Ticket to Work: Complete Guide for SSDI Recipients
TL;DR: Ticket to Work is a free SSA program that provides SSDI and SSI recipients (ages 18-64) with job training, career counseling, and placement services through approved Employment Networks. Using Ticket to Work also protects you from medical continuing disability reviews while you participate. ClaimPath helps you get approved for $79.
What Is Ticket to Work?
Ticket to Work is a voluntary, free program from SSA that helps disability beneficiaries return to work. When you "assign your ticket" to an approved Employment Network (EN) or State Vocational Rehabilitation agency, you receive:
- Career counseling and job search assistance
- Resume writing and interview preparation
- Job training and education opportunities
- On-the-job support and accommodations guidance
- Benefits counseling to understand how working affects your payments
Key Benefits
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Free |
| CDR protection | No medical reviews while using your ticket |
| Voluntary | You can stop participating at any time |
| Medicare/Medicaid | Coverage continues during participation |
| Safety net | Benefits can be reinstated if work does not work out |
How to Participate
- Call the Ticket to Work Help Line: 1-866-968-7842
- Find an Employment Network at choosework.ssa.gov
- Assign your ticket to the EN of your choice
- Work with your EN to develop an employment plan
Get Approved First
Ticket to Work is only available to current SSDI/SSI recipients. ClaimPath helps you get approved for $79 flat with SSA-compliant documents.
Start your ClaimPath application today.
Related Resources
- Trial Work Period Explained
- Returning to Work After SSDI
- 2026 SGA Limits
- SSDI and Vocational Rehabilitation
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I know about ticket to work: complete guide for ssdi recipients?
TL;DR: Ticket to Work is a free SSA program that provides SSDI and SSI recipients (ages 18-64) with job training, career counseling, and placement services through approved Employment Networks. Using Ticket to Work also protects you from medical continuing disability reviews while you participate. ClaimPath helps you get approved for $79.
What Is Ticket to Work??
Ticket to Work is a voluntary, free program from SSA that helps disability beneficiaries return to work. When you "assign your ticket" to an approved Employment Network (EN) or State Vocational Rehabilitation agency, you receive:
What should I know about get approved first?
Ticket to Work is only available to current SSDI/SSI recipients. ClaimPath helps you get approved for $79 flat with SSA-compliant documents.