An Open Message to Social Security Disability Beneficiaries from Associate Commissioner Bob Williams

I'm 65 now and want to go back to work parttime...can the ticket still be viable for me...i've held on to it for fivr yrs.

Unfortunately your eligibility to use the ticket ended when you turned age 65 because at age 65 you can begin to receive retirement benefits.  We suggest you contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY/TDD). Hours are 7 a.m. to  7 p.m., M-F, excluding federal holidays, and ask how work can affect your retirement benefits. Also read SSA Publication No. 05-10069, “How Work Affects Your Benefits” at http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10069.html

I'm 56 interested in the ticket to work program, but I have limited mobility issuses. I have fibromyalgia with bone spurs in my back. I wish to try to work because the income I receive is not enough. Is there any employment i may be able to do without alot of movement or lifting? I used to do Data entry. I use to have a ticket but can't find it now do I have to get another one?

Hi Linda, SSA no longer sends paper tickets in the mail, so don't worry-you don't need a paper Ticket to participate. If you decide to participate, you can contact any authorized provider in your area to see if the services they offer are right for you. Check out our Find Help tool at www.choosework.net/resource/jsp/searchByState.jsp or call 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD) to speak to a Ticket to Work representative.

Hello Sir, nice to see your friendly face up there! Well. I've been out of work forever and a half and I need to do something I love to do. Otherwise I wouldn't be happy, and when I'm not happy a whole bunch of people see that and they think that something's wrong and I sure do hate emergencies. But it may be difficult to place me. I really enjoy music, I like to sing SERIOUS music and I also like to assist other people by researching for them. It sure is hard to be accurate though. I hope you understand that I'd really love to  love my work. Thank you sir!!!

Hi Nathan! We are so happy you are excited to work! Have you thought about working at a library or music store? An employment network (EN) can help you explore the possibilities! If you are ready to work, the Ticket to Work program may be right for you! We can provide you with training, career counseling, and job support to help you find a job that could work for you. Call our Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD) to talk to someone who can help you meet your goals.

I was in school and I had a ticket to work and working threw Vr

they canceled my ticket to work and refuse to send another one.

Lester

Hi Lester,
SSA no longer sends paper tickets in the mail, so don't worry-you don't need a paper ticket to participate.  If you already receive SSDI or SSI, then you qualify for the Ticket program. To participate,  contact any authorized provider in your area to see if the services they offer are right for you. Check out our Find Help tool at www.choosework.net/resource/jsp/searchByState.jsp or call 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD) to speak to a Ticket to Work representative.

I was disabled on SSDI in the 80's (about 10 years).  I went back to school and got a BA in Sociology.  I am a registered nurse (registered in 1975). I have several types of arthritis including rheumatoid, psoriatic, and osteoarthritis.  I also have fibromyalgia. I went back to work doing home health for 9 years and then went into a nursing home as nursing supervisor.  I originally had a "trial period" of employment which I understood was for 9 months only.  I worked about 6 months and had a flare of my rheumatoid arthritis and was ordered to not work once again by my rheumatologist. I worked for about 10 years in various institutions and home health agencies before I had another flare of my rheumatoid arthritis.

   My quest ion is, is this a time limited or a money earned limited type deal before you lose this? Also, is there an essential requirement of working 20 hours?  I will admit that I am aggravated with the ups and downs of these physical problems and am REALLY aggravated that I am now unreliable....something I used to pride myself in being.  TGhanks you

Hi Rachel, We understand your frustration and want you to know that the Ticket to Work can provide employment supports and guidance to people who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSI and/ or SSDI) and may be right for you.  If you are ready to increase your earning potential, gain personal fulfillment, and transition to financial independence, we encourage you to contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD) for answers to your specific questions, information about Ticket to Work and Work Incentives, and to receive information about free, Social Security-approved employment service providers.  Another great way to connect with approved service providers is through our Find Help tool at http://www.chooseworkttw.net/resource/jsp/searchByState.jsp  As a former nurse, you understand the importance of  healthcare coverage.  One of the many incentives offered through participation in Ticket to Work is the ability to keep your Medicare/Medicaid while you work.  Give us a call or find us online at www.choosework.net.   We would be happy to speak to you about your options!

My question is this...I want to try and go to school online. It is to become a Holistic Health Practitioner. It will cost around $2600 total. I was wondering if SSDI would help cover that cost. I looked at the brick and mortar colleges (2) in my town and none of them have this course option. I have Myasthenia Gravis and doing online schooling would be easier on my weak body. Thanks

Hi Stephanie, It’s great to hear you want to go to school. The Ticket program can provide you with support and resources to help you meet this goal. We suggest you speak with a representative at our Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD) to get started. Good luck.

I have been receiving SSDI benefits after a hemorrhagic stroke in May 2006, and have been trying desperately to get back to work since October 2006. I am 54 years old now and despite my qualifications 22 years in consumer lending, a undergraduate degree, a law degree and an MBA,  having applied to several hundred Federal jobs that I know I am more than qualified, I cannot seem to be able to get through even to an interview with or without the Schedule A assistance. Is there any kind of assistance that I can seek that can help me break through the bureaucracy of the Federal hiring process?

Hi, it is really nice to see this is working.

Hello Nick, We understand the hiring process can be challenging and at times frustrating. If you aren’t working with a service provider, we suggest you use our “Find Help” tool at www.choosework.net/findhelp or contact our Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD) to find a service provider that works for you. We encourage you to sign up for Ticket program updates at www.choosework.net/signup to receive continuous support and valuable resources to help you on your journey to return to work. Stay motivated!

My son has a severe medical condition (Degenerative Disc Disorder along with some other complications) which is preventing him from working.  He has not worked for close to a year and has lost everything including a place to live.  He desperately needs income.  The doctor has recommnded that he file for disability but since it could take years to get disability benefits approved my daughter told me that he could apply for State Disability which has nothing to do with Social Security.  She said that her husband applied for the State Disability and his checks started within 2 weeks.  If there is any validity to taking this path could you please send me the information to locate the forms for him to apply.  Thank you. 

Hello Carolyn, We apologize but we don’t have information about State disability. The Ticket to Work program is managed by Social Security and recipients must receive SSDI or SSI to participate. We suggest you contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or 1-800-325-0778 (TTY/TDD). Hours are 7 a.m. to  7 p.m., M-F, excluding federal holidays, to explore disability benefit options for your son.

Hello!

In 2003 I went back to school to get an education so I can become employed and be self supporting. I have Multiple Sclerosis. I was using my Ticket to Work and used my PASS Plan to purchase a handicapped van. I did purchase the van...paid in full.I am in a motorized wheelchair. I have earned 176 college credits towards my BA In the Social Work Program at Salish Kootenai College in Pablo Montana. The same degree now takes 184 credits to earn a BA. At the beginning of my Senior year, I got ill with a systemic infection and had to leave school. In 2007 I had a mental breakdown that landed me in the State Hospital in Warm Springs Montana. I spent 5 months in that facility. Upon my release I was given the choice to either go into a rest home for the rest of my life or move to Kentucky to be near my eldest son. I am now in an apartment in Kentucky. The van is still in Montana. It was sold when I got ill and went in to the hospital.  What I am trying to do is become employed in a field I am qualified for. I am not sure what to do. I am smart, viable and desperately want to get a job. I realize this note is rather disjointed. There is alot more to this problem. I am in process of finding answers and this is where my journey landed me. Can you help me figure this out? Thank you,

Cindy

Hi Cindy. We are sorry to hear about your situation. An Employment Network in your area may be able to give you the help you need to get you started back on the journey to self-sufficiency. We suggest you speak with a representative at our Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD) to get started. Our represenatives can help you get specific answers to your questions. All the best!

hi my name is nick genco. i am using my ticket to get some compueter traning in electronic service technology. 

Hi,

I recently received an offer from an organization NTI Central offering employment

to persons receiving Disability to do computer work @ 9.00/hr.  Are you familiar with this

program?  NTICentral.org  (866/501-8387)

Hi Nick! We are so glad to hear you are making the Ticket work for you! All the best for your continued success on the path to a good job, good career and better self-supporting future!

Hi Melody!

If you work with an Employment Network, they can assist you in vetting employers. Find an Employment Network with the Find Help tool or call 1-866-968-7842/ 866-833-2967(TTY/TDD), M - F 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST to discuss your personal situation.

I have had a spinal condition since I was 12.  I am in constant pain and at times unable to walk.  I have always worked (since I was 15) and am in constant emotional termoil since I've had to rely on SSDI (since 2009.)  My condition has gotten worse, I'm not able to do as much but I don't feel completely useless.  I turned to the ticket to work program in hopes becoming self employed, as I have discovered that I am not reliable enough for traditional employment.  I know that there are resources out there somewhere to help me, but the EN I use (who accepted me knowing I was interested in self employment) will not respond to emails or phone messages I leave.  I've also left messages with several other EN's with no reply.  My question is, is there a place, perferably online, that has info and resources for people with disabilities?

Hello Diane! This website is a good starting point for you! Check out our blog, as there have been recent posts on resources for financial independence and help for younger people who are looking to work. You also have choices when it comes to an Employment Network. Use our Advanced Search feature to perform a filtered search to find Employment Networks that specifically offer help with self employment. If you have more questions or wish to discuss your personal situation, please call 1-866-968-7842
/866-833-2967(TTY/TDD), 
M - F 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST to speak to one of our knowledgeable representatives.

DEAR SIR

        I was Vietnamese and I was a disability man, now I am looking for a job, I can do somethings about office works 

       Would you please help me to find out a job , or give me a ticket in your country???

      Iam looking foward to hearing from you soon

     Thank you very much

Thank you for your interest in the Ticket program. However, the Ticket program is only available to American citizens who are currently receiving Social Security benefits.

 I wood like to work a again its ben a long time.

Hi Garett, We are so glad you want to work again! Your best way to start getting your questions answered is to call our Help Line at 1-866-968-7842
866-833-2967(TTY/TDD), 
M - F 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST. Our knowledgeable representatives can determine where you stand in terms of your Trial Work Period, and explain what your options are. Also, check out our Find Help tool to find an Employment Network that can help you. All the best on your journey to self-sufficiency!

I tried calling ss to try to go back to work.  I must have gotten the wrong department or something but didnt find a "provider" to get me back to work.  My family helped me find a job.  I have been working part-time a few hours a week which is very challenging and now SS is doing a Medical review on me while I am trying to work.  There publication clearly states they wont audit you while you start working.  However, now another person is telling me I am being audited because I dont have this "TICKET".  Give me a break.  I have a mental disability how am I suppose to nagigate through all this.  Couldnt some one have just set me up appropriately when I called them to tell them I want to try to work?  In stead I was left to mull through on my own.  I found it confusing so my family helped.  Because of that I am pentalized?  What a rigamaro.  No can resovle this but to send me to a different phone number, a different department, or get stuck leaving messages everywhere.  HELLO?   This is a nightmare.

Hi Wendy,
We’re sorry to hear you are having some difficulty with your benefits. We think the ticket to Work program would be right for you. Since, the law requires Social Security to review every beneficiary’s case periodically to see if you are still disabled and eligible to receive benefits. These medical Continuing Disability Reviews are generally scheduled every three years. But how often Social Security  reviews your case depends on whether your medical condition is expected to improve.

One of the benefits of participating in the Ticket to Work Program is that these medical reviews are not conducted as long as you are participating in the program and making progress toward achieving your employment goal. Since you are already working part-time, you may want to consider the Ticket to Work Program as a way to increase your earnings and become more self-sufficient. We recommend that you contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842
866-833-2967(TTY/TDD), 
M - F 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST. Our knowledgeable representatives can put you in touch with approved service providers.

Please Help,

I was told in 2005 I would never be able to work again. I have a five level Fusion in my neck that prevents me from doing anything that required phycial effort. I started aqua therapy in 2006. 

In 2008 I called and recieved a ticket to work. I got a teller job for 20 hours a weeks, my employer knows I have limitations and have been very understanding.

One reason I found part time employment was for the health insurance ( RX benefits) because my medications were costing me more money than I had. I bought into a RX plan through the SSDI website, but still fell short with the gap, anyways.

A new bank bought us and everyone who had vacation or sick leave, the new employer paid everyone for their time so all would start out with 0 vacation/ sick pay.

I was paid for 4 weeks of vacation and 2.5 weeks of sick time and now they said I made too much money durning that time and do not quailfy any longer for SSDI. I have written to them and tried to call, even the local office said they are not involved with decisions like this and I need to follow instruction to the letter on the letter. 

I sent all the information last year to them (2X ) and never heard from them again. Now out of nowhere, one year later, they say my last check will be this month. (Sept)

Why are they doing this? I did not ask for my vacation/sick time to be paid in my check. I would rather it stayed in place to use. This was not my normal income.

I have tried to work more hours since I got the letter that I can't get anyone from SSDI to responed to, so I have no idea what is going on.

I come home in extreme pain that keeps me from sleeping. I would love to work full time but I don't know if I can, or if I could keep up the pace longer than a few weeks. My disability is permanet. 5 level fusion and permanet nerve damage in both arms (all the way from the neck) working has helped me keep my mind off the pain. Trying to have a somewhat normal life. Can someone there help me? Don't they want me to try to have a normal life? Am I suppose to just sit and do nothing, be nothing? I AM I NOT SUPPOSE TO TRY?

Do I have to contact a lawyer to get an answer? Lawyers are expensive and I have no extra money to give someone else.

Sincerely,

Lee

Hi Lee,

Thank you for contacting us. We are sorry to hear about the difficulties you are experiencing. We will reach out to you by email to discuss your situation.

I have been on disability for about eight years now--61 years old and ten years out of the job market. I have had multiple sclerosis for over 30 years and been diagnosed within the past 3 years with fibromyalgia, narcolepsy, and cataplexy. My days are unpredictable. I never know when I will get a "sleep attack" and even under medication, I have fallen asleep while driving. I walk into walls, fall down a couple times a month, and have days where the "head doesn't work." My physician has told me to keep my stress minimal . . . and yes, symptoms do get worse under stress. (I start walking like a puppet or the legs collapse--cataplexy) However, I WRITE, which is something I can do from home on those days when the head is clear.

I have written a couple of books. When I called SSDI, I was told that gross earnings over $750 (your site says $720) counts toward the trial work period. My problem is this. If I buy 75 of my books and sell them for $10 each, my  gross earnings will be $750. However, my actual earnings after I take out the cost of the books, shipping, and state sales tax (which I would include in that $10 to make an easier sale) would be closer to $350. That doesn't include any expenditures I make to market the books or the gas to drive somewhere to talk about them. Social Security would think I was a SUCCESS! -- but I'd be financially destroyed.

The last woman I talked with at SSDI/Ticket to Work finally admitted they were a "call center" and could not answer the question about how "earnings" would actually be calculated in this case.

Help! I'm not sure this idea is even viable.

Hi Sandra, Thank you for your comment. We will reach out to you to provide clarification  and answer your questions.

I had a ticket to work.  The local Division of Rehab Services said they had no funds to honor it and I was waitlisted.  I went to school instead.  Got a job after I received my associate's degree.  In debt now $36000 with a bachelor's degree in hand.  Been working fulltime since April 2010.  Lost my EID, can't pay premium.  Got a letter today saying I now have to pay my medicare premiums.  Lost that too because I cannot.  I thought we got 7 years of medicare after going back to work?  So now I can't go to the doctor.  Can't by my meds.  Need a surgery I can't have now.  Sick.  Tired.  In pain 24/7. 

Recently saw a statistic saying only 1/2 of 1% of people on SSDI every go back to work.  Now I know why.  Everyone wants money I don't have.  No TV.  No internet.  No cell phone.  No house phone.  Lost everything.  Had I known what it was going to be, I would NEVER have left SSDI.  I'm still totally and permenantly disabled.  I could go back.  But I'd lose my car, which is the only thing I have left.

Hello, I have had Multiple Sclerosis since the age of 21. I am now 37. My last job was as a cashier at  a local Sheetz store for only 2 years. I am slow at times but at others  I have wonderful days. I am also taking a medicine that is infused once a month and bills are severly tight to be paid by me and my husband with him being the only one working. I was wondering if there would be some kind of work I could do at home. I have two younger children I have to take care of as well. My ss checks are a little over $600 a month and even with my husbands earnings it has become a struggle to pay for things. Could you please tell me what kind of job I would be able to do if I qualify for one? I would greatly appreciate it.

Thankyou, Patty

Hi Sue, We’re sorry to hear about your challenges. We suggest you speak to a Ticket to Work representative who can  discuss your personal situation and help you explore your options to return to work and keep your benefits. Please call 1-866-968-7842
866-833-2967(TTY/TDD), M - F 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM EST.

Hi Patty,
We are happy to hear you are interested in going back to work  and we think the Ticket to Work program may be right for you! The Ticket program is free and voluntary and exists specifically to help people with disabilities gain access to meaningful employment with the help of specialized providers, including those who work with people who want to try to work from home. If you're ready to work, the Ticket program can help you get started! Call our Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY/TDD) and speak to one of our knowledgeable representatives! All the best to you on your journey to self-sufficiency!