Work Without Limits: How the Ticket-to-Work Program Changes Lives
Image: The Ticket to Work program logo - Swirling lines encircle three colored spheres. A larger swirling line swoops down below the text Ticket to Work.
Finding meaningful employment can be challenging for people with disabilities. Systemic barriers, discrimination, and a lack of accessibility often prevent individuals with disabilities from contributing their skills and talents to the workforce. Established under the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, the Ticket to Work (TTW) program was created to reduce barriers to employment for Social Security disability beneficiaries while ensuring they retain access to foundational healthcare and support services.CPWD is proud to support individuals in using this program to achieve self-sufficiency and workplace success. By combining TTW's resources with CPWD’s extensive services, participants gain access to career coaching, benefits counseling, and employment searching tailored to their individual goals and needs.
Image: A women who uses a wheelchair working at her desk.
What Is the Ticket to Work Program?
The Ticket to Work program is a free and voluntary program administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is designed for individuals aged 18 to 64 who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and are looking to enter or re-enter the workforce. The program provides beneficiaries with career services, job training, and work incentives that allow them to earn income while gradually reducing their reliance on disability benefits.As an Employment Network (EN) and service provider, CPWD helps consumers navigate the Ticket to Work process. Here’s how:
- Career Planning & Job Readiness
CPWD’s employment specialists assist participants in identifying their career goals, assessing their skills, and creating a personalized employment plan. This includes resume building, interview preparation, and skill development workshops tailored to different industries.
- Benefits Counseling
Many people with disabilities are hesitant to enter the workforce because they are afraid of losing their SSDI or SSI benefits. CPWD’s staffs Benefits Counselors, Community Partner Work Incentives Counselors (CPWICs), who have undergone extensive training to provide up-to-date information on work incentives and explain how individuals can gradually transition to employment while maintaining necessary healthcare and financial support.
- Job Placement & Workplace Advocacy
CPWD works with local businesses to educate them on inclusive hiring practices. They also advocate for workplace accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure participants have the support they need to thrive in their jobs.=
- Ongoing Support & Career Growth=
The TTW program doesn’t just focus on finding a job—it also helps participants stay employed and advance in their careers. CPWD provides continued support, including mentorship, job coaching, and additional training opportunities to foster long-term success.
Image: A man in a suit shaking hands with his employer after getting a job
Success Stories: Transforming Lives
The impact of the TTW program through CPWD is best demonstrated by the real experiences of individuals who have benefited from it. From young adults entering their first job to seasoned professionals returning to the workforce after a disability-related absence, the program is a life-changing bridge to independence.Dan (name changed) joined CPWD’s Ticket to Work program in 2021. He was looking to re-enter the workforce but was uncertain of how it would affect his SSI benefits. With CPWD’s support, Dan secured a position at a local church and began earning minimum wage. By July 2021, he transitioned off benefits but remained in the TTW program for continued career support. Over the next 36 months, CPWD assisted him navigating requirements and needs, such as paystub submissions, insurance options, and workplace accommodations. CPWD helped him understand work incentives and submit necessary paperwork to the Social Security Administration. In April 2023, Dan was promoted to Director of Multimedia at the church and secured an impressive salary of $6,000 per month. He graduated from the TTW program in October 2023, having built a rewarding career that surpassed the financial security offered by disability benefits.“The people I worked with at CPWD were always incredibly helpful and continually checked on me to see how I was doing,” Dan shared. “I’m very thankful for them communicating to and reporting my information to Social Security.”Dan’s success highlights a common experience among TTW participants: overcoming the risk and fear of losing benefits, and discovering that gainful employment can provide greater financial freedom and independence than SSI payments alone.
A Pathway to Empowerment
For people with disabilities, the opportunity to work isn’t just about earning a paycheck—it’s about dignity, self-worth, and full participation in society. The Ticket to Work program, combined with CPWD’s advocacy and support, creates a more inclusive workforce where disability is not a barrier to success.If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the Ticket to Work program and how CPWD can help, email benefits@cpwd.org to connect with a counselor. Together, we can overcome barriers and build a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.To see if you are eligible for TTW, click here to complete the CPWD Ticket To Work and Employment Services Interest Form.