The Social Security Administration (SSA) administers two distinct cash income programs for people with disabilities:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). In 2023, there were more than
11 million working aged adults (ages 18-64), as well as over one (1) million children, receiving these benefits.
While these programs represent essential support, they unintentionally present major barriers to employment
and the pursuit of economic self-sufficiency.
lady shows woman in wheelchair a laptop screen
SSA’s Ticket to Work (TTW) program was signed into federal law as part of the “Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999” and was intended to address the tremendous unemployment among working aged adult beneficiaries. SSA’s TTW is a program that allows people with disabilities who receive disability related benefits to seek employment services from qualified vendors, referred to as Employment Networks (ENs).

Nearly all adult (18-64) beneficiaries in active status with SSA (receiving SSI, SSDI or both) are eligible to participate in the TTW. The program is highly accountable and offers beneficiaries more choices to return to work and improve their earnings over time. ENs are paid based solely on the achievement of employment and earnings level of the beneficiary. This concept is valuable for the beneficiary as the EN is highly incentivized to help beneficiaries achieve their goals.

Since 2001, AHEDD has been helping ticketholders become employed in a variety of settings including manufacturing and distribution, entry and professional level services, healthcare, plus many more. Services to the beneficiary are customized and include career guidance and development of short-and long-term employment goals. Work Incentives Counseling is also made available to each beneficiary to help them manage work and benefits to reach greater independence.

Email tickettowork@ahedd.org for more information.

Administrative Partnerships

Many agencies are interested in the TTW program but don’t have the time or resources to apply to become a Traditional Employment Network (EN). AHEDD can help! Through our Administrative Employment Network (EN), The PA Employment Network, our team can collaborate with similar agencies to maximize employment opportunities for SSA beneficiaries, across the nation. Our experienced staff will train your associates on all aspects of the TTW program, but without the administrative requirements applied to a traditional EN service model. Then, at specific benchmarks related to ticketholder earnings, AHEDD will request and distribute payments to your agency. By maintaining a small percentage off the top, AHEDD doesn’t get paid until you do!   AHEDD is proud to list our current PA Employment Network Partners:

The Sierra Group (Philadelphia, PA)

Family Resources Associates (Red Bank, New Jersey)

Trendline Consulting (Perryville, Missouri)

Business Services offered:

Meet and Greet with AHEDD/PA Employment Network (PA EN) for further information and partnership opportunities.

Review and sign an agreement as a Partner affiliate with the PA EN.

Work with AHEDD to complete Suitability requirements for federal clearance to work with SSA.

PA EN will provide training on all aspects of the SSA’s TTW program and help you identify participants to enroll in the program.

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