By Tripp, Senior Ticket Counselor
The great thing about the Ticket to Work program is that there are numerous benefits available to ticket holders, and they extend beyond what the Social Security Administration has established on the government level. Your benefits also include the products and services offered by employment networks (EN) such as ERS, and your state vocational rehabilitation agency (VR).
For those of you who may not be aware of how the ticket program can benefit you, below is a brief overview of what is offered through the Social Security Administration. For additional information on the benefits offered in the ticket program, you may wish to consult the SSA's Red Book, as it provides details on the benefits mentioned, in addition to any exceptions that may apply.
- Suspension of continuing disability reviews (CDR's) while participating in the program and making timely progress toward your goals.
- Continuation of full benefits for up to 12 months regardless of the amount of income you make.
- Expedited re-entry into your benefits should you have to stop working, including temporary cash benefits while you are reinstated.
- Work incentives that reduce your countable income when calculating your cash benefits.
- Extension of healthcare benefits and coverage.
In addition to the benefits offered by the SSA, most employment networks and state vocational agencies offer additional benefits in the form of products and services that are free of charge to ticket holders. Some of the services that ERS offers to ticket holders that have assigned their ticket to us include: job coaching, career exploration, skills and aptitude assessments, tutorials and training on writing cover letters and resumes, interview skills, proper business etiquette, etc. For more information on the services provided by ERS, please visit our website.
