faqs

A Trial Work Period (TWP) or Trial Work Level (TWL) applies to those who receive SSDI benefits only. A Trial Work period is a work incentive that is given to those on SSDI to allow them to ‘test’ the waters of working. Social Security allows the person to try to return to work and is allowed to keep both their full disability benefits and health insurance during the Trial Period months.  SSA allows for 9 of these Trial Period months. A month in 2024 is counted as a trial if earnings exceed $1110 a month. Our Certified Benefits Counselor/CPWIC can help you track your benefits.

SGA stands for Substantial Gainful Activity. It is a term used by Social Security to determine if someone is eligible for disability benefits and to describe the level of work activity and earnings. If you receive SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), the SGA amount is used to determine if your benefits continue after you return to work and complete your Trial Work Period. The 2024 SGA figure is $1550. If you are blind, SGA is $2590 in 2024. Our Certified Benefits Counselor/CPWIC can help track your benefits and guide you through every stage of the program so you can focus on your employment goals.

Many people receiving SSI (Social Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) who are between the ages of 18 and 64, qualify for this free federally-sponsored return to work program. Your Social Security Number now serves as your ‘ticket.’ When you apply with MEO, we will be able to check the SSA portal to verify your ‘ticket’ status. If you would prefer to know before applying, you can call the Ticket to Work Helpline at 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY) to verify if you have a ‘ticket to work.’

The Ticket to Work Program is a national program that serves all 50 states and is managed and created by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It is an ‘outcome’ based program and SSA must first authorize and approve any agency who wants to provide services under the program name. It not only helps someone find suitable work, but also gives them a professional agency who can guide them in many areas including finding legitimate employers that fit their abilities, job development, resumes, interviews, accommodations and guidance with benefit questions.

There are various stages within the Ticket To Work Program for those on SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). There is a “Trial Work Period” (TWL) and a “Substantial Gainful Activity” (SGA) period that affects income when returning to work. Our Certified Benefits Counselor/CPWIC can help you track your benefits throughout each stage of the program so you know where you are and what is coming next.

You have the option to work part-time or full-time, although there are some considerations. During your first nine months (if you are on SSDI), you can earn or work as much as you are able without consequence. Once you have finished this period, then your cash benefits can be affected by your monthly earnings if you earn over $1550 a month (2024 SGA). SGA for the Blind in 2024 is $2590.

Returning to work using the program is a ‘gradual’ process and different for each person. As ticketholders advance in the program, we help them work toward more hours, using program work incentives, to help reach self-sufficiency. Our Certified Benefits Counselor/CPWIC can help you track your benefits to ensure you are in a good place within the program.

To read more about the Ticket To Work Program, follow this link or call 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY).

It is possible to unassign your ‘ticket’ from another Employment Network (EN) or from Vocational Rehabilitation (VR). To ensure we are the right fit for your goals, we would first have you submit our online application to be screened by our staff. We can also guide you on how to unassign if needed. Note: You do not have to unassign your ticket to simply apply with us. You can apply and see if we are a good fit and then make your decision if you prefer.

If you are certain you would like to unassign from an agency, you can to submit this form to SSA to unassign from an Employment Network. To unassign from Voc. Rehab (VR) you would need to 1) Call your VR case manager to have your case closed. 2) After your case is closed, you can submit this form to SSA.

If you are unsure, please feel free to contact us.

The employment services that we offer to our clients on SSDI or SSI are entirely free because the program is a federal government program managed by the Social Security Administration. The services that we provide under the Ticket to Work Program are free to both job seekers and also employers.

It allows beneficiaries, who receive SSDI or SSI (non-retirement) disability benefits, to ‘test’ the waters of working again without risk to their benefits or health insurance. The program is gradual and allows job seekers on SSDI or SSI to work toward self-sufficiency over time.

Our client information page provides some steps as to how to find out more about your personal Social Security Benefits.