Overview
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, and other support services from public and private providers, employers, and other organizations.

Under the Ticket Program, the Social Security Administration provides disability beneficiaries with a Ticket they may use to obtain the services they need from organizations called Employment Networks (ENs), including the South Dakota Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS). Employment Networks are private organizations or public agencies that work with Social Security to provide employment services under the Ticket Program. The EN or DRS work with the beneficiary to design a plan to reach their employment goal. Maximus, a company contracted by the Social Security Administration, can be contacted to obtain a list of Employment Networks at 1-866-968-7842 or by visiting the Ticket to Work website at www.yourtickettowork.com.

What Beneficiaries Need to Know about the Ticket

• The Ticket Program is flexible and voluntary - beneficiaries are not mandated to participate.
• Beneficiaries receiving Tickets can contact one or more ENs to discuss services. Once an agreement between the beneficiary and EN is reached, the two work together to develop a work plan to assist the beneficiary in reaching their employment goal.
• Maximus, local Social Security offices or any EN can tell beneficiaries if they are eligible for Ticket services.
• Ticket holders can contact any EN in their area, including DRS, to find out if it has services that fit their needs.
• Ticket holders are free to talk with as many ENs as they choose.
• Ticket holders can stop working with or ask to change ENs at anytime.

Resources
South Dakota Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program
A Community Work Incentives Coordinator (CWIC) can provide advice and support on: Social Security work incentives, Medicaid, Food Stamps, TANF, housing assistance, and other disability related benefits. Information about Social Security benefits is provided on an individual basis. Plans for additional services are developed with the client as needed. Contact the WIPA Program at 1-800-224-5336.

Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS)
The PABSS program is a federally funded initiative to assist beneficiaries of Social Security who are trying to return to or begin working. The Project is staffed by attorneys and advocates who are able to provide legal and advocacy assistance with return to work issues. Contact the PABSS Program at 1-800-658-4782.

Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213 www.ssa.gov/work

South Dakota Division of Rehabilitation Services
3800 E Hwy. 34
Hillsview Properties Plaza
c/o 500 E. Capitol Avenue
Pierre, South Dakota 57501

1-800-265-9684
605-773-3195
dhs.sd.gov/drs/

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A publication of the Freedom To Work Project, affiliated with the Black Hills Special Services Cooperative and South Dakota Coalition of Citizens with Disabilities. Freedom To Work is a program of the State of South Dakota through the Department of Human Services, Division of Rehabilitation Services. Funding is provided through the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Grant # P-91485/8