If you’re applying for SSDI and Ticket to Work comes up, you should know what the person means.

Applying for SSDI and Ticket to Work: The Basics

Ticket to Work is a small program right now that could become bigger in coming years. It offers a ticket, or voucher, to people with limited disabilities to help them get work training so they can find new jobs and not have to receive SSDI benefits.

This could be a great program for people who want to work but don’t have the skills to find jobs outside what they’ve always done. For example, a truck driver who injures his leg or a construction worker whose back pain makes the job impossible.

Those workers may not want to go on disability. They might prefer to get a new job, especially if that job could pay even better or offer better benefits than they have before. If we can support them in that effort, great!

But as a Memphis SSDI application attorney, I can already see a few problems with the idea as it stands right now:

It asks more of employers than they’re willing to offer right now.

Ticket to Work requires employers be open to hiring new workers who may need a lot of training and support. These workers probably need more sick days than normal and may require a lot of flexibility. As of now, employers don’t have the incentive to take that risk.

The program still requires a lot of funding, especially early on.

Ticket to Work intends to help people get jobs, but it also wants to cut Social Security Disability costs. Again, in theory I think that’s a great idea. But unfortunately it would also require huge startup costs, including

  • Setting up large job training programs
  • Customizing those programs for unique disabilities and special needs
  • Incentivizing employers, like through tax credits

These costs still might be worth it, of course, but they have to come from somewhere. And it would be cruel to take them from people who need disability benefits until they have other options.

It ignores how many people apply for SSDI because they truly can’t hold steady work.

The people I meet who apply for disability may look able to perform a job. They might be able to do some work really well, in fact. But their disability keeps them from working consistent hours and requires they be away from work too long. Most employers don’t want that hassle.

Applying for Disability in Memphis, TN

If you’re applying for disability, find an attorney who cares about you and will fight for your case to be a success. I am happy to offer a free consultation, and I don’t get paid a cent unless you win.

Contact me today to get started. The conversation is free.