The Governor’s Committee on Employment of People With Disabilities (GCEPD) is responsible for providing leadership to increase the numbers of people with disabilities in the California workforce.

To start the process, contact Social Security by telephone or visit your local office to schedule an appointment. This first point of contact can establish your "disability onset" date. You should begin this process as soon as possible.

Processing a Social Security claim should take between 1 to 6 months if all required documentation is provided. If a claim is denied by Social Security and an appeal is filed, the claim process can take longer. At this time, the SSI application is not available online. (You can, however, apply for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits online.)

Local Social Security offices can be found by calling (voice) 800-772-1213 or (TTY) 800-325-0778.

To avoid overpayments, report changes in wages promptly by calling Social Security at the numbers listed above.

A variety of organizations and resources provide information on the Ticket to Work Program.

Maximus is the Ticket to Work program administrator. Their website provides basic information on the program including eligibility requirements and a directory of Employment Networks (EN). If you have questions regarding eligibility or other Ticket issues, you can contact them at 866-968-7842 (voice) or (866) 833-2967 (TTY).

The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides a variety of information on the Ticket to Work Program. Click here to read the guide “Your Ticket to Work” or visit the Social Security Ticket To Work webpage to learn more about the program and how to use your ticket. Contact SSA at (800) 772-1213 (voice) or (800) 325-0778 (TTY).

The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program’s local benefits planners throughout California can help you to understand the Ticket to Work program. Benefits planners can recommend Employment Networks that serve your area. The WIPA programs also provide information on how work affects disability and health care benefits. To find a local WIPA benefits planner, click here.

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) website provides links to local DOR offices, as well as brochures and other information on the program. You can contact the DOR at (866) 449-2730 (voice) or (866) 359-7705 (TTY).

The Disability Program Navigator (DPN) program was jointly established by the Department of Labor (DOL) and the Social Security Administration (SSA). You can find DPNs in DOL's One-Stop Career Centers. The DPNs will inform you about work support programs available in the One-Stop Career Centers. The DPNs can provide information on Ticket to Work, and referrals to Employment Networks and the Department of Rehabilitation. They can explain how work affects your disability benefits and other entitlement programs. To find a DPN in your area, click here.

Protection and Advocacy is a federally funded program in all states, providing representation for consumers of public programs who are disabled. In California, Disability Rights California administers the SSA funded Protection & Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS). The PABSS can assist you at no cost with problems you have with your Individual Work Plan under the Ticket to Work program and resolving disputes with an Employment Network. They also provide information on vocational rehabilitation, employment services and work incentives.

Organizations interested in becoming an Employment Network (EN) should contact CESSI at 1-877-743-8237 (voice/TTY), or visit their website. Social Security has published a list of resources for ENs in “Where to Get Help: Participating in Ticket to Work”. Also, see Social Security’s webpage for ENs, and their EN Frequently Asked Questions. Another good resource: SSA's Employment Network Contract Team (ENCT). Reach them at 1-866-584-5180 (voice), 1-866-584-5181 (TTY), or encontracts@ssa.gov.

The National Employment Network Association (NENA) serves Employment Networks (ENs) who operate under the Ticket to Work Program. Among other services, NENA provides Ticket news and EN best practices via email, national teleconferences, and its website.

DisabilityInfo.gov provides links to several Ticket resources, including evaluations of the program.

The Tulare County Office of Education serves as an Employment Network for the Ticket Program in Visalia, California.

The federal government pays benefits planners in communities around the country to help people think ahead about benefits issues. The Social Security Administration (SSA) replaced the Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach Project (BPAO) with the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Program in October of 2006.

The new program emphasizes work incentives over work supports for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) beneficiaries. Benefits planners who are funded by SSA and trained under this new program are called Community Work Incentives Coordinators (CWIC's).

To find a benefits planner near you, use DB101's Benefits Planners Directory.

Various community-based organizations provide staff to work with people concerning a range of options on state, federal, public, and private health and income programs. Counseling about benefits, as a community service, is an emerging field of expertise with different levels of services available. Some organizations may work with specific populations while others work with individuals with any type of disability.

Goodwill Industries services range from personal evaluation and office skills training to career counseling, childcare, and transportation. Some of these centers conduct Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach for Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries related to work activity.

Find locations at http://www.goodwill.org, or by calling (voice) 800-664-6577.

The California Foundation for Independent Living Centers lists 29 centers serving individuals with all disabilities. Many of these centers conduct Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach for Social Security and Medicare beneficiaries related to work activity. Most independent living centers can refer callers to local benefit program information if they do not have these services.

Find the list of independent living centers at http://www.cfilc.org, or by calling (voice) 916-325-1690 or (TTY) 916-325-1695.

The AIDS Hotline database contains 1,300 organizations providing HIV/AIDS services throughout California. Some of these organizations offer case management, benefits planning, and benefits counseling services that can include assistance with public and private benefits programs.

Find the list of AIDS organizations at http://www.aidshotline.org, or by calling (voice) 800-367-AIDS (2437) or (TTY) 888-225-AIDS (2437).

Protection and Advocacy, Inc. (PAI), a federally funded program in all states, provides representation for consumers of public programs who are disabled. Website publications include topics on health care, benefit programs, and In Home Supportive Services.