Latest news with #TickettoWorkProgram
Forbes
15-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Re-Skill And Re-enter The Workforce: Exploring Educational Pathways
For those receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), returning to work after dealing ... More with a severe injury or medical condition can feel daunting. The Ticket to Work Program (TTW), with the help of a Social Security-authorized Employment Network (EN) or state Vocational Rehabilitation agency (VR) provides opportunities to upskill for new positions. In today's rapidly changing job market, acquiring new skills can sometimes feel overwhelming. For those receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), returning to work after dealing with a severe injury or medical condition can feel daunting. The Ticket to Work Program (TTW), with the help of a Social Security-authorized Employment Network (EN) or state Vocational Rehabilitation agency (VR) provides opportunities to upskill for new positions. Programs and certifications are powerful tools for gaining skills that can help you compete in today's job market. The right training can also open doors to stable, fulfilling jobs. Whether you choose vocational training, apprenticeships, online certification programs or attending a brick and mortar school, acquiring new competencies may improve your ability to access secure and meaningful work. Here are some pathways to explore new educational or training opportunities available through the TTW Program. Community Colleges and Trade Schools Community colleges and trade schools provide affordable, classes that equip students with workforce-ready skills in a short time. These schools offer flexible schedules, evening classes and online learning options making them accessible for individuals with disabilities or those balancing other responsibilities. You can earn an associate's degree or certifications in high-demand fields such as: One individual let her EN know she wanted to work as a Medical Coding and Billing Specialist. She went to school for 16 months and received her certificate. Her EN provided her with career planning, job leads and resume editing assistance. She successfully transitioned into full-time work in her new role. Online Learning and Certification Programs Online education offers flexibility, which can be helpful for individuals balancing various challenges—whether it's managing health concerns, mobility limitations or family obligations. Many reputable platforms offer courses and certifications that align with industry needs, including: Apprenticeships and On-the-Job Training These programs provide a structured way to gain hands-on experience while getting paid. Industries with these opportunities include: An individual who was formerly employed as a ship fitter, chose to get retrained as a medical assistant. Her prior work experience had taught her time management, decision making and teamwork. These transferable skills, combined with her education made her a great fit for her new role which she is currently enjoying. Here's what she has to say about the program, 'With TTW you can have a steady cash flow, you can go back to do what you want with no worries. You can live your life the best you can.' Vocational Rehabilitation and Specialized Training For individuals with disabilities, VRs offer customized training to support career development. VRs provide services such as: Non-profit organizations and workforce development agencies also have specialized training programs for individuals with disabilities. These programs address specific challenges participants could face in the job market and provide a structured learning experience. 4. Enroll and Utilize Support Services Once you enroll in a program, be sure to take advantage of academic support services, disability accommodations and career counseling help. Many schools offer assistive technology, tutoring and job placement services to ensure student success. Re-entering the workforce with the help of education and skill development is a powerful step toward financial independence. The Ticket to Work Program provides support for individuals to enhance their skills and qualifications, and confidently pursue career opportunities. The variety of educational pathways available—from trade schools and online programs to apprenticeships and vocational rehabilitation— can help individuals find the right path to enhance their employability. While re-skilling can be a challenging journey, taking proactive steps toward learning new skills can lead to personal growth and greater stability, both professionally and financially. If you are ready to explore your options, reaching out to a Ticket to Work provider can be the first step toward a successful return-to-work journey. Education can be key to new opportunities and a brighter future.
Forbes
15-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Flexible Workplaces And Comprehensive Hiring: A Strategic Advantage
In today's evolving work environment, flexibility has become a cornerstone of successful business strategies. Implementing flexible work practices not only supports employees with health needs but also enables companies to tap into a broader pool of skilled candidates. Hiring individuals with disabilities offers substantial business advantages, particularly through programs like the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work Program (TTW). This Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) initiative supports former workers seeking to re-enter the workforce by providing a structured path that safeguards benefits, allows supported work trials and promotes long-term employment success. Business and Financial Benefits Employers who prioritize comprehensive hiring gain access to a largely untapped pool of skilled candidates offering a competitive advantage. Comprehensive hiring is a thorough approach to recruiting that considers all aspects of finding, evaluating and selecting the best candidates to meet an organization's current and future staffing needs. Individuals with disabilities often bring unique perspectives and problem-solving abilities that can enhance innovation and productivity within teams according to the American Foundation for the Blind. Research indicates that employees with disabilities tend to have higher retention rates, leading to reduced turnover and lower recruitment costs. Their resilience and dedication can positively impact overall team performance. Companies that lead in disability inclusion report higher revenue and net income compared to their peers. A study by Accenture revealed that such organizations achieved, on average, 28% higher revenue and 30% greater profit margins. Tax Incentives Employers may be eligible for federal tax credits when hiring individuals with disabilities, always consult with a tax professional to determine eligibility for these credits and deductions. Workplace Culture Enhancements A well-rounded workforce fosters creativity and innovation. Employees with disabilities bring distinct perspectives that can lead to breakthrough solutions and services. Workplaces that offer supportive environments and cultivate mutual respect often experience stronger employee engagement and morale, contributing to a healthier sustainable organizational culture and greater job satisfaction. Additionally, employees with disabilities frequently demonstrate a heightened awareness of workplace safety, which can result in fewer accidents and lower associated costs. Companies that actively reflect the breadth of their customer base through thoughtful hiring practices are better positioned to build trust with consumers, particularly within the disability community—a substantial and often underserved market segment. Organizations recognized for equitable practices are viewed more favorably by customers, job seekers, and investors, helping to attract top talent and drive long-term loyalty. Considering Returning To Work For individuals receiving disability benefits, deciding whether to return to work is a highly personal choice that often involves a range of practical and emotional considerations. Taking time to assess stability—both in terms of health and day-to-day functioning—can help inform the decision. Reflecting on questions such as, 'Am I able to manage a consistent routine?' or 'Do I feel ready to take on new responsibilities?' may provide helpful insights. It may also be beneficial to speak with a trusted medical professional, benefits counselor or employment advisor to explore available options, supports and protections. Returning to work is not a one-size-fits-all journey, and understanding one's own readiness is a meaningful part of the process. For those who determine they are ready to explore employment opportunities, several programs exist to support a successful transition back to work. The Ticket To Work Program The SSA's Ticket to Work Program offers a pathway for individuals receiving SSDI benefits to re-enter the workforce. For employers, this program provides access to a motivated talent pool and offers several advantages: In my experience, returning to work while receiving disability benefits is a deeply personal decision that deserves thoughtful consideration. Taking time to assess your readiness, both physically and emotionally can make a meaningful difference. There's no single path forward, but with the right support and guidance, you can make an informed choice that aligns with your well-being and goals. To begin exploring the Ticket to Work Program, individuals currently receiving SSDI can contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or visit the official website at The program connects participants with Employment Networks (ENs) or state Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies that provide personalized support, such as resume assistance, interview preparation, benefits counseling and job placement services. There is no cost to participate, and individuals can choose the provider that best aligns with their goals. Taking the first step toward employment through Ticket to Work can help individuals explore opportunities at their own pace, with safeguards in place to support a gradual and informed return to the workforce. Adopting flexible work practices and broadening hiring approaches can serve as forward-thinking strategies that strengthen workforce performance and organizational resilience. Employers who recognize and act on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities position themselves for enhanced innovation, financial performance and a positive workplace culture. Programs like Ticket to Work provide valuable support in this effort, making the path to broader workforce participation both practical and rewarding.
Forbes
01-04-2025
- Health
- Forbes
Planning Ahead For Summer Jobs: Securing Seasonal Roles Early
For SSDI beneficiaries considering returning to work after a medical improvement, seasonal work can ... More be an effective way of easing back into the workforce. Social Security's Ticket to Work Program (TTW), with its trial work period allows participants to try getting back to work without fear of losing their benefits for a period of time and offers help from professional employment specialists. Finding a summer job when you have a medical condition or injury can present certain challenges, but with some planning and strategy, you can find the right role. Understand that competition for seasonal workers can be intense. Many individuals are choosing flexible employment opportunities, so these positions are coveted. For SSDI beneficiaries considering returning to work after a medical improvement, seasonal work can be an effective way of easing back into the workforce. Social Security's Ticket to Work Program (TTW), with its trial work period allows participants to try getting back to work without fear of losing their benefits for a period of time and offers help from professional employment specialists. Consider these tips to help you land a great summer role: Get Searching Early Initiate your job search well before the summer season. Many employers begin recruiting for summer roles several months ahead to be sure they have time to find the right candidates and are adequately staffed when they most need it. Applying early gives you a wide range of opportunities and helps avoid the last-minute rush. As you start searching, know which industries you are interested in. Hospitality, retail, tourism and event planning all offer summer work. An Employment Network or state Vocational Rehabilitation agency through TTW can help with searching for jobs, finding transferrable skills and roles that match your skills and interests. Network, Network, Network Be sure to use your professional and personal networks to find potential job leads. Let friends, family, and acquaintances know you are in search of a new position. Contacting former employers and colleagues – particularly those you enjoyed working with can help expand your reach. Be sure to ask them what they enjoyed about working with you and what skills they feel you bring to the table – seeing yourself through their eyes may help you communicate more effectively with prospective employers. And, leveraging your networks can help you find roles that aren't publicly available yet. Practice Your Interview Skills Consider what questions you'll be asked and practice your responses. Job search sites like Monster and Indeed often have lists of common interview questions and answers that you can study. The STAR method of answering questions, which stands for 'Situation,' 'Task,' 'Answer' and 'Result' is a good format to use for interviews. It allows you to give concise, thoughtful answers and explain how you resolved an issue or relate how you would attempt to solve a hypothetical challenge. Think of it as telling a story. STAR gives employers insight into how you think and problem-solve. Seasonal jobs offer you the opportunity to learn new skills and gain industry-specific knowledge. Know what skills your prospective employer is looking for and speak to those in your interviews. These might include being a team player, customer service skills and thriving in a fast-paced environment. Exploring the company's online presence can help you understand their brand, values and culture which makes you stand out amongst strong competition. Your Ticket to Work vocational expert can give you another competitive edge. They can assist by role playing mock online interviews with you. Getting prepared with their professional expertise and guidance can help you ace an interview and leave a great impression with an employer, opening the door for a great seasonal position. Follow Up After you've applied or interviewed, following up is a critical step that demonstrates your professionalism and reaffirms your interest in the position. Be sure to send a thank you note the day after your interview. Let the manager know you enjoyed the conversation by mentioning something specific you discussed. Expressing gratitude for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the position can help you stand out from other candidates. If you haven't heard back within a few weeks after the interview, you can call or email to check in about next steps and where you stand. If you don't land the job, stay positive and keep applying for other roles. If you enjoyed meeting with an employer, ask about future roles. If you stood out, they may remember you for a new role. Getting back into the workforce while managing a medical condition or injury, can feel overwhelming, but seasonal roles are a great way to ease back in. The Ticket to Work Program provides powerful incentives and no cost professional support to get you back to work. Your vocational expert is there to guide you on every step of your return to work journey. By implementing the strategies above and employing the help of your EN or VR, you can effectively position yourself to land a rewarding summer job that can help you test the waters of getting back into the workforce while protecting your SSDI benefits.
