Last Updated: 1/14/2025
An Employment Network (EN) is a private or public organization authorized by the Social Security Administration (SSA) to provide services to people in the Ticket To Work Program (TTW).
Ticket To Work is a free SSA program and it’s your choice if you’d like to participate. It helps recipients of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who want to return to the workforce. ENs are very important to the Ticket To Work Program, and if you work with one, you’ll gain the advantage in preparing for, finding, and retaining employment.
Your EN serves as a complete support system, offering the tools and assistance necessary for your success. They function as mentors throughout your career journey, providing access to job training, professional guidance, counseling on benefits and many other resources.
The SSA reviews and approves these networks to make trusted resources available to those trying to gain employment. Allsup Employment Services is an EN with over 10 years of experience in helping people back into the workforce.
What’s Special About Employment Networks In The Ticket To Work Program?
They Are Authorized By The Social Security Administration
It’s important to note that not just any organization can become an EN. The SSA has high standards that companies must meet to participate in the Ticket To Work Program. This makes sure that you’re receiving quality services from a trusted provider.
ENs are held to high professional standards and must demonstrate they have the experience and resources needed to help beneficiaries re-enter the workforce.
Allsup Employment Services (AES) is an SSA-authorized EN, meaning that we have passed the SSA’s inspection process and are fully qualified to help you on your employment journey. AES has over 10 years of experience in the Ticket To Work Program and has helped thousands of people return to work successfully.
They Support Your Transition To Work
Rejoining the workforce after receiving disability benefits can be intimidating, but ENs provide crucial help to make the transition smoother. With their strong understanding of how the TTW Program works, ENs can guide you towards employment opportunities while making sure you don't lose your benefits too soon.
ENs offer support during your entire journey, providing advice on job applications, interview preparation and getting used to your new working life. An EN can help you navigate the challenges with re-entering the workforce.
They Help You Gain Self-Sufficiency
One of the main goals of the Ticket To Work Program is to help people become more financially stability and independence. Working with an EN can set you on a path towards greater self-reliance, gradually reducing the need for Social Security assistance as you increase your working income.
ENs pave the way by empowering you with important skills and resources needed to get and keep a job that works for you. During your move into the workforce, ENs provide critical support. This may include advice on managing benefits, help in finding suitable job opportunities and ongoing career advice.
What Services Do Employment Networks Provide?
Whether you're starting a new career or going back to work you've done before, ENs help you through the whole job search process and beyond.
- Individual Work Plans (IWPs): ENs work with you to create a roadmap for your unique needs, making sure the plan accounts for your skills, interests and goals. This describes your personal employment goals and the steps needed to achieve them.
- Job Placement Assistance: ENs help you find jobs that fit your skills and interests. They help you write an effective resume, get ready for job interviews and give you resources to find job openings.
- Career Counseling: ENs help you understand what you're good at and what jobs might fit well. They help you explore different options and work toward a position you'll enjoy.
- Work Incentives and Benefits Counseling: ENs explain how going back to work will affect your benefits. They tell you how the Ticket To Work Program lets you try working without losing your benefits right away.
- Work With Other Agencies: In some cases, ENs may connect with other support organizations or government agencies to provide more services. For example, an EN might work with a state vocational rehabilitation agency to offer more training or resources.
- Ongoing Support: ENs don't stop helping once you get a job. They give advice on how to handle workplace issues and balance work with the rest of your life. ENs stay in touch with you after you start working, helping work through any issues or concerns so you can keep moving forward.
What Value Do Employment Networks Give To You?
Their Services Are At No Cost To You
Working with an EN is paid for by the SSA. There is no cost to people in the Ticket To Work program. You can get help finding jobs, career advice, information about your benefits and ongoing support without paying anything. It’s part of the benefit provided by the SSA.
ENs Help Manage The Complicated Rules
Going back to work while getting disability benefits can be confusing. ENs help explain the rules about the Ticket To Work Program, work incentives and how much you can earn. They make sure you know what to expect when you start working again.
You Get Help That’s Personalized To You
Everyone's situation is different. ENs know this and give help that fits your needs. They look at your challenges, goals and situation to give you the best support. This personal touch is why ENs are so good at helping people who are ready to work again.
Feel More Confident And Less Worried
Starting work again can feel scary, but ENs help make it easier. They give you personal support, expert advice and clear information about your benefits. This helps you feel more sure about going back to work. They make sure you know your rights, how to keep your benefits safe and where to get help when you need it.
