The Ticket To Work Program
Social Security’s Ticket to Work program supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries age 18 through 64 who want to work. The Ticket program is free and voluntary. The Ticket program helps people with disabilities progress toward financial independence.
What is ticket to work and who qualifies?
Additional Information
Everyone age 18 through 64 who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits because of his or her disability is eligible to participate in the Ticket to Work program. Participation in the Ticket to Work program is free and voluntary.
Social Security no longer sends paper tickets in the mail, and you don't need a paper Ticket to participate! Your eligibility will be verified by the service provider with whom you choose to work. You can also find out about your eligibility status by calling the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (V)/ 866-833-2967 (TTY).
Work Incentives
Trial Work Period (TWP) (SSDI recipients only)
The TWP allows you to test your ability to work for at least 9 months. During your TWP, you will receive full SSDI benefits no matter how much you earn as long as your work activity is reported and you have a disabling impairment.
Expedited Reinstatement(EXR) (SSDI and SSI recipients)
If your benefits stopped because of your earnings level, and you are no longer able to work because of your medical condition, or one related to it, you can request to have your benefits reinstated without having to complete a new application. While Social Security determines your benefits reinstatement, you are eligible to receive temporary benefits for up to 6 months.
Protection from Medical Continuing Disability Reviews (CDR) (SSDI and SSI recipients)
If you assign your Ticket to an approved service provider before you receive notice of a medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR), you will not have to undergo the medical review while you are participating in the Ticket to Work program and making progress within Social Security's timeframes.