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On December 28, 2001, the final regulations for the "Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act Legislation" (TWWIIA) were released. Starting in November 2002, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will begin mailing "Tickets" to eligible SSI/SSDI recipients in Nevada. This voluntary program helps people receiving disability benefits to go to work by decreasing barriers to employment and increasing their choice of vocational service providers. Just the Facts Participation in the program is voluntary. Beneficiaries do NOT have to take part in this program to keep their disability benefits.
The Ticket is a new Social Security program to attempt to reduce the growing number of beneficiaries who receive cash benefits and health care assistance under the SSDI (Social Security Disability Income) and SSI (Supplemental Security Income) programs. The Ticket offers incentives to return to work while still providing benefits such as health insurance. The program also offers those desiring to return to work a larger choice of employment assistance service providers, called Employment Networks.
SSDI recipients will receive a Ticket if between 18 and 65 years of age and if not expected to medically improve to the point of being ineligible for benefits. If you are expected to medically improve to the point of being ineligible but have at least one continuing disability review and are continued on benefits, you should receive a Ticket. SSI recipients will receive a ticket if between 18 and 65, if found eligible based on the standard for adults, and if not expected to medically improve to the point of being ineligible for benefits. If expected to medically improve to the point of being ineligible but if at least one continuing disability review remains and benefits were to continue, you should receive a Ticket.
Will I receive a ticket if the Social Security Administration expects my condition to improve? Only if, or after, you have had a continuing disability review (CDR) and you have been determined to still have a disability by Social Security’s definition.
No. Ticket use is voluntary. If you begin using it and find that you cannot or do not want to continue, you may stop, without penalty. Your decision will have no affect on your disability benefits.
Does the Ticket impact on disability reviews? Ticket recipients are exempt from continuing disability reviews while using the Ticket.
Will using or not using my Ticket affect my cash benefits? Non-participation in the Ticket program does not result in reduced or stopped cash benefits unless you return to work and your income is so high that you do not qualify for such benefits. If the high earnings disqualify you from receiving SSDI cash benefits, you remain eligible for Medicare for an additional eight and one-half years. Depending on how much you earn, you will have the opportunity to continue Medicaid benefits at little or no cost to you. If you are not able to continue to work, you can receive benefits again without completing a new application and undergoing a new waiting period.
What happens if I get off cash benefits by working and find out that I can’t continue to work? The Act contains a provision called expedited reinstatement. Anytime you use your Ticket, and for up to five years after your cash benefits cease, if you cannot continue to work you can ask Social Security to re-start your benefits. You will receive cash benefits for up to six months, during which time SSA will review your case to see if you still meet the eligibility guidelines on the same disability. If you are not found eligible for cash benefits again, you will not be required to reimburse SSA for any cash benefits you received during that six-month period. If you are found eligible for cash benefits, those benefits will continue.
Who can provide services to me? You can receive services from the Nevada Rehabilitation Division’s Bureau of Vocational Rehabilitation or the Bureau of Services to the Blind and Visually Impaired or from an approved Employment Network.
What is an Employment Network (EN)? An Employment Network (EN) is an entity approved by Social Security to assist you receive services you need to return to work and end SSDI or SSI benefits. Nevada’s vocational rehabilitation programs make up an EN, as do other entities.
What if I already have an open case with vocational rehabilitation? You may assign your Ticket to Nevada’s VR programs. However, you may choose any Employment Network that you feel will serve you best.
Can I move my Ticket assignment from one EN to another at any time? Yes.
What services will Employment Networks provide? EN’s willing to accept your Ticket must develop with you a plan for employment that identifies the services you need to return to work. They will provide or arrange for you to receive those services. As your plan progresses, it may need to be revised. You will always be a part of these decisions.
The choice of jobs is yours alone. However, the EN may help you decide on what job you want and help you prepare for and find that job.
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