Paralysis Resource Guide - (Page 260) WORKING THE SYSTEM GETTING WORK Until recently, people with disabilities who received Social Security benefits were effectively penalized for taking a job. Any income above certain limits set by the government was deducted from one’s benefits, thus jeopardizing the only source of health insurance available to people with long-term health conditions. While many continue to see disincentives to working (fewer than 1 percent of the people who get Social Security and SSI disability benefits leave the rolls each year to go to work), things have improved. Below are details on two Social Security programs designed to encourage people with disabilities to enter the job force without fear of losing healthcare benefits. One is the Ticket to Work program, the other the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS). The Ticket to Work Program The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 increases the choices people with disabilities have to obtain rehabilitation and vocational services while removing barriers that require a choice between healthcare coverage and work. Beneficiaries of Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) receive a “Ticket” to obtain vocational rehabilitation and other employment support services from an approved provider of their choice. The goal of the Ticket Program is to give disability beneficiaries the opportunity to achieve steady, longterm employment by providing them greater choices and opportunities to go to work if they choose to do so. In 2001, the Social Security Administration (SSA) began contracting with national, state and local service providers to become Employment Networks (ENs). These providers (employment agencies, independent living centers, state vocational rehab offices, community nonprofits, churches, etc.) work with beneficiaries to provide support and employment-related assistance. Beneficiaries receiving Tickets may contact any EN of their choice to design an employment plan. The law expands Medicaid and Medicare coverage to more working people with disabilities. States may permit working individuals with an income above 250 percent of the federal 260
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