Ticket to Work &
Social Security Disability Benefits
TOOLKIT
For One-Stop Career Centers
This TOOLKIT was compiled by the national technical assistance and training provider under
the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI), which is jointly funded and administered by the U.S.
Department of Labor’s (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) and Office of
Disability Employment Policy (ODEP).
DEI cooperative agreements were awarded to state Workforce Investment Act (WIA)
administering entities to:
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Improve coordination and collaboration among employment and training and asset
development programs carried out at a state and local level, including the Ticket to Work
program.
Build effective community partnerships that leverage public and private resources to
better serve individuals with disabilities and improve employment outcomes.
Disability Resource Coordinators (DRCs) under the DEI can download this TOOLKIT and
use it to build One-Stop Career Center staff awareness and knowledge on the Ticket to
Work (TtW) Program and serving Ticket holders as an approved Employment Network
(EN). This information can also serve to increase knowledge of workforce staff on the
most critical information regarding Social Security disability benefits, work incentives
and other state incentives and programs.
It has been compiled for informational purposes only, and should not take the place of official
Social Security Administration publications, such as those listed in this TOOLKIT.
This project has been funded, either wholly or in part, with Federal funds from the Department of
Labor, Employment and Training Administration under Contract No.: DOLJ081A20684. The
contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Department of
Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply
endorsement of same by the U.S. Government.
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TOOLKIT - Table of Contents
One-Stops Serving as Resource on Ticket to Work &
SSA Disability Benefits
3
One-Stops & Ticket to Work Basics
4
Why Expand Ticket to Work in the One-Stops
5
One-Stops Partnering with Benefits Planning & Assistance Programs
6
One-Stops Providing Information to Customers on
Applying for Disability Benefits
7
One-Stops Inquiring about SSI/SSDI
8
One-Stops Passing on Critical Information about SSI/SSDI
9
One-Stops Passing on Information about Other State Incentives
& Programs
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One-Stops Serving as a Resource on
Ticket to Work & SSA Disability Benefits
You do not need to be the expert!
 There are people you can access who are designated experts in ALL of this complex
information and who have many years of technical experience (many of whom also have
personal experience as beneficiaries or parents of beneficiaries).
Know how VALUABLE this information is to individuals with disabilities.
 It is critical for individuals to receive accurate and detailed information regarding their
disability benefits (SSI/SSDI*), including increased choice offered by the Ticket-to-Work
(TtW) Program and other available work incentives and programs in order to make
informed choices about work; these decisions can greatly impact their livelihood.
Know that educating customers about SSA work incentives, Ticket-to-Work
and other available programs can help alleviate fear and increase
employment opportunities.
 Many people are afraid to discuss their benefits and the various work incentives because
it can all sound very complex. However, you can help lessen the anxiety people feel by
providing accurate resources that break down the information and ultimately increase
options for quality employment.
Know about the variety of useful tools/resources available to customers.
 There are many useful tools and resources available on a wide variety of topics including:
how to find out if a person may be eligible for benefits, how to apply and file for benefits,
who can help in understanding the work incentives, who can help with TtW questions,
and who can assist with appeals for disability benefits.
Know how to connect a customer with the Work Incentives Planning and
Assistance (WIPA) Program and/or other certified benefits counselors.
 Every State has a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance Program that can work with
individuals one-on-one and assist in making informed decisions about work. (See page 6
for more information on CWICs and the WIPA program.)
Know that you do not need to know how to assist a job seeker in filing for
benefits or in utilizing the various work incentives.
 There are many organizations that offer support services to assist individuals in applying
for disability benefits and communicating with SSA, including Centers for Independent
Living and some counselors whose jobs involve case management.
*SSI/SSDI: Supplemental Security Income/Social Security Disability Insurance
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One-Stops & Ticket to Work Basics
Know the basics about Ticket to Work.
 Ticket to Work (TtW) is a Social Security Administration (SSA) program that helps people
with disabilities who are interested in work to get the services and supports they need to
accomplish their desired work goals.
 TtW offers individuals age 18 through 64, who are receiving SSI and/or SSDI, expanded
opportunities to obtain services and supports to enter and maintain employment.
 SSA pays approved providers of services, called Employment Networks (ENs), for
assisting Ticket holders to attain employment-related milestones and outcomes.
 Ultimate goal of TtW is to reduce reliance on SSA disability benefits and promote selfsufficiency (TtW Website: http://www.yourtickettowork.com/).
Know the basics about Employment Networks.
 An EN can be a public or private agency, large or small, non-profit or for-profit entity that
contracts with SSA to coordinate the delivery of employment services to Ticket holders
receiving SSI and/or SSDI. Not all ENs are the same – each may offer different services
and may serve different people. An EN might be a trade school or college, a local
employer or business, a community rehabilitation program, or an employment agency.
Know that the Ticket to Work Program is voluntary for BOTH Ticket holders
and approved ENs.
 CHOICE is the foundation of the TtW Program - Ticket holders can decide which EN they
will assign their Ticket to based upon who can best provide the services they need.
Likewise, One Stops that are approved ENs, can decide which Ticket holders they can
best serve.
Know that it is critical for ALL Ticket holders to receive disability benefits
counseling BEFORE assigning a Ticket, in order to ensure informed choice.
 To understand the effects of work on their benefits, recipients should meet with a
disability benefits counselor prior to entering into an agreement with an EN. (See page 6
for more information on CWICs and the WIPA program.)
Know that when Ticket holders choose to participate in the Ticket to Work
Program, SSA will suspend their medical Continuing Disability Review
(CDR).
 This is critical information to relay to job seekers who are beneficiaries of SSI and/or
SSDI and Ticket holders. They should know that they can return to work without fear of
SSA determining that they have medically improved before they are gainfully employed.
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Why Expand Ticket to Work in One-Stops
Ticket to Work Program is a major component of the DEI.
 As part of the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI), grantees at the state level and/or
local level Workforce Investment Areas (LWIAs) are required to become ENs under
SSA’s Ticket to Work Program.
One-Stops have the necessary experience in assisting Social Security
disability beneficiaries and are able to provide the services expected of ENs.
 Since One-Stop Career Centers serve ALL customers, including job seekers with
disabilities, they are already assisting beneficiaries of SSI/SSDI who are Ticket holders.
Expanding the TtW Program in the One-Stop system will expand the universe of choices
for people with disabilities in getting assistance in the return to work.
Payment to One-Stops by SSA for assisting Ticket holders to reach
employment goals can help fund disability-related supports and staffing.
 SSA provides monetary support to approved Employment Networks who assist Social
Security beneficiaries with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining employment, including
long-term funding to ensure Ticket Holders receive ongoing return to work support.
Disability Resource Coordinators (DRCs) will provide hands-on support to
DEI participating One-Stops as they work to expand Ticket to Work.
 As a major component of the DEI, DRCs will assist One-Stops that are serving as
approved ENs by helping to:
o Determine the services that your One-Stop/EN will provide to Ticket holders
o Reach your target audience, including Ticket holders, service providers and other
referral sources
o Access other partner resources, such as benefits planning services
o Identify and carry out necessary EN administration and service delivery tasks
o Negotiate individual work plans with Ticket holders
o Coordinate with Maximus, the Operations Support Manager and TtW Data
Operations Center
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One-Stops Partnering with Benefits Planning &
Assistance Program
BENEFITS PLANNING SERVICES: WIPA
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/work/wipafactsheet.html
 The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) projects across the U.S. and
the U.S. territories work with SSA beneficiaries with disabilities on job placement, benefits
planning and career development.
 By working with a WIPA program, SSA beneficiaries will be better equipped to make
informed choices about work. Each WIPA program is staffed with Community Work
Incentive Coordinators (CWICs) to:
o Provide work incentives planning and assistance;
o Help beneficiaries and their families determine eligibility for Federal or State work
incentives programs;
o Refer beneficiaries with disabilities to appropriate Employment Networks or State
Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies based on individual needs and
impairment types;
o Provide general information about potential employer-based or federally
subsidized health benefits coverage available to beneficiaries once they enter the
workforce; and
o Inform beneficiaries with disabilities of further protection and advocacy services
available to them.
 WIPA programs are authorized to serve all SSA beneficiaries with disabilities, including
transition-to-work aged youth, providing benefits planning and assistance services on
request and as resources permit.
 You may be interested in the services of a CWIC if you are a SSA beneficiary and you:
o Plan to start or return to work;
o Plan to accept or seek a higher-paying job;
o Plan to start your own business;
o Are concerned about stopping work; or,
o Have other questions about how work will affect your disability benefits.
BENEFITS PLANNING SERVICES: AWIC
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/work/awiccontacts.html
 Area Work Incentive Coordinators (AWICs) are SSA employees who provide
assistance to the SSA personnel, beneficiaries, ENs, State VR Agencies, WIPAs and
others in community on employment supports and outreach by:
o Presenting information and training those working on SSA's employment support
programs about the Ticket to Work program and SSA work incentives;
o Helping to resolve work-issues in some cases; and
o Monitoring disability work-related activities and issues in their Federal region.
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One-Stops Providing Information to Customers on
Applying for Disability Benefits
“ARE YOU INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT APPLYING FOR
DISABILITY BENEFITS?”
If you think that a customer may be interested in disability benefits, first ask the question above
and then pass on the Social Security Disability Benefits TOOLKIT For One-Stop Customers
Who Need Information on Applying for Disability Benefits.
Along with the resource above, relay the following CRITICAL information:
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Even if you do become eligible for Social Security benefits, it is possible to return to work
when you are ready.
The sooner you file, the sooner you may be eligible.
Go online, print out the application and give it some thought before opening a case.
(SSA must see your disability on paper & detailed information must be gathered prior to
submitting an application.)
Only SSA & your State’s Disability Determination Service can determine your eligibility.
Understand your reporting responsibilities to SSA once you start the application process.
Below are several situations you may observe or hear from job seekers that
can serve as ‘triggers’ to ask if they are interested in learning more about
applying for disability benefits:
Due to a disability, illness, injury or disease:
 A person is unable to work ‘full-time’.
 A person states that their doctor has pulled them from work completely, and they may be
out of work for a long period of time (a year or more).
 A person has to decrease work hours, and, as a result, earnings have decreased.
 A person is laid-off or terminated because he/she cannot perform the job anymore.
 A person is unsure of the level at which he/she can work or earn.
 A person is paying out-of-pocket expenses, such as for medical, assistive technology or
transportation costs, which allow him/her to work.
A few more things to be aware of when relaying information on applying for
disability benefits:
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Some people feel relieved to learn that they may be eligible for financial benefits & health
insurance, while others may feel hopeless, thinking that they may not be able to work
again.
Some people may not know if they have a disability or may feel labeled when asked if
they would like more information on disability benefits.
Acknowledging that it can be difficult to share personal information and explaining that
there are resources available to assist individuals understand all their options can help
people to open up.
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One-Stops Inquiring about SSI/SSDI
“ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT WORKING WHILE RECEIVING SSI/SSDI &
DO YOU UNDERSTAND ALL WORK INCENTIVES AVAILABLE TO YOU?”
If you know that a customer is receiving SSI/SSDI, ALWAYS ask the question above and
then pass on the Ticket to Work & Social Security Disability Benefits TOOLKIT For OneStop Customers Who Are Ready to Work.
A few things to be aware of when asking the question above:
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Some people are afraid to divulge that they are receiving SSI/SSDI, due to the fear of
being labeled or others assuming they cannot work.
Some people are afraid to discuss their SSI/SSDI because they have had negative
experiences involving over/under payments, sudden loss of benefits/medical insurance,
and/or inaccurate information relayed.
Acknowledging that it can be difficult to share personal information and explaining that
there are resources available to assist individuals understand all of their options can help
people to open up.
If someone is reluctant to discuss that they are receiving SSI/SSDI, relaying the accurate
and positive information listed below can put them more at ease.
One-Stop staff can be confident in relaying the following:
“If you are receiving benefits…”
o You CAN work, and with proper guidance, maintain some, or all of your benefits.
o There are excellent resources available and experts that can work one-on-one to
assist you in understanding all about work incentives.
o It is extremely important to know about all of your available work incentives, so
that you can make informed decisions about work.
o The Ticket to Work program can provide additional resources to assist you
in the return to work.
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One-Stops Passing on Critical Information about
SSI/SSDI
Remember, you do not need to be the expert! However, relaying the information below,
along with passing on more detailed resources like the TOOLKIT For One-Stop
Customers Who Are Ready to Work, can result in SSI/SSDI beneficiaries learning critical
information that can impact their decisions on work and financial livelihood.
CRITICAL INFORMATION ABOUT SSI
 Good Record Keeping!
 A person will always earn MORE $$ when working on SSI than not working!
 A person will always need to pay attention to the Federal resource limit (*$2,000/person,
$3,000/couple) – Plus State Medicaid resource limits.
 A person can keep Medicaid even if he/she loses SSI cash payment due to earned
income. (1619B Continued Medicaid)
 A person should report any expenses related to his/her disability which allows him/her to
work. (Impairment-Related Work Expenses)
*FOR STUDENTS UNDER AGE 22, WHO REGULARLY ATTEND SCHOOL:
 Students receiving SSI can make more $$ before SSA reduces their SSI!
(Student-Earned Income Exclusion)
CRITICAL INFORMATION ABOUT SSDI
 Knowing the rules before attempting work and using the resources will prevent problems
in the future!
 Good Record Keeping!
 Every person has an opportunity to attempt work at any level of earnings & still receive all
of their SSDI. (Trial Work Period)
 Your Medicare insurance can continue even if you may not be receiving a cash payment
of SSDI. (Continuation of Medicare)
 A person should report any expenses related to his/her disability which allows him/her to
work. (Impairment-Related Work Expenses)
 A person should discuss any accommodations they are receiving from an employer that
helps them to maintain their employment (Subsidy)
*Amount may change
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One-Stops Passing on Information about Other
State Incentives & Programs
OTHER STATE INCENTIVES & PROGRAMS
 Medicaid Buy-In (MBI) -- http://www.cms.gov/home/medicaid.asp -- The MBI Program
allows employed individuals with disabilities to “buy in” to Medicaid coverage when their
earnings or assets would otherwise make them ineligible for such coverage. Section 201
of the Ticket to Work - Work Incentives Improvement Act governs the provision of health
care services to workers with disabilities by establishing a Medicaid state plan buy-in
optional eligibility group. In addition, the Balanced Budget Act of 1997 originally provided
an optional Medicaid eligibility group for working individuals with disabilities. As of
December 31, 2008, 42 states were operating a Medicaid Buy-In Program.
*NOTE: States design their Medicaid Buy-In program (within certain parameters)
to meet their State’s unique needs, resources, and objectives. Contact the State
Medicaid office in your area to find out if your state participates, and find out if
there is a state-specific guide that exists for individuals with disabilities.
 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) -- http://www.hud.gov/ -- A Federal program
that provides rental and home ownership assistance for low-income individuals and
families who are elderly and/or disabled. HUD administers this program through each
State’s Housing Finance Agency. This assistance could be Section 8 Housing Choice
Voucher program, HUD rental housing, or home ownership assistance through loan
support, and mortgage assistance.
State office locator - http://www.hud.gov/localoffices.cfm
HUD’s One-stop resource for People with Disabilities http://www.hud.gov/groups/disabilities.cfm
*NOTE: The Social Security Administration’s Work Incentive Planning Assistance
(WIPA) Specialists can assist individuals with understanding how income may
affect rent when residing in Public Housing or Section 8. One-Stop staff can ask
local WIPA Specialists about Earned Income Exclusions and any other work
incentives for individuals with disabilities available in your state.
Technical Assistance Collaborative (TAC) - http://www.tacinc.org/
TAC is a national non-profit organization that advances proven solutions to the
housing and community support needs of vulnerable low-income people with
significant and long-term disabilities. TAC’s goal is to achieve sustainable public
sector systems change through evidenced-based and promising approaches in
mental health, substance abuse, human services and affordable and permanent
supportive housing.
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One-Stops Passing on Information about Other
State Incentives & Programs
OTHER STATE INCENTIVES & PROGRAMS CONTINUED
 Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) -http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=96406,00.html -- The EITC is a refundable
federal income tax credit for low to moderate income working individuals and families. To
qualify, taxpayers must meet certain requirements and file a tax return, even if they did
not earn enough money to be obligated to file a tax return. The EITC has no effect on
certain welfare benefits. In most cases, EITC payments will not be used to determine
eligibility for Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), food stamps, low-income
housing or most Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) payments. Questions
about qualifying for EITC -- http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=130102,00.html
 Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) -http://www.doleta.gov/business/incentives/opptax/ -- The WOTC is one tool designed to
help move people from welfare into gainful employment and obtain on-the-job
experience. It joins other tax credits, education, and workforce training programs that
help American workers with barriers to employment prepare for good jobs; ease their
transition from job to job; benefit from the creation of effective regional economic
development strategies; and create high performance workplaces.
 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) -http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=219171,00.html -- The VITA Program offers
free tax help to low- to moderate-income (generally, $49,000 and below) people who
cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various
organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the
country. VITA sites are generally located at community and neighborhood centers,
libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other convenient locations. Most locations also
offer free electronic filing. To locate the nearest VITA site, call 1-800-906-9887 or
access the weblink (this list does not include every VITA site).
 Real Economic Impact Tour (REI Tour) -- http://realeconomicimpact.org/REITOUR.aspx -- The REI Tour is a national initiative delivering free tax preparation and
filing assistance, along with other asset building strategies to low-income persons with
disabilities. The REI Tour is a public-private collaboration designed to provide Americans
with disabilities insight, tools and resources to improve their lives through financial
education, training and counseling. It promotes the building of local partnership networks
between persons with disabilities and their families; disability and community-based
organizations, and companies that sponsor the Tour. REI Tour cities -http://realeconomicimpact.org/REI-Tour/REI-Tour-Cities.aspx
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