Employment Supports

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What is a Ticket?	The Ticket to Work Program (Ticket) is an innovative program for people with disabilities who want to work and participate in planning their employment. The Ticket Program increases your available choices when obtaining employment services, vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, and other support services you may need to get or keep a job. It is a free and voluntary service. You can use the Ticket if you choose, but there is no penalty for not using it. You may not be subject to a continuing disability review while you are using your Ticket.
How can I take part in the Ticket Program?	This program is available in all 50 states and 10 U .S . Territories. Many SSDI beneficiaries and SSI recipients aged 18-64 are eligible to obtain services from a state VR agency or another approved provider of their choice. We call these approved providers “Employment Networks .” Employment Networks (ENs) are public or private organizations that have an agreement with Social Security to provide employment services to beneficiaries with disabilities. You can participate in the program by contacting an EN or by calling the Ticket to Work Help Line at the number below. To find a list of approved ENs online, please visit choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp.
Where do I get more information?	For more information on the Ticket Program, and to be mailed a list of approved ENs, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday 8 a .m . to 8 p .m . Eastern time.

Federal Employment for People with Disabilities

The federal government’s Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has a special hiring authority for hiring workers who have certain significant physical, psychiatric, or mental disabilities known as targeted disabilities. For more information, refer to the OPM Web site: www.opm.gov/disability/index.asp. Also, the Office of Interagency Innovation within the Center for Innovation and Partnership oversees the State Grant for Assistive Technology Program and the Assistive Technology National Activities funded under the Assistive Technology Act. Additional resources are available online at: Assistive Tech Centers: https://acl.gov/programs/assistive-technology/assistive-technology and Centers for Independent Living: https://acl.gov/programs/aging-and-disability-networks/centers-independent-living.

Job Accommodation Network (JAN)

JAN provides free, expert, and confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues to help people with disabilities enhance their employability. JAN consultants offer one-on-one guidance on workplace accommodations, the Americans with Disabilities Act and related legislation, and self-employment options for people with disabilities. Assistance is available both over the phone and online. You can contact JAN at 1-800-526-7234 (Voice) or 1-877-781-9403 (TTY). The JAN website (www.askjan.org) is a rich source of information that has a chat service available and features the Searchable Online Accommodation Resource.

American Job Centers

American Job Centers (formerly known as One-Stop Career Centers) provide job seekers with a variety of tools and services to help them get back to work. Services include training, referrals, career counseling, job listings, and other employment-related services. Tools, many of which are available online, assist job seekers with career exploration, skills assessments (including identifying transferable skills), credential listings, and job openings. Customers can visit a center in person for remote access to a kiosk for information. Many American Job Centers are also Employment Networks and can accept your ticket under the Ticket to Work Program. You can locate your closest American Job Center at www.servicelocator.org.