It’s another entry in our”Wednesday Wisdom” series; Where we take you, our consumers, supporters, and readers inside of LIFTT to give a detailed picture of some portion of our programs, services operations, and related topics. This week, Administrative Assistant Collette Ostermiller explains the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program which allows SSDI beneficiaries such as herself to at least attempt a return to work without losing needed benefits.
The Ticket to Work Program and how it can help a person with a disability
by Collette Ostermiller, Administrative Assistant
LIFTT administrative assistant and Social Security Ticket to Work program participant Collette Ostermiller
Many of you might now know, but the Social Security Administration (SSA)’s “Ticket to Work Program” is why I was able to come to work at LIFTT. I believe there are lots of people who, like me, are living with a disability and will benefit from participating in the program, which is the reason why I want to talk about it.
The “Ticket to Work Program” supports people ages 18 through 64 who receive SSA disability benefits (SSDI) and want to work. Eligible beneficiaries are called ‘Ticket Holders.’ Therefore, I am a proud ‘Ticket Holder’. Individuals qualify for this free program when they work with service providers called Authorized Ticket Program service providers, such as Employment Networks (EN) or the State Vocational Rehabilitation and Blind Services (VRBS). They provide career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, job placement assistance, and training. The service provider will be an essential part of the beneficiary’s “employment team” to help them on their journey to financial independence. I worked with VRBS as my individualized support services. VRBS referred me to Bob Snizk from Montana Employment Consultants.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews the medical condition of the ticket holders from time to time to re-determine whether they still have a disability through a process called the medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR).
The “Ticket to Work Program” is a type of SSA Work Incentive. Work Incentives make it possible for anyone who receives Social Security benefits to explore work opportunities while still receiving benefits. Participants in the “Ticket to Work Program” are eligible to maintain their SSA benefits, including Medicaid/Medicare, while they work, depending on their income.
Recipients of social security benefits have the opportunity to work with confidence, knowing they may be able to keep some or all of their benefits during their transition period.
Social Security has many Work Incentives designed to fit individual needs and situations. There is more information about SSA’s Work Incentives and how they can work for recipients of Social Security benefits on the website choosework.ssa.gov. Social Security also publishes a guide to employment supports known as the “Red Book” which is available online or by contacting the SSA.
For a trial work period of 9 months (only), an eligible participant could make $1,350.00 in 2022 and $1,470.00 in 2023. As you can see, the maximum amount was increased for 2023, making it even more inviting to disabled people. In order NOT to cancel SSDI, the amount was limited to $970.00 per month in 2022 and $1050.00 in 2023, ONLY after the nine months elapsed. This figure is ‘pre-tax income.’
For instance, a schedule of 3 hours a day, five days a week, at $15.00 per hour equals $225.00. If a person is going to take the regular hour option only for the month, it would equal only 31 hours. However, when there is a five-week month, a person would need a few hours off to maintain SSDI. On the other hand, If the beneficiaries opt for the higher bracket, which is limited to nine months, they can make up to $337.50 per week.
A person can only be on’ The Ticket To Work” for 60 months. Afterward, the beneficiary can choose to roll over to an “Extended Period Of Eligibility.” Thus, this is a good, cost-free program that again can help with work options for the Disabled.
If you have any additional questions about the” Ticket to Work Program,” I will respond. You can reach me at (406) 259-5181 or colletteo@liftt.org.
About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings, and Glendive, LIFTT provides people with disabilities with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and southcentral Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Stillwater, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app on Apple or Google Play.