By Jan Dabroski, NENA Director
Center for People with Disabilities
A majority of beneficiaries are unaware of the services and supports available to them free of charge. Provided is a list of services and supports that are available and can be shared with Ticket to Work Beneficiaries while beneficiaries are in the Ticket to Work program.
Ticket to Work Helpline - 1-866-968-7842
Ticket to Work Website - https://choosework.ssa.gov/
Work Incentive Seminar Events (WISE) - https://choosework.ssa.gov/webinars-tutorials/index.html
Fact Sheets / Success Stories / Videos / Podcasts - https://choosework.ssa.gov/library/index.html
EMPLOYMENT TEAM
Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) – 57 Nationwide. Attorneys and Advocates that give support and guidance on disability beneficiary rights, complaints, work incentives, and sometimes free legal services/representatives. 1-866-968-7842
Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) - 103 Nationwide. WIPA personnel help recipients plan their work lives, determine eligibility for various federal and state programs, assist with health benefits coverage from employers and/or the federal government, and provides referrals and resources.
Employment Network (EN) - A public or private organization that contracts with Social Security to provide free employment support services to Social Security disability beneficiaries ages 18 through 64.
Worksheet to assist with finding an EN - https://choosework.ssa.gov/Assets/cw/docs-materials/BeneficiaryWsht-form6-05-2015_508.pdf
Vocational Rehabilitation Agency (VR) - State VR helps individuals return to work who need more significant services such as tuition for school, extensive training, rehabilitation services, vehicle modifications, and more before starting work. https://rsa.ed.gov/about/states
Workforce Center/American Job Center Employment Network - Employment Networks that are part of a state's public workforce system. They provide access to a wide array of employment support services, including training programs, job development, and special programs for youth in transition and veterans.
Along with the website provided you can also find your Employment Team in your area (PABSS, WIPA, EN, WR, WF) by going to:
https://choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp/result?p_sort=alphabetical&option=2&resStr=en,wf&p_pagesize=25&p_pagenum=1
OTHER SUPPORTS/SERVICES/RESOURCES
Job Accommodation Network (JAN) - Free expert guidance and one-on-one consultations on workplace accommodations, the American Disability Act (ADA), related legislation, and employment issues including self-employment. 1-866-526-7842 – www.askJAN.org
American Disability Act (ADA) - Assistance with rights, laws, and discrimination https://www.ada.gov/
Department of Labor (DOL) & Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - Information on jobs, training, unemployment, labor laws, workers compensation, and employment discrimination
DOL - https://www.dol.gov/
EEOC - https://www.eeoc.gov/
Legal Assistance - Free to low-cost legal assistance. National Disability Rights Network https://www.ndrn.org/ You can find the legal centers in your area using the National site.
Center for Independent Living Centers (ILC) - Private, non-profit, consumer controlled, community-based organization that provides services and advocacy for persons with all types of disabilities. They assist with employment, housing, transportation, health issues, and more. The goal is to assist individuals towards independent living.
National Independent Living Center – Washington, DC (202)-207-0334 – www.ncil.org
Federal Employment of People With Disabilities (Federal Jobs) - https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/disability-employment/
