November 20, 2024

Powering Your Return To Work With A Disability Using AES Vocational Experts

Two men shaking hands after a successful interview.

Returning to work after recovery from a disability or injury is a challenging journey that requires courage, resilience and guidance. For many, the process can feel overwhelming, from updating a resume to learning about the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) rules for working while receiving benefits.

Allsup Employment Services (AES) is here to provide that crucial support and guidance as an approved Employment Network (EN) through the Ticket To Work (TTW) Program. AES vocational experts offer a comprehensive, step-by-step approach that empowers you to overcome barriers and confidently return to work.

After you’ve decided you’re ready to return to the workforce, gathering support is a key next step. Whether you’re looking to rejoin a previous role or transition to a new one, AES vocational experts provide unmatched expertise and advocacy, helping you through each phase of the job search and employment process. With AES by your side, you’re not just navigating the job market—you’re working with a dedicated partner committed to your return-to-work success.

 

The Role Of AES Vocational Experts

AES vocational experts serve as your trusted guides in understanding and using TTW to its fullest potential, so the best way to understand their role is to start with TTW.

The Ticket To Work Program is designed for individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who want to return to work without worrying about losing their benefits too soon (or losing them then needing them again). Dealing with the program details can be complex, but AES vocational experts can help.

They ensure that you understand the essentials, such as eligibility, how your earnings will impact your benefits and the safety nets available if you need to stop working. TTW raises important questions, and AES experts are ready with clear answers. How long can you work before your SSDI or SSI is affected? What happens if you need to stop working due to health reasons? AES vocational experts clarify these issues so you can move forward confidently.

AES vocational experts specialize in the unique challenges that come with disability and employment. With years of experience and training, they have developed specific tools, resources and knowledge to guide you through each step.

 

Expert Assistance For Your Job Search

As you begin your job search, having a skilled vocational expert on your side makes a tremendous difference. AES’s support goes beyond typical career advice, offering personalized strategies that fit your unique circumstances and goals. Plus, they will help with resume, interview preparation and job opportunities.

A strong resume is critical. If you’ve had career interruptions or need to switch fields, putting your best foot forward can be challenging. AES vocational experts help update your resume by highlighting your strengths and transferable skills, even if they come from unrelated fields or volunteer experiences. They understand the nuances of showing your best self on paper, positioning you as a valuable candidate for your chosen role.

To add to your own job search, AES can also send relevant job postings that match your skills and goals. This support helps you find opportunities suited to your physical and mental needs, reducing the stress and time involved in sorting through job listings.

Job interviews are often intimidating, especially when you need to discuss employment gaps or health limitations. AES vocational experts help with interview preparation by providing strategies to build your confidence, conducting mock interviews, helping you address any employment gaps effectively and guiding you on how and when to discuss your disability. This helps you approach interviews as an informed, self-assured candidate ready to make a positive impression.

 

Continued Support Beyond The Job Offer

Once you’ve secured a job offer, AES’s assistance doesn’t stop. The team continues to be your ally, helping you make a smooth transition into your new role.

Knowing how to request workplace accommodations can be tricky. AES vocational experts offer advice on approaching these conversations with your employer, ensuring you have the resources to perform your best. Common accommodations include modified work hours, adaptive technology or changes to your physical workspace. AES helps you understand your rights and communicate your needs effectively, promoting a supportive work environment.

One of the most critical aspects of working with a disability is keeping your benefits intact. AES vocational experts help you manage SSA communications and report your earnings accurately, ensuring you stay in compliance with TTW’s requirements. They handle the complex paperwork, allowing you to focus on your job without worrying about missteps with the SSA.

 

Guidance For Maximizing Ticket To Work’s Benefits

AES vocational experts offer more than just practical help; they help you maximize your use of every benefit provided by TTW.

  • SSDI protection: When you start working, TTW provides a Trial Work Period (TWP). This allows you to keep your SSDI benefits for a specified period while testing your ability to work. AES vocational experts guide you through this phase, ensuring that you understand how your earnings impact your benefits.
  • Continuous healthcare coverage: This is crucial for maintaining your health while approaching a return to working. AES helps you use TTW to ensure your healthcare benefits, such as Medicare, remain available as you return to work.
  • Avoiding Continuing Disability Reviews (CDRs): Active participation in TTW means you do not have to undergo this medical review. CDRs can be stressful and time-consuming, so avoiding them means more energy and focus for your return-to-work journey.
  • Expedited Reinstatement (EXR): If your benefits conclude due to your earnings level and down the road you aren’t able to continue, you can return to receiving benefits more easily than if you had to submit a new application.

On top of these program benefits, vocational expert’s services are at no cost to you.

AES is an SSA-authorized Employment Network with TTW, which means all fees are covered by the SSA. This allows you to reduce financial strain and save your resources for finding and keeping meaningful employment.

 

The Real-Life Impact Of Returning To Work With AES Support

AES has helped countless individuals successfully return to work, and each story demonstrates how vocational support transforms lives.

Many clients have shared their positive experiences working with AES vocational experts.

“She was there,” says Michael Smith, a customer of AES who returned to work. “She made sure I had the documents that were needed for Social Security.” Smith’s experience with AES vocational experts gave him a lot of forward momentum. As Smith has shared with us, “you need that support and want that support, throw that stress out the window and let someone else take care of it.”

Marshalla Cofer is another person who was empowered by AES in her return to work. “You have no idea the relief that gives me,” says Cofer. “It’s hard to even put into words. It’s life changing and such a mental relief for a person with a brain injury to … have the services in place to help us.” Hear more of Marshalla’s story in her own words.

If there’s one thing universal among us, it’s the feeling of purpose and achievement which comes with work. This tends to be the drive for so many who desire going back into the workplace. Doug Force says it well when he relates, “you need to feel like you’re contributing.” Force was one of several people who shared their experience and insights when AARP covered what working with AES and TTW is like.  For Force, the results were simple and powerful. “AES changed my life. If it wasn’t for them, I’d probably still be on disability.”

Thousands of AES customers have found their confidence renewed, achieving financial independence with AES’s ongoing guidance. AES doesn’t just help you find a job; they help you regain confidence and independence. These experts understand the emotional journey of returning to work after a disability.

 

Moving Forward With Confidence

Returning to work after a disability doesn’t have to be a daunting experience when you have a dedicated ally like Allsup Employment Services. AES’s vocational experts provide vital support that empowers you through each stage of the job search, employment and beyond, ensuring your benefits are protected and your career aspirations achievable.

If you’re considering returning to work or beginning your job search, reach out to AES.

AES has over 10 years of experience helping thousands return to work successfully.

Benefits Of Working With AES:

  • Earn More. Make as much income as you choose during the Trial Work Period and protect your full SSDI benefits.
  • Stress Less. Avoid medical disability reviews and the worry that comes with them.
  • Keep Medicare. While working, you can keep Medicare for over seven years.
  • Avoid Risk. If you stop working anytime within five years, your SSDI benefits can resume through a reinstatement process.
  • Pay Nothing. As a Social Security-authorized Employment Network, our services are provided at no cost.

Choosing AES means working with an EN who’s focused on your goals and will work with you every step of the way.

 

Get started – With No Cost And No Obligation.

Connect with Allsup Employment Services today by calling 866-540-5105 or requesting a call.