Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits over 7.3 million people across the U.S. Many of these individuals have skills and experience that are valuable to your organization.
At Allsup Employee Services (AES), these former workers with disabilities are our clients. We assist them with all aspects of returning to work. As a Social Security-authorized Employment Network (EN), we provide free services to beneficiaries through the Ticket to Work (TTW) Program. The program is designed to help these highly trained individuals reenter the workforce. This untapped resource could add value to your organization. Here are some of the most common questions employers have about TTW.
What Is Ticket To Work?
The Ticket to Work (TTW) Program is administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and is designed to help Americans with disabilities reenter the workforce. TTW helps ensure that individuals continue to receive SSDI and Medicare benefits as they transition back to working full-time. The SSA has assigned certain ENs to work with these beneficiaries. Employment Networks like AES help former workers maximize the benefits of TTW so that employers can focus on the needs of the individual and the goals of their organization.
Can You Work On Social Security Disability?
Yes. Employers should be aware that the TTW relies on a Trial Work Period (TWP). During this time, the employee will receive their pay and full SSDI benefits. The TWP is nine months; however, the employee can complete this period over a 60-month window to allow for any medical setbacks.
Do TTW Beneficiaries Receive A Full Paycheck?
Yes. Employers will pay employees who are part of the TTW Program at the standard rate. Once the TWP ends, the employee enters what's called the "Extended Period of Eligibility." If their earnings exceed a specific threshold — known as Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) — the SSA will pause their benefits.
Do Employers Monitor The Employee's Timely Progress?
It is not the employer’s responsibility to manage the employee’s participation in Ticket to Work. Within the TTW Program, "timely progress" refers to the individual’s ability to meet specific goals. These are often measured by monthly income or progress in college or a technical, trade or vocational training program. The TTW participant submits information directly to the SSA and their EN may assist them with this reporting process. Their progress is monitored annually.
An EN like AES will file a Timely Progress Report (TPR), and as an employer, you may be asked to submit compensation information.
Do Employers Provide Healthcare Coverage?
Employers may offer healthcare to employees in the TTW Program; however, TTW participants have access to Medicare and may prefer to maintain the federal insurance as their primary healthcare coverage. After the TWP, Medicare coverage for TTW participants will continue for 93 months — even if the employee loses other SSDI benefits due to their compensation.
After this period, individuals have the option to continue to receive Medicare Part A (hospital services), Part B (medical services), and Part D (prescription drug coverage) for an additional premium. The continuation of Medicare coverage for these employees can produce significant savings for employers on their group health plans.
Do Employers Have To Pay For The Ticket To Work Program?
No. The TTW program is 100% funded by the federal government. Should you choose to hire an individual receiving Social Security disability benefits, the EN assigned to your employee will help ensure a smooth transition back to the workplace.
What Employers Gain From The TTW Program
Hiring employees with disabilities through the TTW Program provides these former workers a chance to re-enter the workforce. For employers, you can give your company access to a wealth of knowledge and experience. Here are some advantages employers can realize:
- Enhanced Loyalty. Workers with disabilities bring significant value to employers through enhanced loyalty, respect for the job and more consistent performance.
- Higher Profitability. Studies show that Diversity & Inclusion initiatives within companies consistently result in higher profits due to fewer absences, less turnover and improved safety.
- Competitive Advantage. Businesses that hire people with disabilities understand the importance of diverse and inclusive workforces giving them a clear competitive advantage.
Get Help From An Employment Network Like Allsup Employment Services
An EN like Allsup Employment Services can help you identify qualified employees with disabilities who are able and want to work. We’ll help your new employee navigate the TTW Program so you can focus on what’s important to your organization.
Learn More About:
- The Ticket To Work (TTW) Program.
- What an Employment Network (EN) is and why they are important.
- How your SSDI benefits are protected under the TTW program.
- Frequently asked questions regarding the TTW program and Allsup Employment Services.
- How Allsup Employment Services’ deep experience helps you.
Allsup Employment Services can be reached at 866-540-5105 or requesting a call.
