What is the TICKET TO WORK (TTW) Program? 

The Ticket to Work (TTW) program is the cornerstone of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act of 1999. The goal of the TTW program is to expand the universe of service providers available to individuals entitled to Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security disability insurance benefits (SSDI) based on disability or blindness in obtaining the services necessary to find, enter and maintain employment. 

The legislation also removes barriers that previously influenced people’s choices between healthcare coverage and work. 

Who is Eligible to receive a “Ticket”? 

You will be eligible to receive a “ticket” in a month in which – 

1. Age 18 or older and have not reached age 65; and 
2. You are eligible for SSI, SSDI or both benefits; 
3. You are in current pay status for monthly SSDI cash payments; or 
4. Your monthly SSI cash benefits are not suspended; 
5. Eligible to receive a new ticket because your entitlement to SSDI or SSI benefits has been reinstated. 

You will not be eligible to receive more than one ticket during any period in which you are either –

1. Entitled to SSDI benefits; or 
2. Your eligibility for SSI based on disability or blindness has not terminated. 

How Does the TTW Program Work? 

SSA has contracted with national, state and local service providers, known as Employment Networks (EN), that work with beneficiaries to provide support and employment-related assistance. Tickets can be used to obtain rehabilitation or employment services from any EN the beneficiary chooses. 

The beneficiary and the EN design and agree upon an employment plan outlining the services to be provided to assist the beneficiary in obtaining employment. The ticket is then considered “assigned” to the EN. When services are being provided and the beneficiary is working toward his/her work goal, the ticket is “in use.” 

Other Facts about the TTW Program… 

• The ticket program is voluntary!!! 
• Beneficiaries receiving tickets are not required to participate in the program or go to work. 
• The ticket program is for those who want to reduce their dependence on their SSDI or SSI cash benefits. 
• No medical continuing disability review (CDR) because of work while ticket is in use. 
• Creates new employment and support systems 
• Rewards work outcomes. 

To learn more about the ticket program and service providers visit the Social Security Choose Work Site at https://www.choosework.net/. Or call the Ticket to Work toll free helpline to speak with a representative from Maximus:

Voice:
1-866-yourticket 
1-866-968-7842 

TDD LINE:
1-866-tdd2work
1-866-833-2967 

You can also contact the PABSS advocate at Disability Rights California: 

Toll free Number: 800-776-5746 
TTY Number: 800-719-5798 

Websites:
www.yourtickettowork.com 
www.ssa.gov/work
www.socialsecurity.gov
www.disabilityrightsca.org 
www.disabilitybenefits101.com 

The SSA has reviewed the following publication for technical accuracy only; however, this should not be considered an official SSA document.