What is the Social Security/Ticket to Work Program?
Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and want to work. The Ticket Program is free and voluntary. It helps people with disabilities move toward financial independence and connects them with the services and support they need to succeed in the workforce.
Ticketholders have the option to assign their Ticket to a State Vocational Rehabilitation agency like OVR or to an Employment Network (EN), a private organization or public agency which has agreed to work with Social Security to provide services under the Ticket program.
According to Social Security Administration (SSA) rules, if your Ticket is not currently assigned to another EN, then completing an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) and receiving services from OVR means that your Ticket is “In Use” with OVR. OVR will work with you to develop a plan for services (your IPE) to help you achieve and maintain employment based on your goals. These services can include training, career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, job placement, benefits counseling, and ongoing support services necessary to achieve a work goal. If your Ticket is already assigned to an EN, OVR staff can work with you to reassign your Ticket or coordinate with your EN to provide services leading to employment.
Why choose Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation for Ticket to Work Services?
Unlike many Employment Networks, Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation works with individuals with disabilities regardless of whether an individual wants to work full time or part time. It doesn’t matter whether the individual wants to supplement a benefit check or eventually discontinue Social Security benefits. OVR offers benefits counseling to explain the impact of work on benefits, so the individual can make an informed decision about employment. In addition, OVR can cover a broader area of services than many other Employment Networks, such as intensive training, education or assistive technology.
What to Expect from OVR:
- Individualized service delivered by qualified professional counselors.
- Convenient locations throughout the state of Kentucky, as well as virtual services.
- Services from approved and qualified vendors.
- The benefit of over 80 years of experience and commitment to serving individuals with disabilities. Each year OVR assists approximately 5,000 individuals with disabilities to be successfully employed.
Partnership Plus
When State VR services end, many people find that they need continuing support to help them keep their job and increase their earnings over time. That's why State VR agencies often partner with ENs that provide job retention services and other types of ongoing support. This arrangement, known as Partnership Plus, gives Ticket program participants continued access to individualized employment services, if needed. After State VR services have ended, you can assign your Ticket to an EN of your choice to receive these additional services. Partnership Plus sets you up for success by providing the support you need at each step toward financial self-sufficiency.
Employment Network
Employment Networks are private organizations or public agencies, which have agreed to work with Social Security to provide services under this program. For more information, call the Ticket to Work helpline or access the Social Security Administration Worksite or the Ticket to Work Website.