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What is the Ticket to Work?

The Ticket to Work (Ticket) is a new program of the Social Security Administration. It is a voluntary program for people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because of a disability. The goal of the program is to help SSI and SSDI beneficiaries obtain and maintain employment and earn enough money that they will not need Social Security cash benefits.

The Ticket gives beneficiaries greater choice in receiving the services they need in order to go to work or earn more money because they can now receive those services from either Vocational Rehabilitation or an Employment Network (EN). An EN is a private organization or government agency that has agreed to work with Social Security to provide employment-related services to beneficiaries. Eligible beneficiaries in New Hampshire began receiving their Tickets in 2002.

As a Ticket-Holder, you have the right to:

• Assign your Ticket to Vocational Rehabilitation or any Employment Network (EN) that agrees to provide you with services, or choose not to assign your Ticket at all.
• Receive an explanation of the services offered by an EN before assigning your Ticket.
• Have your personal information kept confidential by your EN.
• Have complete access to information in an EN's records concerning you. Access means that you may view the records at the EN's place of business and make copies of the records using the EN's copying equipment.
• Work in partnership with your EN to develop and implement your work plan in a manner that allows you to exercise informed choice in selecting employment goals and services.
• Receive a copy of your work plan in an accessible format of your choice.
• Receive services and supports from only qualified employees and providers.
• Take back or reassign your Ticket at any time.
• Appeal any EN decision regarding you, or utilize specific dispute resolution processes if you have a complaint or disagreement with your EN.
• Receive notice from your EN that information and advocacy services are available to Ticket-holders through the Disabilities Rights Center.

Questions and Answers

Why am I getting this Ticket to Work? (Ticket)
In late 2002, Tickets were sent to eligible SSI or SSDI beneficiaries who are between the ages of 18 and 64 . It is an opportunity for you to receive services and support so that you can go to work if you want to.

Why would I want the Ticket?
The Ticket provides you with options in employment services. Until this time, you were limited to the services provided by Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). The Ticket allows you to choose a provider, called an Employment Network (EN), that best meets your needs and to receive employment-related services at no cost to you. In addition, use of the Ticket offers some protection against medical continuing disability reviews (CDR's) that would normally be scheduled by Social Security.

Do I have to use my Ticket?
Participation and use of the Ticket is strictly voluntary. Your Social Security benefits will not be affected if you choose not to use your Ticket.

How do I use my Ticket?
To use your Ticket, you will need to assign it to VR or an EN, who will help you develop a plan to go to work, and then provide you with the services you need to follow that plan. Not all ENs serve all consumers, so you will need to contact them to find out which ones can assist you.

What if I lose my Ticket?
Contact MAXIMUS, the agency that administers the Ticket program, at their toll-free number, 1-866-968-7842, for more information or for a replacement.

What is an EN?
An EN is a private organization or government agency approved by Social Security to assist you in getting the services you need in order to obtain and maintain employment. For purposes of the Ticket program, VR is considered an EN.

Do I have to go to work in order to keep my Ticket?
You do not have to go to work to keep your Ticket. However, to keep your medical CDR protection, you must make timely progress toward reaching the employment goals that your EN will help you set.

If I go to work, will my benefits be affected?
Working and receiving any income may affect your benefits (i.e. SSI, SSDI, food stamps, medical, housing). Programs such as Medicaid for Employed Adults with Disabilities, Social Security work incentives, and income disallowances for housing assistance can help reduce or eliminate potential benefits problems. You are strongly encouraged to contact a benefits planner who can help you learn how and when working will affect your benefits.

Where can I find a benefits planner?
Granite State Independent Living
(1-800-826-3700) can provide you with benefits planning or refer you to a benefits planner in your area.

How can I find out more about the ENs in my area?
Contact MAXIMUS or Granite State Independent Living.

What if I have a complaint about an EN, service provider, or employer?
Depending on your complaint, the Disabilities Rights Center (1-800-834-1721) can provide you with advice, advocacy, or legal representation.

For more information, contact the following agencies by telephone or by visiting their websites. If you do not have the internet at home, you can access it at your local One-Stop Center (NH Works) or public library.

Granite State Independent Living
1-800-826-3700 V/TTY
www.gsil.org

Disabilities Rights Center
1-800-834-1721 V/TTY
www.drcnh.org

NH Vocational Rehabilitation
1-800-299-1647 V/TTY
www.ed.state.nh.us/vr

MAXIMUS
1-866-968-7842 Voice
1-866-833-2967 TTY
www.yourtickettowork.com

Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213 Voice
1-800-325-0778 TTY
www.ssa.gov/work/Ticket/ticket.html

The Disabilities Rights Center provides information, advocacy, and representation to individuals with disabilities. To make an appointment to speak with our intake team, call, write, or stop in if you:

• Have questions or concerns about Ticket to Work or other disability-related work issues
• Want to know more about the rights of individuals with disabilities, or believe that those rights have been violated
• Need help in resolving a complaint or dispute with an Employment Network or other service provider
• Have questions or concerns about special education, including transition planning, or
• Have any other disability-related questions or concerns

This webpage is provided by the Disabilities Rights Center with a grant from the Social Security Administration. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of the authors and do not represent the Official views of the Social Security Administration.