the packet of materials they receive from SSA. Ticket-holders call this number to find out who the Employment Networks are in their area. When this number is called, an "Employment Network Coordinator" (ENC) will talk with the beneficiary about their employment needs and then give them the names and contact information of the ENs in their local area.

Once this happens, Ticket-holders may choose the service provider that they think can help them the most with getting or keeping a job and the supports they need. They can go to the State VR Agency for these services or to any approved Employment Network

Who gains from the Ticket To Work Program

Everyone...