Some people qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, but not for the rest of their lives. After you start receiving benefits, your condition might improve enough that you want to try going back to work. The Social Security Administration (Social Security) supports the idea. In fact, Social Security offers special programs to help SSDI recipients achieve their employment goals. One key element is the employment network.
Ticket to Work for SSDI Recipients
The Ticket to Work program is designed to help SSDI beneficiaries age 18 through 64 reduce or eliminate their need for support by returning to work. The program is voluntary and offers free job support.
Other benefits to the program are that workers can tentatively return to work without losing their benefits. Actually, you might be able to try several times over several years until you are able to work full-time.
Some of the benefits offered under the Ticket to Work program include:
- Employment counseling,
- Vocational rehabilitation,
- Training, and
- Assistance with supplies and equipment.
People who qualify for the program can choose an employment network that suits their needs.
Where an Employment Network Fits In
An employment network is an organization that provides services like:
- Helping you evaluate and choose a new career,
- Available jobs and how to get them, and
- SSDI benefits counseling.
Some employment networks cover local communities only, while others might be statewide or even nationwide. Often, an employment network is part of your state’s public workforce system.
It’s important to search for the right employment network before settling on one. Services offered varies from network to network. Social Security offers assistance with this, too, including worksheets, pamphlets, and person-to-person communications.
How Employment Networks … Work.
Once you enroll in the Ticket to Work program, you have a “ticket” that can be used to enroll with an employment network. After finding the right network, you assign your ticket to that network. This authorizes the network to begin working with you as you move toward independence from SSDI benefits.
People at your employment network should guide you through the process, from setting goals to achieving them. As we mentioned before, most people can continue to receive SSDI benefits (in whole or in part) while taking steps to return to the workforce. Your employment network counselors can help you understand what you need to do to make it all happen.
After Qualifying for SSDI, You Might Need an Employment Network
The attorneys at The Law Offices of Martin Taller have helped many clients resolve SSDI issues. For a free consultation, call us at 714-385-8100. Though our office is located in Anaheim, we assist clients throughout Southern California.
