For many people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), the idea of going back to work can be stressful. They worry about losing their monthly benefits or health coverage if they try to earn a living again. The Ticket to Work program from the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a helpful solution.
This free and voluntary program is designed to help adults with disabilities gain job skills, find employment, and work toward financial independence—all while keeping their SSDI or SSI benefits during the early stages of employment.
What Is the Ticket to Work Program?
Ticket to Work is a support program offered by the SSA for people aged 18 to 64 who receive SSDI or SSI due to disability. It helps them find jobs, learn new skills, and return to work safely without immediately losing their benefits or medical coverage.
The program includes services like:
- Job training and placement
- Career counseling
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Access to work incentives
- Health insurance continuation (Medicare or Medicaid)
How Does It Work?
One of the most important features of this program is the trial work period. This lets you test your ability to work while still getting your SSDI checks. In 2025, beneficiaries can work for a trial period without losing their cash benefits, even if their income is higher than the usual limits.
Another benefit is that health coverage continues for up to 8.5 years after you return to work. This means even if your income increases, you won’t immediately lose Medicare or Medicaid.
You can also switch between service providers if you are not satisfied, and if you face any issues, you have access to free advocacy services to help resolve disputes.
Who Can Join the Ticket to Work Program?
To participate in the program, you must:
- Be 18 to 64 years old
- Be receiving SSDI or SSI for disability
- Want to try going back to work or start a new career
There is no physical ticket required. Your eligibility is automatically confirmed once you are receiving disability benefits. You can enroll online at choosework.ssa.gov, or by calling the helpline. Text options are also available for easy communication.
Why the Program Is Helpful
Many people worry that going back to work could mean losing all their benefits. But Ticket to Work is designed to give you a financial safety net while trying out employment. Here’s how it helps:
- You keep receiving payments during the trial period
- Your medical insurance continues even after benefits stop
- You can earn more money and increase your future retirement benefits
- If your disability prevents you from working again, your benefits can be restarted
In 2025, the substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount is used to decide when your income will start affecting your benefits. However, this rule doesn’t apply during your trial work period, giving you more flexibility and security.
What If You Need Help?
If you want to learn more about work incentives and services, the SSA provides free webinars on its official Ticket to Work website. You can also call their helpline at 1-866-968-7842 for personal guidance. TTY users can call 1-866-833-2967.
Remember, even if you are already on SSDI, the SSA will still check your medical condition from time to time. These periodic reviews help ensure that you still qualify for disability benefits.