Tuesday, May 20, 2008
For Immediate Release
Mark Lassiter, Press Officer
410-965-8904
Social Security Announces Improvements to the Ticket to Work Program
The Social Security Administration issued final rules designed to
improve the Ticket to Work program. The changes will improve the
effectiveness of the Ticket program in assisting beneficiaries with
disabilities who want to work.
“These rules outline a new and improved Ticket to Work program and
are based on learning from our experiences, listening to input from
interested parties, and responding to their suggestions,” said Michael
J. Astrue, Commissioner of Social Security. “Beneficiaries with
disabilities will have greater flexibility and expanded choices in
obtaining the services they need to attain their employment goals.”
The new Ticket to Work program rules:
Include more beneficiaries under the Program–The population of
individuals eligible for a Ticket is expanded to include beneficiaries
who are expected to medically improve.
Increase incentive payments for Employment Networks (ENs)–The new
rules modify the EN payment systems to create greater financial
incentives for service providers to participate, which will improve
beneficiary access to services and expand the pool of quality
providers available to serve beneficiaries.
Increase the value of the Ticket–The rules for Ticket assignment
are changed to enable beneficiaries with disabilities to take
advantage of a more effective combination of services from both State
Vocational Rehabilitation agencies and ENs.
Synergize efforts–The new rules promote better alignment of the
Ticket to Work Program, the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance
Program, the Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social
Security Program, and other Social Security work incentive
initiatives.
“Thus far, the results of the Ticket to Work program have been less
than everyone expected and clearly less than Congress intended,”
Commissioner Astrue said. “We need to monitor the results of today’s
regulation closely, but it is highly likely that Congress will need to
revisit the statute in the next few years in order to achieve the
goals that Congress intended.”
In preparation for the new Ticket to Work program, Social Security is
undertaking a major recruitment effort to increase the number of
organizations functioning as ENs. Social Security also is initiating
targeted outreach to promote the Program to more beneficiaries and to
encourage their participation. In addition, Social Security is
presenting at national and state conferences and bringing
beneficiaries and ENs together at local Work Incentives Seminars (WISE
events) throughout the country. The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives
Improvement Act of 1999 established the Ticket to Work and
Self-Sufficiency Program. The purpose of the Ticket to Work program is
to expand the universe of service providers available to beneficiaries
with disabilities who are seeking vocational rehabilitation,
employment and related support services. These service providers are
available to assist beneficiaries in obtaining, regaining and
maintaining self-supporting employment. Available in all 50 States and
the US territories, the Ticket to Work program is an important
component in a coordinated series of work incentives and initiatives
that are designed to help overcome barriers to employment often
experienced by beneficiaries with disabilities. The final rule, 20 CFR
Part 411, can be accessed through the
Federal Register online at http://www.regulations.gov
. For general information about the Ticket to Work Program, visit
Social Security’s website–The Work Site:
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/work
.
# # #
SSA Press Office 440 Altmeyer Building 6401 Security Blvd. Baltimore,
MD 21235 410-965-8904 FAX 410-966-9973
http://www.ssa.gov/pressoffice/pr/tickettowork-pr-0508.htm
press release from 5/20/08
http://www.ssa.gov/work/documents/Chart_of_Key_Changes_to_Ticket_to_Work_Regulations_5292008.doc
Side by side comparison of the new regulations, released 5/29/08
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