The Ticket to Work program is voluntary. You get free training, job referrals and other services you need to work. You can give your “Ticket” to an approved provider of your choice. The provider can be either the state vocational rehabilitation agency or an employment network. You and the provider will work together to make a work plan. The plan states exactly what services the provider will furnish.

If you work with a state vocational rehabilitation agency and your Ticket is not assigned to them, once they close your case you may assign your Ticket to an employment network if you are still eligible to participate in the Ticket program. An employment network is a group that may help you find a job and provide other employment services for free. An employment network can be a single organization, or a group of providers. An employment network also can work with others outside their network to provide services

What happens to your benefits? If you have completed your trial work period, are working and have substantial earnings, your Social Security disability benefits may stop. There are some work incentives that may allow you to keep your cash payments for a while, and Social Security can quickly start your benefits again when your income drops or you stop work. If you are only receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), then payments are reduced as earnings increase until your benefits are completely eliminated by your earnings.

Although your cash benefits may cease, your health care will not necessarily stop.  Most Medicare beneficiaries can maintain their coverage for at least 8½ years after returning to work.

If you begin to work and stop, you can ask Social Security to start your benefits again, including Medicare or Medicaid. You will not have to apply again if your disability causes you to stop working within five years after your ­benefits stopped. You also may get temporary benefits—as well as Medicare or Medicaid—for up to six months while Social Security reviews your case.