Ticket-to-Work: Information for Washington Teens

What is Ticket to Work?
The Ticket to Work (TTW) is a Social Security Administration program that provides employment support services for people with disabilities who want to work. These employment support services might include vocational rehabilitation, job search assistance, job training, resume writing, job coaching, and more. TTW is part of the Ticket To Work And Work Incentives Improvement Act. Title I of this act covers employment (Ticket to Work). Title II of this act covers healthcare. In Washington State, Title II is called Healthcare for Workers with Disabilities (HWD). See more information below.

How do I know if Ticket to Work is right for me?
The Ticket to Work program is specifically tailored to fit certain needs, so if you can answer YES to all of these questions, TTW may be right for you!

1. Do I want to be employed?
2. Am I between the ages of 18 and 64?
3. Do I have a current disability review from Social Security?
4. Do I fit into at least one of the following three categories?

• I am currently receiving SSI or SSDI cash benefits due to disability
• I am receiving cash benefits as a disabled widow or widower.
• I am receiving cash benefits as an adult who is the disabled child of a wage earner under the Social Security rules.

What is so great about Ticket to Work?
Right now, your income options as a person with disabilities may be limited. You may be forced to choose to either work or receive Social Security benefits. The Ticket to Work program enables people with disabilities to no longer have to choose between taking a job and having health care.

The Ticket to Work program sounds great! How do I sign up?
One more great thing about the Ticket to Work program is that you don't have to sign up for it. If you are receiving Social Security Benefits, a "ticket" will automatically be sent to you with detailed instructions. Since this program is voluntary, you do not have to use your ticket once you have received it.

How does my Ticket work?
If you are eligible, the Social Security Administration will automatically send you a Ticket. The Ticket is just a document with both some personal information and general information about the TTW program. Once you receive a ticket, it is your choice to use it or not to use it. Included with your ticket will be a list of Employment Networks (ENs). ENs are registered employment agencies that can help you with services such as vocational rehabilitation, job search assistance, job training, resume writing, job coaching, and more. You can also use your ticket to enlist the help of your local Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The Ticket to Work program is designed to give you choice and improve access to services.

What is the Healthcare for Works with Disabilities (HWD) Program?
HWD is a Medicaid buy-in program for people with disabilities who work. The worker pays a small monthly fee (premium) based on his/her income for this healthcare coverage. For more info about HWD, call toll free: 1-866-272-7630 or visit their website at http://fortress.wa.gov/dshs/maa/Eligibility/HWD.htm

Where can I get more information about Ticket to Work?
The Washington State Department of Printing has a free brochure for teens about TTW. Go to:
http://www.prt.wa.gov/default.asp?p=shop

• This takes you to the "Online Ordering" page. Click on "General Store".
• This takes you to the "Welcome" page. Click on "I'm New".
• This takes you to the "Shopper Registration" page. Fill out the Registration Information and click on "Register".
• This takes you to the "Store Lobby" page. Click on "Shop by Item Type".
• This takes you to "Shop by Item Type page". Click on "Brochures".
• This takes you to the "Brochures" page. Click on "22-640X Ticket to Work Brochure - for Adolescents"
• From here follow the directions for ordering the brochure.

Please note this brochure is available in Cambodian (CA), Korean (KO), Laotian (LA), Russian (RU), Somalian (SO), Spanish (SP) and Vietnamese (VI)

You can also get more information about TTW on the internet at http://www.ssa.gov/work or http://www.yourtickettowork.com or call the toll free Ticket-to-Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 voice or 1-866-833-2967 TTY.