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Disability Benefits 101: Working with a disability in California
Social Security's Ticket To Work Program: Resources
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Ticket to Work Resources

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

MaximusOffsite Link is the Ticket to Work program administrator. Their website provides basic information on the program including eligibility requirements and a directoryOffsite Link 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)Offsite Link provides a variety of information on the Ticket to Work Program. Click hereOffsite Link to read the guide “Your Ticket to Work” or visit the Social Security Ticket To Work webpageOffsite Link 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)Offsite Link 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 hereOffsite Link.

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR)Offsite Link website provides links to local DOR officesOffsite Link, 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 NavigatorOffsite Link (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 CentersOffsite Link. 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 hereOffsite Link.

Protection and AdvocacyOffsite Link is a federally funded program in all states, providing representation for consumers of public programs who are disabled. In California, Disability Rights CaliforniaOffsite Link 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 websiteOffsite Link. Social Security has published a list of resources for ENs in “Where to Get Help: Participating in Ticket to WorkOffsite Link”. Also, see Social Security’s webpage for ENsOffsite Link, and their EN Frequently Asked QuestionsOffsite Link. 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 AssociationOffsite Link (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 websiteOffsite Link.

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

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


Community Based Organizations

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 IndustriesOffsite Link 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.

Goodwill Industries - Offsite LinkFind locations at http://www.goodwill.orgOffsite Link, or by calling (voice) 800-664-6577.

California Foundation for Independent Living Centers logo - Offsite LinkThe California Foundation for Independent Living CentersOffsite Link 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.orgOffsite Link, or by calling (voice) 916-325-1690 or (TTY) 916-325-1695.

The AIDS Hotline databaseOffsite Link 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.orgOffsite Link, or by calling (voice) 800-367-AIDS (2437) or (TTY) 888-225-AIDS (2437).

Protection and Advocacy, Inc. (PAI)Offsite Link, 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.


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