Returning to Work (Vocational Rehabilitation)

Does Going Back to Work Make Sense for You?

Are co-pays adding up? Does it seem like your  check is shrinking or doesnt go as far as it used to? Do you have to make  difficult financial decisions on a regular basis? This is a reality for many  who depend on Social Security Disability. Did you know there are programs and agencies  that can assist you with returning to work (vocational rehabilitation services) and employment assistance?  Did you know some of these programs allow you to work and continue to collect disability  and your Medicare and Medicaid coverage? Information and resources are  available below to help you learn more about these programs and services.

The Social Security Administration - Ticket to Work Program

The Ticket to Work Program provides most  people receiving Social Security benefits (beneficiaries) more choices for  receiving employment services. Under this program, the Social Security  Administration (SSA) issues tickets to eligible beneficiaries who, in turn, may  choose to assign those tickets to an Employment Network (EN) of their choice to  obtain employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, or other support  services necessary to achieve a vocational (work) goal. The EN, if they accept  the ticket, will coordinate and provide appropriate services to help the  beneficiary find and maintain employment.

Ticket to Work Website: https://yourtickettowork.ssa.gov/index.html 

Get WISE: What are Work Incentive  Seminar Events (WISE)?

WISE are community events held by Work  Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) programs. These are held for beneficiaries  with disabilities and their families to learn more about available work  incentives through accessible, informal, learning opportunities. Employers,  Vocational Rehabilitation, Protection and Advocacy Services, Employment  Networks and other employment support providers are invited to these meetings  to share information about available services and opportunities for  beneficiaries in the community. Contact information for each states programs  is below. Additionally, to see a listing of WISE seminars in your state, visit:  www.chooseworkttw.net/wise/page/wise_default.action

State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies  

The mission of these organizations is to assist individuals with disabilities in their efforts to return to a more productive life. They assist through programs aimed at employment education. Contact information for the Arkansas, Louisiana and Oklahoma agencies is listed below.