Ticket to Work
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Ticket program ?
The Ticket to Work program is voluntary. You get free training job referrals and other services you need to work. You can give your "Ticket" to an approved provider of your choice. The provider can be either the state vocational rehabilitation agency or an employment network. You and the provider work together to make a work plan. The plan states exactly what services the provider will furnish.
If you work with a state vocational rehabilitation agency and your Ticket is not assigned to them, once they close your case you may assign your Ticket to an employment network if you are still eligible to participate in the Ticket program.
What is an employment network?
An employment network is a group that may help you find a job and provide other employment services for free. They are listed on the MAXIMUS website.
What is MAXIMUM?
MAXIMUS, Inc. is a company that helps Social Security run the Ticket program. For more information on the program, call MAXIMUS told free at 1.866.968.7842 (TTY 1.866.833.2967). The MAXIMUS website is www.yourtickettowork.com.
Will I lose my cash benefits?
If you have completed your trial work period, are working and have substantial earnings, they may stop your Social Security disability benefits. There are some work incentives that may allow you to keep your cash payments for a while, and they can quickly start your benefits again when your income drops or you stop work.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments are reduced as earnings increase until your benefits are completely eliminated by your earnings.
For a complete explanation of how earnings affect your benefits, get a copy of the SSA publication, Working While Disabled - How We Can Help (Publication No. 05-10095), or a copy of the Red Book (Publication No. 64-030).
Will I lose my health care if I go back to work?
No, not necessarily. Most Medicare beneficiaries keep their Medicare coverage for a least 8 1/2 years after returning to work.
Some states continue Medicaid coverage or allow working people to buy it.
To find out more, call the Medicaid office in your state. Or check the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services' website, www.cms.hhs.gov/twwiia.
What if I go back to work anbd then stop?
You can ask Social Security to start your benefits again, including Medicare or Medicaid. You will not have to apply again if your disability causes you to stop working within five years after your benefits stopped. You also may get temporary benefits - as well as Medicare or Medicaid - for up to six months while Social Security reviews your case.
Will my working trigger a medical review?
If you are participating in the Ticket program, and making timely progress pursuing your return to work plan, you will not get a medical review.
Where can I get more information?
The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance organizations give information and assistance to people who are receiving Social Security or SSI disability benefits and attempt to work.
Their staff will:
- Contact people getting Social Security or SSI disability payments (and their families) to tell them about ways that Social Security supports work efforts;
- Help people understand how work affects their payments;
- Help people find the right employment network to help them go to work; and
- Explain what other federal, state and local supports are available to help people with disabilities who work.
For more information about the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance organizations, other support programs and other details about Ticket to Work, visit Social Security's website, www.socialsecurity.gov/work, or call their toll-free number, 1.800.772.1213 (for dear or hard of hearing, call their TTY number, 1.800.325.0778).
For additional Ticket information, contact MAXIMUS, Inc.
They can answer specific questions from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. All calls are treated confidentially. Information is also provided automatically by automated phone service 24 hours a day. Some calls are monitored.
If you have any other questions, please contact Rhode Island's Ticket to Work Coordinator, Roberta Greene-Whittemore at 401.421.7005 ext. 421 or by email at rgreene@ors.ri.gov.
