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Ticket to Work

Ready to work again? We’re here to help. As part of the SSA’s Ticket to Work Employment Network, Advocator Advantage offers free, personalized support to help Social Security beneficiaries confidently return to work.

Helping You Return to Work.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers the Ticket to Work program, a free and voluntary initiative designed to support individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) as they return to the workforce.

As a proud member of the Ticket to Work Employment Network, Advocator Advantage provides personalized support to help you explore career opportunities while maintaining access to your disability benefits and medical coverage during the transition. Our experienced career counselors are here to guide you every step of the way, helping you work toward greater financial independence and job satisfaction.

Let us help you take the next step in your SSDI return-to-work journey.

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When You Join the Ticket to Work Program

Worker in a high-visibility vest and hard hat, proud to be back in the workforce through the Ticket to Work program.

  • Continued SSDI benefits

    You continue to receive your full SSDI benefits during the nine-month trial work period. SSI benefits may differ, but we will help you understand any potential benefit changes.

  • Continued eligibility for Social Security disability

    Should you stop working after your return to work, you will be able to reinstate your benefits without having to submit a new application.

  • Individualized return to work assistance

    You receive free career counseling through the Ticket to Work program, including career planning, job accommodation planning, and ongoing employment support.

  • No ongoing disability reviews

    You may not be required to provide ongoing proof of your disability to SSA for a Continuing Disability Review.

Benefits of Working With Us

Working with an experienced career counselor can be the difference between finding a job and discovering your career.

When you work with us, you’ll understand how the Ticket to Work program impacts your cash and medical benefits, and you’ll be prepared to return to the workforce on your terms. Our services do not stop when you return to work — we provide support as you transition back into the workforce and continue that support long beyond your first day.

  • Benefits
    counseling

  • Career
    planning

  • Resume
    assistance

  • Job
    accommodations

  • Ongoing
    support

Talk with one of our experienced
counselors about your career goals.

What Our Clients Say

  • stars

    “My representative was so knowledgeable and explained in detail about each step of the program. I was clueless about TTW and the 9 TWP, making as much money as I could and still getting my SSDI benefits. I wasn’t even aware of the helpful details that came along with the services and support from the office with the resume updates and revision!”

  • stars

    “My TTW representative was amazing because they took the time to explain how the process worked. Once I was assigned, I got on it and they helped put my words into action. They always follow through.”

When You Join the Ticket to Work Program

  • Introductory conversation

    We’ll discuss your unique situation and career aspirations after returning to work from disability.

  • Assigning your Ticket

    You’ll complete a handful of forms required by Social Security.

  • Benefits counseling

    You’ll fully understand any impact that work will have on your SSDI benefits.

  • Career counseling

    We’ll provide individualized and ongoing counseling to help make your return to work successful.

A career counselor at Advocator Advantage assisting a professional woman as she prepares to return to work

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Who is eligible to participate in the Ticket to Work Program?

    Anyone between the ages of 18 and 64 receiving SSDI and/or SSI benefits who wants to return to the workforce may participate in the services offered through the Ticket to Work program. You will typically become eligible for the program once your disability benefits begin.

  • Will I lose my SSDI/SSI cash benefits if I participate in the Ticket to Work Program?

    SSDI beneficiaries have a 9-month trial work period where they are able to continue receiving their cash benefits while testing their ability to work full-time. For SSI recipients, there are federal work incentives that allow you to work while minimizing the reduction of your cash benefits. In either case, you should reach out to one of our credentialed benefit counselors for more information. 

    Your benefits will continue when participating in at least one of the Ticket to Work program services. To further protect your ongoing benefits, SSA will not perform a medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR) during any time you are utilizing the services of the Ticket to Work program, provided you meet the Timely Progress guidelines. Should you successfully enter the workforce, your benefits may continue for at least a period of time, depending on how much you earn. 

  • How much can I earn while continuing to receive disability benefits?

    SSA offers SSDI beneficiaries the chance to utilize a trial work period to test their ability to return to work. This provides you with the opportunity to earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity level, while continuing to receive monthly benefits. Your cash benefits will end after nine months of earnings that exceed trial work period levels.

    SSI beneficiaries are unable to utilize the trial work period, and their monthly benefits are typically reduced as a result of earnings. In either instance, our experienced career counselors will help you understand any impact on your benefits, so you are prepared and fully understand your future income.

  • Will I lose my Medicare/Medicaid eligibility if I participate in the Ticket to Work Program?

    There are federal work incentives that allow SSDI/SSI beneficiaries to remain eligible for medical coverage while participating in the Ticket to Work Program. We can assist you in understanding state-specific requirements if you are receiving SSI and Medicaid. 

    Should your SSDI benefits end, but your impairments continue to meet SSA’s criteria for disability, you may be eligible to receive ongoing Medicare coverage for at least an additional seven and a half years. Continued Medicaid eligibility may vary if your SSI benefits end. Our certified benefits counselors can assist you with understanding your state’s Medicaid guidelines to determine how long you can continue to receive Medicaid coverage while working.  

  • What happens to my benefits if I am unable to continue working?

    If your benefits ended because you returned to work, but you stopped working because of your disability, you may request Social Security to restart your benefits under Expedited Reinstatement. You may not need to file a new application and can receive provisional benefits for up to six months while a final determination is made about the reinstatement.

News and Information

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Take the first step toward financial well-being today. Our team is ready to help.

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Have Questions?

At Advocator Advantage, we understand that navigating SSDI, Medicare, and the Ticket to Work program can be complex and overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to address any questions or concerns you may have along your journey.

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