by You applied for SSDI, went through the complex and lengthy process, and were granted disability benefits.
Now, your health has improved, and you are considering going back to work.
But what will happen to your benefits? What if you return to work and your disability worsens with time?
If you have doubts about returning to work, you should learn about Ticket to Work.
Ticket to Work is a Social Security Administration SSA program that allows individuals to return to the workforce without immediately losing disability benefits.
In this article, an Indianapolis disability attorney firm will explain how Ticket to Work works and its advantages. You’ll learn how to return to work while keeping your benefits safe.
Understanding Ticket to Work
Ticket to Work TTW is a program that helps individuals who receive Social Security disability benefits go back to work or find their first job.
This program’s purpose is to help you become financially independent without losing your benefits right away.
Many disability benefits recipients feel ready to return to the workforce. However, they are afraid that if they get a job and end their benefits, if their disability returns or worsens, they will lack financial assistance.
That is an understandable concern. That is why Social Security developed the Ticket to Work program.
How Does The Ticket to Work Program Work?
Being disabled doesn’t have to take away your chances of earning a living and forging a career.
If you receive federal financial assistance and want to return to the workforce, there are many options for you.
Ticket to Work is meant for individuals between 18 and 64 who receive Social Security Disability Insurance SSDI or Supplemental Security Income SSI.
TTW offers valuable resources, such as job training and career counseling, so individuals can enhance their chances of securing a good job.
But the core advantage of this program is that it allows individuals to try working without risking their benefits.
How Will This Program Protect My Benefits?
Ticket to Work offers the opportunity to try returning to the workforce without immediately losing their benefits.
By enrolling in this program, you will have a trial period during which you can work without losing your SSDI or SSI benefits, regardless of your earnings.
The trial period extends for 9 months within a 60-month timeframe. That allows you to test your ability to work and confirm that you are ready to head back to work.
During that period, you’ll also retain your healthcare coverage. You even have the chance to keep Medicare for up to 93 months after your trial period. This extended healthcare coverage provides extra security during your employment transition.
Last but not least, TTW provides an extra layer of protection through expedited reinstatement.
What is expedited reinstatement?
Suppose you take advantage of TTW, get a new job, and start earning a good salary. So, you terminate your disability benefits.
But two years after that, your disability returns or worsens, hindering your ability to work once again.
If that happens, you get the chance to secure SSDI without filing a new application. That means no paperwork, medical evidence, or long waiting periods.
This protection remains available for up to 5 years after ending your benefits.
Crucial Benefits for Disability Benefits Recipients
Let’s explore further some of the benefits of Ticket to Work:
Employment Networks
One of the essential parts of TTW is that you’ll work with service providers, such as Employment Networks EN or Vocational Rehabilitation VR. They’ll provide crucial resources and training opportunities to smooth your transition toward employment.
Supporting Your Goals
Another reason to take part in TTW is the personal support you’ll receive.
Your service provider will work with you to craft an Individual Work Plan IWP. Together, you will set your unique employment goals, and the EN will assist in ensuring you meet those goals.
Transition Over Time
Are you afraid things move on too quickly?
That’s unlikely to happen unless you are fully ready and eager to go back to work.
Ticket to Work ensures you take time to transition your way back into employment.
Progress in the program is gradual, enabling you to test your abilities and if you are truly ready to perform work-related activities.
A Voluntary Program
Ticket to Work is a voluntary program; you don’t need to participate to continue receiving SSDI benefits.
Its main goal is to minimize financial stress on your part and help you move toward financial independence.
Taking the First Steps Toward Employment
Once you sign up for the Ticket to Work, you’ll start working with SSA-approved Employment Networks.
This is what you can expect:
Develop a plan:
The EN and you will collaborate to create a plan that considers your abilities, interests, and goals.
Receive support services:
You will receive valuable resources you need to succeed, such as career counseling, educational programs, or job coaching.
Re-entering the workforce:
While you conduct your own search, the EN will also assist in finding a job that matches your career interests and skills. They’ll provide ongoing support throughout the transition
Keeping Your Benefits Safe While Returning to Work
Going back to employment while protecting your disability benefit is possible
Thanks to Ticket to Work, you can safely try returning to the workforce while receiving monthly payments and keeping healthcare coverage
This program has helped thousands of individuals achieve their career goals and stop being dependent on SSDI or SSI
You can also enjoy the TTW benefits. Head to the SSA website to learn more about this program and start your journey toward your dream job
