Ticket to Work resources for those receiving Social Security benefits

The following information is from www.yourtickettowork.com:

[I]The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program is an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in going to work. The Ticket Program is part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 – legislation designed to remove many of the barriers that previously influenced people’s decisions about going to work because of the concerns over losing health care coverage. The goal of the Ticket Program is to increase opportunities and choices for Social Security disability beneficiaries to obtain employment, vocational rehabilitation (VR), and other support services from public and private providers, employers, and other organizations.

Under the Ticket Program, the Social Security Administration (also referred to as the Agency) provides disability beneficiaries with a Ticket ([Click here] to see an image of a Ticket) they may use to obtain the services and jobs they need from a new universe of organizations called Employment Networks (ENs).

MAXIMUS, a private company, has been contracted by the Social Security Administration to function as the Operations Support Manager (OSM) and the Ticket Program Data Operations Center Manager (TPDOCM). It is MAXIMUS responsibility to administer oversight and process support necessary to sustain ongoing Ticket Program Operations.[/I]

I’ve provided this information as background for the information that follows on September Ticket to Work events:

Upcoming Events of Interest:

o Ticket Express Events: Spreading the Word About the New Ticket to Work

o Work Incentives Seminar Events (WISE): Helping Beneficiaries Make Informed Choices About Work!

Ticket Express Events:
The NEW Ticket to Work Program offers new opportunities to expand the scope of services and supports available to assist Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities who are interested in entering or re-entering the workforce. Administrative and regulatory improvements have made it easier and more profitable for Employment Networks (ENs) to participate in the Ticket program. ENs can get paid earlier in the employment process, more often and at higher rates. A new Partnership Plus service delivery option encourages State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies and ENs to partner to ensure that beneficiaries have access to services and supports to help them maintain and advance in employment.

Ticket Express events provide information about the new Ticket program and how the new program can help grow your organization’s bottom line. If your organization is interested in becoming an EN or learning more about the Ticket program, a Ticket Express event will provide all the information you need to understand why and how to become an EN.

WISE Events:
If you are a Social Security disability beneficiary and interested in working, the Social Security Administration and CESSI, the Ticket to Work Program Manager for Recruitment and Outreach (PMRO), want to make sure you are aware of upcoming free opportunities to connect with local training and employment resources, explore opportunities to increase your income, and network with other job seekers and employers. Local Work Incentive Planning and Assistance projects will be hosting 28 WISE events in 18 states in September.

September Event Schedule:

Alabama:
Birmingham (WISE): 9/24

Alaska:
Juneau (WISE and Express): 9/9
Anchorage (WISE and Express): 9/10
Fairbanks(WISE and Express): 9/11

California:
Fresno (WISE): 9/11
Inglewood (WISE): 9/24

Florida:
Daytona Beach (WISE): 9/30

Georgia:
Columbus (WISE): 9/24

Illinois:
Litchfield (WISE): 9/24
Chicago (WISE): 9/24

Indiana:
Beech Grove (WISE): 9/17

Iowa:
Ames (WISE): 9/10

Kentucky:
Ashland (WISE): 9/11

New Mexico:
Rio Rancho (WISE): 9/15
Socorro (WISE): 9/16

North Carolina:
Charlotte (WISE): 9/30

Oklahoma:
Stillwater (WISE): 9/3

Oregon:
Portland (WISE): 9/16

South Dakota:
Chamberlain (WISE): 9/22

Tennessee:
Jasper (WISE): 9/15
Manchester (WISE): 9/16
Vonore (WISE): 9/23

Texas:
Carrizo Springs (WISE): 9/23
Uvalde (WISE): 9/30

Utah:
Heber City (WISE): 9/17

Washington:
Seattle (Express): 9/24

Wisconsin:
Milwaukee (WISE): 9/15
Janesville (WISE): 9/22
Mauston (WISE): 9/23

For more information or to sign up for a WISE event in your area visit us online at www.cessi.net/wise or call 1-877-743-8237 (voice or TTY).

For more information or to sign up for a Ticket Express event, visit www.cessi.net/ttw.

If you can’t make it to any of these in-person events, visit the CESSI web site, www.cessi.net/ttw, for information on upcoming and archived teleconference training opportunities and webinars.