Social Security provides work incentives and its Ticket to Work program to help people who receive disability benefits and are interested in working.

The employment programs are meant to prepare people for work and ease the transition to employment.

For those that get a job and later discover they are unable to work, it is possible to receive disability benefits again. In addition, filing a new application may not be necessary.

Work Incentives

Benefit Summary

Social Security offers work incentives to make the transition to employment easier. Some of the benefits include:

  • Cash benefits – Continuing to receive disability cash benefits for a period of time when you start employment
  • Healthcare – Continuing access to Medicare or Medicaid during employment
  • Employment Resources – Education, training and rehabilitation to prepare you for employment

Eligibility

There are different work incentives designed for individuals that receive Social Security disability benefits and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), so it is important to identify programs you are eligible for.

Getting Started and More Information

Here are some ways to learn more about Social Security’s work incentives:

  • Pamphlet – Contains a summary of the work incentives offered. See page 2 for Social Security incentives and page 6 for SSI incentives.
  • Call Social Security – Call 1-800-772-1213 (toll-free) for a list of automated services or to speak to Social Security staff.
  • Web Information – Provides general information about Social Security’s work incentives including the following topics: Social Security Disability Insurance, Supplemental Security Income, what a work incentive is, list of work incentives, substantial gainful activity and more.

Additional information can be found on the Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov

Ticket to Work Program

Benefit Summary

Social Security’s Ticket to Work program includes employment services and support to provide people with the tools necessary to be successful at a job. Below is a summary of the benefits:

  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Training
  • Job referrals
  • Other employment support services

Eligibility

The “Ticket to Work” program is available for people between the ages of 18 to 64 that receive disability benefits.

Getting Started and More Information

Here are some ways to learn more about Social Security’s Ticket to Work program:

  • Pamphlet – Provides and overview of the program, including an introduction, how the program works, other work incentives, other Social Security programs and resources, contacting social security and more
  • Helpline – Call 1-866-968-7842 (toll-free) to ask questions about the Ticket to Work program and for a list of employment resources in your area
  • Web Resources – On the “Find Help” tab on the Ticket to Work website, learn about the types of employment service providers that would be most helpful to you in getting a job and review a list of providers in your area

Additional information can be found on the Ticket to Work website: https://choosework.ssa.gov