May 20, 2013
Why Work?
The road to employment and to having more income and being financially independent is different for everyone. The Ticket to Work program and Work Incentives allows you to discover a new career or return to a previous one to earn more money. The program offers services and supports to guide you on your path to financial independence.
What does financial independence mean?
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Financial independence means being able to support yourself to meet your wants and needs with money that you earn from a job
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It means being able to make choices and have options about what you buy, where you live, and what you do with your free time
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It means not being limited by Social Security disability benefits and working your way off of cash benefits whenever possible
Learn what financial independence means to some of our Success Story participants who used the Ticket to Work program and Work Incentives to return to work or find a new job. Meet Robert and Megan and see how they are doing on their journey to financial independence
Working can lead to more than just financial independence! Through work, you can:
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May 6, 2013
You may have already filed your taxes, but now is the time to start preparing for next year, especially if you started working or plan to go back to work this year. Tracking your expenses throughout the year may help you take advantage of the tax credits that are available to you.
One tax credit that you may be able to take advantage of is IRS’ Impairment-Related Work Expenses and deductible medical expenses. If you have a disability and work, you may incur certain expenses for special aids, services, or equipment that allow you to work effectively. You can claim a deduction for those expenses on your federal income tax return. You can also generally include medical expenses you pay for yourself, as well as those you pay for someone who is your spouse or your dependent.
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April 8, 2013
The Ticket to Work program is committed to helping you and other people with disabilities improve their financial literacy and progress on the path to financial independence. Financial literacy can be defined as the ability to use knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively for a lifetime of financial well-being. Financial literacy is more than just balancing a checkbook, comparing prices in a store or having a job or income. It also includes skills like long-term planning for the future, and the skills to create and keep solid financial habits every day. Today, we want to share information with you to determine how debt may be affecting your financial wellness and what you can do about it.
While you may be managing your debt, if it seems like you aren’t making progress in reducing it or the debt just doesn’t seem to go away, you may be carrying too much debt. Below are signs that you may have too much debt:
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Spending 20 percent or more of your paycheck to pay off car loans, credit cards, or other debt
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Borrowing to pay off other debts
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Unaware of how much money you owe
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Making only minimum payments on each bill
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Missing payments, or paying bills late every month
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Creditors are calling you
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Being refused extended credit or additional credit
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Borrowing from retirement accounts or use credit cards to pay other monthly bills
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Writing postdated checks
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April 3, 2013
April is National Financial Literacy Month! The purpose of this month is to educate people about financial literacy and to provide the knowledge and tools to improve individuals’ financial wellness. The Ticket to Work program is committed to helping you and other people with disabilities progress on the path to financial independence.
This month, we will host activities and share information that can help you manage your money and become and stay financially independent including:
WISE Webinar: Financial Independence Series. The Ticket to Work program will host a two-part webinar series.
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Part One – April 10 – The first webinar of the Financial Independence series will provide an overview of Ticket to Work and Work Incentives, guidance on setting SMART goals, and tips on budgeting, banking and building and maintaining healthy credit. Experts Terri Uttermohlen and Djuna Mitchell from Social Security will serve as presenters for this event.
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Part Two– April 24 – The second webinar will include a recap of part one, as well as information on the Earned Income Tax Credit, Individual Development Accounts, health care and advice on how to avoid overpayments.
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April 3, 2013
Join us April 10 and 24 for a free two-part WISE webinar: Ticket to Work: Support for People with Disabilities on Their Journey to Financial Independence. 
Part 1: Wednesday, April 10, 2013, 3:00 PM, EDT
Part 2: Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 3:00 PM, EDT
These webinars are an opportunity for individuals who have previously participated in a Ticket to Work and Work Incentives webinar to learn more about the path to financial independence.
This WISE webinars will present tips, tools, and resources that help you:
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Learn how to save what you earn
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Understand what tax credits may apply to you
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Gain basic financial knowledge such as budgeting and expense tracking
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March 25, 2013
If you are expecting a refund this year, have you thought about what to do with your money? Maybe you already know what you want to spend it on, but does your plan that support your journey to financial independence? Did you make a commitment to Improve Your Financial Wellness In 2013? Although it’s tempting, you should treat your refund check the same way you would treat any income such as your benefits check or your paycheck.
Remember, the government isn’t sending you free money, but your money that has been held to cover taxes. If you are receiving a large refund, you may be having too much money withheld. To decide if this is your situation, think about your monthly expenses. If you're incurring debt, then you may have room to have fewer taxes withheld. First, review your W-4 form and adjust your federal income tax withholding allowances. By reducing the taxes withheld from your paycheck, you can increase the amount of your take home pay, giving you more cash to pay monthly bills throughout the year. Next year, your tax refund will be lower because you had less tax withheld from your paycheck.
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February 11, 2013
These days many are concerned about the rising costs of health care. Medical expenses are often a top stress for many individuals who are living with a disability. Whether you are covered by Medicare, Medicaid or private insurance, it is important to understand how you can minimize your out-of-pocket costs. Here are some ways to manage your health care spending.
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Know Your Numbers - If you can, reduce the number of doctor visits – and the co-pays that come with them – by keeping tabs on your vital stats. An investment in a heart rate or blood pressure monitor, or keeping tabs on your blood sugar or other factors you can test at home, can pay off in the long run.
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Make a Deal with Your Doctor - If you haven’t met your deductible yet or you have pricey co-insurance, see if your doctor will cut his rate if you pay in cash.
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Buy Cheaper Medications - Many insurance plans have tiered systems, with different rates for generic, “preferred” brands and non-preferred drugs. Check if there is a less expensive option for your medications.
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January 28, 2013
Do you want to become more financially independent in the new year?
January is National Financial Wellness Month making it a great time to think about your financial health. You can take control of your financial wellness right now. Here is a roundup of some of our posts from 2012 that will help you on your journey for financial independence.
Tools and Resources for Your Journey to Financial Independence
Financial Literacy Tips for People with Disabilities
Money Mondays: Start Saving With Your New Bank Account
Money Mondays: Setting up a Bank Account
Money Mondays: Is Your Money Situation Stressing You?
Money Mondays: Individual Development Accounts can help you reach your goals!
Money Mondays: Creating a Budget Today to Improve Your Tomorrow
Money Mondays: Know Your Credit
Watch our past WISE webinar “Ticket to Work: Support for People with Disabilities on Their Journey to Financial Independence”: Watch the recorded webinar here!
Read more money saving tips at #MoneyMondays!
When you are ready to change your life through work, try Ticket to Work. Explore www.ssa.gov/work for more information about the program, email us at support@chooseworkttw.net, or call 1-866-968-7842 (V) or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).
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