The Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance benefits programs provide support to those who wish to start or return to work. There are two key programs that cater to this need: the Ticket to Work (Ticket) program and the Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) program.

The Ticket program is specifically designed to aid career development for SSI and SSDI recipients who have the desire to work and achieve financial independence. This program is both voluntary and free of charge. For more information on Ticket, you can visit www.ssa.gov/work or make a call to the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) available from Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET.

The PASS program opens another avenue for people with disabilities to re-enter the workforce, allowing you to set aside resources other than your SSI for a certain period of time. With PASS, you can work towards a goal that would ultimately lead to the reduction or total elimination of your dependence on the SSI or SSDI benefits. Assistance in formulating your work goal is available through referral to a vocational rehabilitation counselor. Costs of vocational services can be managed through a plan which must be written and approved. Visit www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-545.html for the PASS application form or contact your local PASS Cadre or Social Security office for Form SSA-545-BK. Detailed information about the PASS program is available at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-11017.pdf.

These programs are designed with the recognition that a job is not just a source of income, but also a potential path to independence and the fulfillment of personal dreams. Both the Ticket to Work and PASS programs are aimed to help achieve your career goals. For contact and inquiries, the ‘how to talk to someone at edd disability’ service at eddcaller.com provides a reliable conduit for swift communication.