Ticket to Work Program
Objectives



Historical Overview of the Program
Current Status of the Program
The Future of the Program
Purpose of Ticket to Work
Program


To expand the employment
opportunities for most individuals
receiving SSDI and/or SSI
benefits.
Reduce their dependency on SSA
The Need for Ticket to Work



Less than 1% of SSDI and SSI beneficiaries
attain paid employment enabling them to be
self-sufficient
One-third of the people who leave the rolls
return in 3 years
If one half of one percent of those individuals
were to attain self-supporting employment,
savings would total $3.5 billion
Mission and Objectives




Address barriers that beneficiaries
encounter when returning to work
Expand availability of health care
services and medical coverage
Eliminate work disincentives
Provide enhanced benefits planning and
assistance from service providers
Goals of Ticket to Work



To expand the number of service
providers who are available to serve
beneficiaries.
Increase the number of beneficiaries
entering the work force.
Reduce dependency on cash benefits.
Social Security Administration
(SSA)





Designated by Congress to oversee the
implementation of the Ticket to Work
Program
Responsible for writing the Regulations for
the TTWP
Monitoring the success/short-comings of the
TTWP
Determining which beneficiaries will receive
tickets
Has final say on all decisions
MAXIMUS




Responsible for
overseeing the
administration/day-today functions of the
TTWP
Maintain list of available
ENs
Ensure all information is
in accessible format to
beneficiaries
Resolve payment issues
 Monitor ENs to ensure
adequate choices are
available to
beneficiaries
 Ensure EN services are
available to
beneficiaries in all
geographical areas
Employment Networks (EN)



Organizations or groups of organizations
that have come together to provide
necessary services to a beneficiary in
support of an employment goal
Recruited by Maximus; Approved by SSA
Two payment options available
Disability Rights of Florida


SSA funds Disability Rights of Florida as
an advocacy and protection program
dedicated to beneficiaries of Social
Security.
Ticket beneficiaries must contact this
program for rights and remedies under
the Ticket Program.
Florida Ticket to Work (TTW)

Vision


To become an innovative leader in the successful
administration of the Ticket to Work Program
Mission

To administer the SSA Reimbursement and Ticket
to Work Program in support of the Division of
Vocational Rehabilitation's Mission and to achieve
optimum program performance while maximizing
the collection of program income through the
accurate, complete and timely filing of SSA Claims
for reimbursement and request for EN Payments
under the TTW Program.
Functions of the TTW Unit





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Oversee the administration of the TTW program
Ensure the application of Chapter 16 Counselor Policy Manual
Develop and recommend policies and procedures to be used in the
administration of the TTW program
Provide technical assistance to VR staff
Maintain records and information regarding the assignments of tickets
to the DVR Agency and records pertaining to requests for
reimbursements and EN payments.
Develop and maintain effective systems to be used in the
administration of the TTW program
Serve as a liaison between VR and other partners and organizations
involved in the TTW program
Coordinate and manage the claims reimbursement and EN payment
systems for DVR
Represent DVR at conferences, forums and other meeting with respect
to the TTW program
Objectives of Florida TTW



Alleviate the administrative workload of
counselors regarding the TTW program
Coordinate the design, implementation and
maintenance of an automated system for
tracking customers who are SSA Beneficiaries
and for the identification, preparation and
submission of SSA Claims for reimbursement
Maximize program income from SSA claim
reimbursements and EN payments while
stabilizing and containing operating cost
Objectives of Florida TTW



Provide training and technical assistance that
addressed the current and projected needs of
DVR staff
To be a reliable source of information and
assistance for beneficiaries seeking
information concerning the Ticket to Work
Program and other services provided by the
DVR as an Employment Network
Establish and maintain collaborative
relationships with partners of the Ticket to
Work Program
Who’s Is Eligible to Participate
in the TTW Program?



Individuals between the ages of 18 - 64
Receiving cash benefits under the
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Disability Programs
Have underwent a SSA Medical Review
Are Ticket-holder’s Different
From Other VR Consumers?





Somewhat
We Have to Identify Them at Beginning of
Process
We Have to Register Them with SSA
(MAXIMUS, TTW Program Manager)
We Have to Track Them Thru The VR Process
and Beyond
They Are Eligible for Regular VR Services
Special Service For Ticketholders




Work Incentives Planning and Assistance
Services
Informs Ticket-holders About the Impact of
Working on Their SSA Benefits
Educates Ticket-holders Regarding SSA Work
Incentives
Helps Ticket-holders resolve SSA Benefit
Issues
Ticket-holders In DVR Program
Approximately 17,000 Ticket-holders between
Plan Development and Employment




1,500 –
12, 000
2,200 –
1,300 –
Plan Development
– In Service
Ready For Employment
In Employment
Timely Progress
– Prior –
Timely Progress Standards were
“One Size Fits All”
– Current –
Timely Progress Standards address multiple
factors including educational plans. SSA
will measure.
26 Closures
14,000
12,543
12,000
10,000
8,715
8,128
8,000
5,873
6,000
5,017
3,899
4,000
2,000
2,042
2,623
1,717
1,103
1,301
1,296
0
20062007
20072008
20082009
20092010
20102011
20112012
26 Closures
SSA 26 Closures
80 Series Closures
10,000
9,000
8,621
8,881
8,803
8,000
80 Series Closures
7,000
6,641
6,338
6,011
6,000
SSA 80 Series Closures
5,000
4,000
3,728
3,805
3,106
2,883
3,000
3,018
2,883
2,000
1,000
0
20062007
20072008
20082009
20092010
20102011
20112012
Payment Methodologies

EN Payment System



Outcome Payment Method
Outcome/Milestone Payment Method
Traditional Cost Reimbursement
(For State VR Agencies Only)
SSA Claims Filed
400
357
350
300
273
250
233
200
188
150
Claims Filed
148
137
100
50
0
20062007
20072008
20082009
20092010
20102011
20102011
SSA Income
FY 2009 – 2010: $2,964,720.74
 FY 2010 – 2011: $3,575,747.70
 FY 2011 – 2012: $3,192,081.77
