Ticket to Work and Disability

[YaKaMein]

Right after I was approved for SSDI, I received a 'Ticket to Work' from Social Security. I've already scoured the ssa, my state's disability and vocational rehab's sites so I"m aware of what it's supposed to mean. Am still reeling that was approved so fast or that working with any parameters is allowed. FYI, Reluctantly applied until Jan 08, approved in two weeks, my eligibility began June 06.

Has anybody actually used the 'ticket' or enrolled in VR programs? What's been others' experiences? What are the pratfalls and pros? I'm particularly interested returning to school, already have a BA so I'd be looking at a graduate degree or a 2nd bachelors in my plan.

Any advice is welcomed. Looking for practicalilty. My ASO had never seen a 'ticket' until mine. I know the program is optional; I'm interested but don't want to screw up benefits. thanks.  YaKaMein

[rick21007]

YaKaMein---I've worked with Voc Rehab for a lot of years.  A lot depends on your individual VR counselor to support and advocate for you.  I can tell you that guys like you who _want_ to work are plums for them.  The current VR counselor I send my guys to tells them she is partnering with them and she considers them "investments" as far as her time and energy and VR money. One thing to keep in mind is protecting your medical coverage.   There are programs that do this.   I recommend going to VR with your own career goal which puts you in the driver's seat.

rick

[BT65]

YaKeMein, I'm on SSDI.  I'm currently enrolled in a university (but only for a bachelor's) that's being paid for by voc. rehab.  But, it's not through the ticket-to-work program.  I've heard of it, but have never gotten anything about it or actually used it.  I just went to voc. rehab and got into their program for continuing education.  I would be curious about your state's voc. rehab program as far as getting a master's.  The voc. rehab in my state (Indiana) won't go beyond a bachelor's anymore.  They don't have the funding.  But, it's always worth checking out in your state. 

Other than that, I have no idea how the ticket-to-work program even works.  I would definitely start with voc. rehab though.  And good luck.

[YaKaMein]

Rick,
I'll qualify for Medicare by Jan 09 so I imagine this fall I'll get information to enroll [yet more decisions]. Am currently insured thru my state's high risk pool which is paid via a RWHC title program. I should still qualify for Medicare premiums for Parts B & D paid thru that as well. So all things considered I will have medical covered.

Never been a 'plum' before, only a kiwi. SSA is rehauling this program and there are plenty of financial incentives for various acronyms [WIPA, EN, VR, ad nauseum] involved. I imagine that all VR counselors are not equal and I'll use care in finding one who will advocate and is informed. With some changes effective 7/21/08 agencies providing assistance to us, ticketholders, this may be a nice income stream for them. Since it's voluntary participation, my ticket has some leverage as to where and how I use it.

Being self-employed, then unable to work for the past two years, has been an adjustment among many for me. I anticipated a prolonged challenge with my SSDI claim. When approved, I asked if they were joking. Since they weren't, I'm very careful to comply to the rules but also want to maximize any benefits available.

Thanks for your advice with this. I appreciate your candor about approaching them with my own plan. It's just what I need.

[YaKaMein]

Hey Betty,
Will the Continuing Ed increase knowledge in your current field or for general knowledge? Great VR is assisting you.

If you're interested there's info on ssa.gov re 'ticket to work and self-sufficiency'. My ASO was as shocked as I upon approval for SSDI without a battle and had not seen a 'ticket' before. an actual card is sent. We joked that SSa was trying to tell me something, LOL. Like we approved you, now go back to work or get a new career.

I figure I can explore what's this but wanted to check out any 'real' practical users among the forum with this program. I'll post whatever I discover if anything.

[jshort]

Im new to all this but I have heard of the ticket to work. I took care of a patient (home care) who had this. He never got into the details of how it worked all I know is that he had a job and still kept his ssdi benefits.

For those of you on SSDI what did it take to get your benefits? Ive heard its hell to get approved.  I want to work, but Im having alot of problems with fatigue and illness im not sure what to do.

[YaKaMein]

Hey jshort,
The TTW program states it allows one to work and retain all benefits in addition to deferring a review of your case.

Regarding SSDI, if and when you should apply can be a difficult decision and task. It was for me. There are several posts on the forum which can be searched and reviewed. It helped me to know what others had experienced and prepared me for some possible outcomes. There are horror stories of denials and long appeals.

Be prepared to gather copies of your medical records and fill out forms. It's important to inform your physician and have her/him document in your chart ANY and ALL symptoms and complaints that support your disability. Your ASO might be a good starting point to help with your application process. Feel free to PM me with any questions you might have. If I don't know an answer, very likely, I'm honest and say so.  -YaKa

[BT65]

For those of you on SSDI what did it take to get your benefits? Ive heard its hell to get approved.  I want to work, but Im having alot of problems with fatigue and illness im not sure what to do.

I was approved back in '94.  But then they were pretty much approving everyone who was diagnosed with Aids.  I did have to appeal it once, but it went right through the 2nd time.  Yaka gave some good advice.

[Miss Philicia]

I was approved in '02, and the process took about 3 months I think -- and no appeal or anything.  I think this all varies greatly state-by-state.  Or maybe it's all luck as to what government drone grabs your paperwork.  Who knows.

At one point during the approval they sent me a letter wanting me to come in for a face-to-face interview, but then called and cancelled that and said it wasn't necessary.  Fortunately my psychiatrist at the time had once worked for the entity that deals with disability claims and he totally coached me on what to say for answers

[allopathicholistic]

For me: SSD retro back to '06, Medicare March of this year. I was part of my state's vocational rehab system for awhile but the counselor was a bit out of touch with reality.

[BT65]

Fortunately my psychiatrist at the time had once worked for the entity that deals with disability claims and he totally coached me on what to say for answers

No one had to coach me.  I can just naturally pop into lunatic-mode when required.

[jshort]

your answers were very helpful, thanks all!! Im not sure what I will do yet. The fatigue is really getting to me but maybe theres something my doc can do to help me. I love to work but its hard, and i look like hell. dark circles under my eyes no matter how much sleep i get. I heard excercising is supposed to give u more energy and ive been working out but its not helping, im just more tired. who knows, i guess ill leave this one to my doc

[mudman8]

I got my SSDI when I came down with Pneumocistus (sp?)  KS and depression.  It has been wonderful not to have to work and now I have the freedom to take care of my 80 yo parents.  I"ve tried going back to work a couple times with bad results from stress.  Tho I would like to do something easy for a few bucks and flexible hours.

On education: getting a second Bachelors is redundant, I got my Masters in 91 at 37 when I found out I was poz.  That advanced degree put me at the top of the line in job interviews, AND you get better pay.  Don't hesitate to go up the ladder. Also, teachers like students who have life experience and something to say.  It makes all the difference in the world. 

BTW what area of study?   good luck,  any education is life enriching, 
I've been taking art classes and art history for years now at a city college in LA. Never stop learning.

glenn

[Oceanbeach]

I received the "Ticket to Work" the year it came out and was already disabled and had been for several years.  I have also applied for over 400 jobs since 1998.

Ticket to Work was formed because there were over 40,000 people drawing disability benefits.  There are 5 agencies in Sonoma County alone which are affiliated wit the Ticket to Work program.  They and all other Ticket to Work affiliated offices within the United States have never offered job placement services to the disabled.  Ticket to Work will offer resume writing assistance but if there ever was a job placement, it was moving a government employee to another desk because it looks good to promote from within     Have the best day
Michael

[dvinemstre]

As a Rehab Counselor and one time intern with NC VR I wanted to chime in - Ticket to Work is an extensive incentive program for affiliated agencies to be paid oneo f two ways : 1) a monthly set amount of funding for a set period of time, 2) a lower set amount of money for alonger less exact period of time. The funding is paid to the agency (not just VR) who is working with the SSDI recipient to assist them with working a full time job and getting OFF SSDI. If a person has no intent to get off SSDI and return to full time work this is not really for them. The Ticket to Work advantage comes in the form of assisting persons who want to work full time and are physically able or going to be able with ample supports, such as modifications, limited work schedules, etc. Vocational Rehabilitation is federally and state funded, so some rules are national and some are state specific. The thing to do is go to the website for SSA and search ticket to work. You do not have to have the actual ticket, but you can get the resource broker for the program (not a government agency but can't recall it right now) and call them, give them your social security number and find out who accepts the "Ticket" in your area, then you can call around to those agencies and see what they will each do for you. the additional benefit is that the ticket to work program does not penalize a person immediately for earning, but gives a transition time for the SSDI benefit as well as insurance under SSDI. Ticket to Work can work well for persons who are stabilized and ready to return to work but are not sure they can be successful with full time employment. I look at it like vocational training wheels! Also, when you are enrolled officially in ticket to work, please remember that if you go through ANYTHING with VR services, the SSA automatically can access your information with them without your permission, as you give it when you enroll in VR. This means if you f*&^ up and are closed out for lack of cooperation it can bite you in the ass. VR is supposed to provide funding for services to assist a person in GETTING or KEEPING a job. I used to assist lots of folks with self employment who could work full time some days and not others due to chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS, MS, Cancer of some sorts. Please email me private if you have specific questions and I will see what I can do. thanks, Zan

[YaKaMein]

Dvinemstre,
Thanks for your sharing your expertise and insight of TTW. It's extremely helpful to have practical info on the mechanics. IHMO, it's not what the SSA website states; it's what it doesn't. Sometimes, there are so many gaps and specific questions that are so hard to read an answer. I'll carefully consider what you've described to determine whether to pursue TTW and see if it matches my desires and abilities to work with my health.

A few weeks ago, I contacted an advocacy agency in my area, one listed in the TTW area on SSA's website. They gave me my state's VR and Disability Determination Offices. It was apparent that they really didn't know anything about TTW. I've gotten more from posting here LOL.

Maybe with the new changes starting 7/21, they'll be more in-services so they will help clients interested in TTW.

Thanks again for your help. 

-YaKaMein [post 100] 

[weasel]

i was told here in Missouri !
that the minutue you are approved for S.S.D. you can go back to work !
AN INSIDER TOLD ME , DO NOT DO IT UNTIL WAY AFTER A YEAR OF BEING ON DISABILITY !
The flags go up !
We have been told to stay  around $ 400.oo  a month !
This would pay for my gas ......................................
but it would get me out of the house.

I have a rental Home 1,500 s.f. ,that I would love to rent , but if I do that , then I can NOT work at all ,
because I would be way over the limit !
catch 22 !

good luck with your work !
 I am unable to work a regular scedual ! , would need a port-O-potty on my Honda !
                                                                                                      Karl

[loneratheart]

        t

                                   would like to hear more about program. do they offer job training ? ect;


                                                Robert