Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act

President Clinton signed into law the “Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act” on December 17, 1999. On December 28, 2001, the final regulations for the Ticket to Work legislation were released. Starting in February 2002, the Social Security Administration (SSA) began mailing “Tickets” to eligible SSI/SSDI recipients in thirteen “Phase 1” states. New Mexico, which is slated as a “Phase 2” state began receiving “Tickets” during the month of November 2002. Over the course of a year, approximately 57,500 Tickets were mailed in New Mexico.

What is the Ticket to Work Program?

The Social Security Administration "Ticket" program increases choices for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries in obtaining employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, and other support services. It also removes barriers that require people with disabilities to choose between health care coverage and work, and insures that more Americans with disabilities have the opportunity to participate in the workforce and lessen their dependence on public benefits.

A Ticket is issued to eligible SSDI or SSI beneficiaries. Beneficiaries can then utilize the Ticket to access employment, vocational rehabilitation, or other related services.

Who is Eligible for a Ticket?

Most Social Security and SSI beneficiaries with disabilities will receive a Ticket. Disability-based beneficiaries who are age 18 or older and are not yet age 65 will be eligible for a Ticket except those who:

1. are medically expected to improve and have not had their first continuing disability review (CDR);

2. are SSI recipients and are not receiving benefits based on the adult standard; and,

3. are not receiving a federal benefit.

The selected beneficiaries will automatically receive a Ticket and a brochure in the mail explaining how the program operates.

Do Beneficiaries Have to Participate in the Ticket To Work Program?

No, the Ticket program is voluntary. Beneficiaries do not have to participate. If beneficiaries choose not to participate in the program, this decision will have no effect on their benefits. As always, the DVR will continue to provide vocational rehabilitation, employment support services, and other services as we have in the past to eligible individuals regardless of whether they are a Ticket recipient or not.

How Will Returning to work Affect My Benefits?

Benefits Advisors are available to assist you in evaluating the impact of wages on your benefits.  The Ticket is complicated, so Benefits Advisors can help you understand the Ticket, choose the best time to assign your Ticket, and understand laws available to help you return to work.  Benefits Advisors are free of charge and travel to most locations.

Who Provides the Services to the Beneficiaries?

Beneficiaries participating in the Ticket program will receive employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, or other support services from organizations called Employment Networks. Employment Networks are private organizations or government agencies, including the Division of Vocational Rehabiliation, which are approved by, and have agreed to work, with the Social Security Administration in providing employment services to beneficiaries with disabilities. Beneficiaries can assign the Ticket to an Employment Network (EN) of their choice. Employment Networks provide services to beneficiaries at no cost. Private Employment Networks are not required to accept a Ticket assignment. DVR will always accept a Ticket assignment.

How Can I Find an Employment Network (EN) Provider?

You can visit the Maximus Employment Network Directory for New Mexico. (Opens in new window. Close the new browser window to return to this page.)

Is There a Time Limit for Using The Ticket?

No, not as long as the beneficiary is eligible to participate in the Ticket program. Basically, beneficiaries are eligible to participate in the Ticket program as long as they are receiving a cash benefit from Social Security that is based on a disability. Under certain circumstances, beneficiaries can put their Ticket on hold and will still be able to participate in the program at a later date.

What will a Ticket look like?

The Ticket will be a paper document that will have some personal information about the person receiving it and some general information about the Ticket Program. Click here to see a sample Ticket. (Opens in new window. Close the new browser window to return to this page.)

How Do I Assign My Ticket?

The letter that you receive with the “Ticket” will explain the process. The first step is to contact Maximus, the company that is managing the "Ticket" program (information provided below).

You do not have to have your Ticket in hand to assign it.  Once you have selected an EN and completd a Plan for Employment, you will work with your EN representative to assign your ticket.

Remember that the Ticket is not assigned until Maximus has finished the paperwork.  In addition, you cannot assign your Ticket to more than one EN at a time.

Will My Benefits Be Affected By Participation In The Ticket Program?

Working and receiving any income may have an effect on some or all of the benefits beneficiaries receive. There are programs such as the Medicaid Buy-In, which give individuals with disabilities the opportunity to receive Medicaid while earning wages. Beneficiaries are encouraged to seek benefits counseling to learn how earned income may impact benefits. This is a critical factor in determining if the Ticket program would be beneficial to you.  See the list below for Benefits Advisors.

Who Is Managing the Ticket To Work Program?

Maximus, INC. is a private company that is working with SSA to help manage the Ticket to Work program. Maximus can answer questions about the Ticket to Work program and can provide the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of the Employment Networks in the recipient’s area. You may contact Maximus at 1-866-968-7842 (1-866-833-2976 for TTY) or visit Maximus on the web: Maximus - TicketToWork (URL http://www.yourtickettowork.com). (Opens in new window. Close the new browser window to return to this page.)

How Can The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Provide Assistance With The Ticket To Work Program?

DVR can assist with:

• Providing information about the Ticket to Work program.

• Providing benefits counseling and the effect of participation in the program on benefits.

• Providing services as an Employment Network

• Providing services in coordination with other Employment Networks.

• Providing services to beneficiaries who choose not to assign their Ticket.

For More Information about the Ticket Program

For information related to how SSDI / SSI benefits are affected, contact the Benefits Advisor in your area:

If you are an Employment Network and are interested in setting up a cooperative agreement with DVR, contact:

Stephanie Gardunol
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation Services Unit
435 Saint Michael's Drive, Building D
Santa Fe, NM 87505
505-954-8518 - Phone
1-800-224-7005 - Toll Fre
stephanie.garduno@state.nm.us - Email

For information the Working Disabled Individuals Medicaid Program, contact:

Janet Murray
WDI Outreach Coordinator
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation
435-D Saint Michael's Drive
Santa Fe, NM 87505
Phone: 505-954-8573
Toll Free: 1-800-318-1469
Email: janet.murray@state.nm.us

Maximus:
The Ticket to Work Program Manager.
For information on the Ticket to Work program, Employment Network information, and updates to the program.
Toll-free: 1-866-968-7842
Toll-free: 1-866-833-2967 (TTY)
Web: Maximus - TicketToWork (URL http://www.yourtickettowork.com). (Opens in new window. Close the new browser window to return to this page.)

Social Security Administration:
For information about the Ticket to Work program, information about work incentives, etc.
Web: SSA - The Work Site (URL http://www.ssa.gov/work/). (Opens in new window. Close the new browser window to return to this page.)

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