Frequently Asked Questions

Do You Have A Ticket To Work?
If you have been receiving Social Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability (SSDI) and are between the ages of 18 and 63, then you automatically qualify for this federally sponsored return to work program.  In the past, the Social Security Administration actually mailed out paper tickets to let qualified individuals identify themselves to Employment Networks.  To save trees and money, SSA stopped sending out paper tickets.  Now all you need to do is submit a Pre-Qualification Form on our website to start the process with us.  Once you have submitted a form, a staff member will contact you directly to discuss your employment options within about 2 business days. If we feel that we can help you, we will invite you to assign your “ticket” to My Employment Options.

How is the Ticket to Work program different from other vocational programs?
What is different about the Ticket to Work program from other government programs is that it is a completely voluntary program that allows people on disability the opportunity to try to return to work without fear of losing their disability or healthcare benefits. The rules are a little different depending on whether a person is receiving SSDI or SSI.

Social Security Disability Recipients benefit from a trial work period that lasts 9 months. During this time you can earn as much money as you like and still continue to receive cash benefits from the Social Security Administration as well as income from work. The extra money can be used to help you catch up on bills, buy a car, move to a nicer neighborhood or go to the movies.  There are no restrictions.

Social Security Income Recipients benefit from work incentives and expedited reinstatement of cash benefits when they try to return to work.  It can be a little complicated, but that is where we can help.

What if I go back to work and then lose my job or get sick?
There is no penalty for trying to return to work.  If you try working and then find out that returning to work is not right for you, your cash benefits can be reinstated without any difficulty or questions during the expedited reinstatement period. (36 months after completing the nine month trial work period). Ticket-holders can also retain their Medicare benefits for 8 ½ years after starting back to work, and do not have to worry about changing healthcare providers or obtaining healthcare coverage through their employer.

Does it matter if I work full-time or part-time?
Not really.  During your trial work period you can earn or work as much as you are able.  Once you have finished this period, then your cash benefits can be affected by your monthly earnings if you earn over $1000.00 a month. (2011 SGA)

How can Employment Options help me?
The good thing about Employment Options is that we help you every step of the way.  We understand how complicated it is to navigate and understand your Social Security benefits.  We help you track your benefits, answer questions and advocate on your behalf so you never have to worry.  In fact, we continue to help you for over six years!  If you lose a job, need accommodations at work or want to change jobs, we are only a phone call away.

How long will it take me to get a job?
Our goal is to get you back to work as soon as possible.  This is an outcome based program and unlike other government programs, we do not receive any funding to help you find a job or go back to school.  We only get paid when you are successfully working.  We are VERY MOTIVATED to get you working! And we are VERY MOTIVATED to help you find the right job, so that you will stay successfully employed.

What kind of jobs do you find for people?
We help you find the type of job that fits your skills and abilities.  Before starting your job search, you will be professionally evaluated to make sure that we are looking in the right direction.

What happens after I assign my ticket to your company? 
Each job hunter receives a copy of our workbook, Disabilities/Different Abilities:  A New Perspective for Job Hunters and is assigned a personal counselor.  Using our three step proven methodology, we first get to know you and what is important to you.  Once we identify your perfect job fit, we help you to understand your rights and challenges as a job hunter with a disability and how to overcome them so you actually get hired.  Third we will help you with a resume, job leads, interviews, accommodations, feedback and support.

What if I am unhappy with your services?
We do the best we can to make sure you are completely satisfied, but sometimes the types of services that you may need or want are not offered through Employment Options.  You are allowed to change employment networks, but you are not allowed to work with more than one Employment Network at a time.

Do you offer cash back? 
The assistance we provide is personal and full service.  Cash back companies* offer limited or no services. We do provide some financial help on a one time, individual basis.

Will you pay for schooling?  No, very rarely. 

Can you help me start my own business? 
No, we do not help ticket-holders with self-employment or 1099 employment. 

*If Employment Options has rendered services to a ticket holder that led to a job offer, cash back companies will not qualify for government pay-outs.

 See more videos on how our process works