Are you ready to boost your career and gain financial independence? If you’re between 18 and 64 and receiving Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI), Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program is here to help! This free and voluntary program is your chance to access the tools, support, and connections you need to start or advance your career. Ready to transform your future? Here’s how it works!

What Is the Ticket to Work Program?

The Ticket Program is perfect for those who want to increase their earnings and are motivated to succeed in the workforce. It’s designed to provide free employment services, including career counseling, training, job placement assistance, and more. Working with a team of dedicated service providers, like Employment Networks (ENs) or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies, you’ll have experts on your side to guide you every step of the way!

Your Path to Success

Through the Ticket Program, you’ll build a personalized employment team to help you prepare for work, land a job, and thrive in the workplace. Let’s explore the service providers that are ready to help you:

• Employment Networks (ENs): These are private or public organizations that assist with career counseling, job placement, and understanding how work may impact your benefits. You can work with ENs in-person, by phone, or even virtually! ENs are there for long-term support to help you grow in your career.
• Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies: If you need more extensive services, VR agencies are a great resource! They provide intensive training, education, medical assistance, and more to help you get job-ready. Once you’re employed, they may transition you to an EN for ongoing support through a program called Partnership Plus.
• Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) Projects: These organizations help you understand how working may impact your benefits. They provide in-depth counseling so you can make informed decisions.
• Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS): Facing employment challenges? PABSS advocates are here to protect your rights and remove barriers, making your path to employment smooth and secure.

How Do I Qualify?

If you’re between 18 and 64 and receive SSDI or SSI, you’re already eligible! Even if you didn’t receive a paper Ticket in the mail, you can still participate. To verify your eligibility, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (or 1-866-833-2967 for TTY users) from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

Ready to Get Started?

It’s easy to begin your journey! Call the Ticket to Work Help Line to confirm your eligibility, ask questions, and get a list of service providers. You can also use the Find Help tool for a customized list of available resources. For definitions of common terms referenced in this guide, check out the Ticket to Work Dictionary.

Need to explore which provider is best for you? Use the [Finding an EN and Assigning Your Ticket Worksheet] to stay organized and ask the right questions.

Want to Take Action Today?

Here are six ways to dive in and learn more:

1. Call the Ticket to Work Help Line for answers about work incentives and reporting your wages.
2. Explore Social Security Work Incentives that could benefit you.
3. Check out our FAQs about the Ticket Program.
4. Read success stories of others who’ve achieved their goals through the Ticket Program.
5. Join a WISE Webinar for in-depth details about Ticket to Work and other incentives.
6. Sign up for text updates by texting “TICKET” to 1-571-489-5292.

You don’t have to wait any longer to reach your goals. Take your first step toward financial independence today with Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program! Your dream job is waiting, and we’re here to help you every step of the way!