Celebrating 25 Years of the Ticket to Work | Social Security Matters

This year, we’re celebrating the 25th anniversary of our Ticket to Work (Ticket) program. The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act helps people with disabilities go to work and reduce or eliminate their need for benefits.

The Ticket program:

Is free and voluntary.Offers career development for people ages 18-64 who receive payments from Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and want to work.Connects them with free employment services from approved in-person or virtual service providers.Helps them decide if work, including self-employment, is right for them.

The Ticket program has helped many people reach their employment goals. Here are 2 success stories.

Adrienne: Successful Career Launch with Ticket to Work

Adrienne has autism spectrum disorder (ASD). When she was preparing to graduate from high school, her parents wanted to ensure she had opportunities in adulthood, including access to employment. Thanks to a collaborative effort between the Ticket program and local agencies, she works full time as a departmental aide for the city of Philadelphia. She proudly traded her monthly SSI payments for a rewarding job she loves. Read Adrienne’s story.

Kushal: Financial Independence with Ticket to Work

Kushal has muscular dystrophy, a disease that causes muscle weakness that has severely reduced his mobility. The Ticket program allowed him to reach his educational, employment, and financial goals. Despite physical limitations, he earned a master’s degree in social work and is a full-time benefits counselor. As his career progressed and his income increased, he had to overcome many challenges. With help from Ticket program service providers, he has been able to keep his critical health care benefits. Read Kushal’s story.

You can find more Success Stories on our Ticket Program website.

Start Your Journey with Ticket to Work

Would you like to follow Adrienne and Kushal’s lead? To get started with the Ticket program, you can use the Find Help Tool on our website, choosework.ssa.gov, or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842. For callers who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, call 1-866-833-2967 (TTY). Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Ticket service providers, such as an Employment Network (EN) or a state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agency, can help you understand our work incentives and navigate your journey to work and financial independence.

To stay up to date on the Ticket program and our many resources:

Please join us as we celebrate 25 years of the Ticket to Work program and share our success stories with family, friends, and others with disabilities who want to work.