According to Forbes, more than 50% of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) applicants would like to work again, but they fear losing their important financial and healthcare benefits, such as Medicare. This is a very valid fear, as it can often take a long time to navigate the SSDI system. According to USAFacts, the national average wait time for the first decision is 7 months, 15 days. The national approval rate for the initial application is around 38% which means most people get denied on their first try and need to appeal the decision. And the entire process can take three years or more.
Fortunately, there is a program available that acts as a safety net to help people on SSDI ease their way into the workforce without a fear of losing their benefits: the Ticket to Work program. The Ticket to Work program is a U.S. Social Security Administration initiative that helps people with disabilities find and keep employment while maintaining their Social Security benefits. The free, voluntary program is available in all 50 states.
Eligible individuals can use a “ticket” to access various employment services from approved providers. The program offers support such as job training and career counseling, along with work incentives that allow participants to test their ability to work without immediately losing their benefits. The goal is to promote financial independence and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities.
Personally, I was out of work and living on SSDI income for more than five years after suffering a physical injury. It took me two years to get approved for SSDI in the first place, and so losing those benefits was my biggest concern about going back into the workforce. These fears were alleviated by the Ticket to Work Program.
I used my “ticket” at a local nonprofit that set me up with a career counselor who helped me rebuild my resume from scratch and write cover letters. He would send me job leads to apply to many times a week, and I started landing interviews right away. A few months later, I accepted a part-time job offer with a nonprofit organization that helps people with disabilities gain meaningful employment. This part-time job led to a full-time position, where I worked for more than three years. Even when I was working, my career counselor kept in touch and helped address issues that came up on the job. And when I moved on from the nonprofit, he went right back to work helping me find a new position.
The Ticket to Work program changed my life at a time when I thought I would never work again. Now I am an experienced professional with aspirations to continue in the disability workforce development field.
I encourage anyone on SSDI who wants to work to look into the Ticket to Work program. For more information, start at the official Ticket to Work website.
