Are You Ready for Work

Thousands of people each year say, “YES” to this question and begin the journey to employment! Many people find that returning to work, or working for the first time, changes their lives. They find they can earn more money, gain greater financial independence, meet new people and learn new skills. But, many people who think they might want to try working are not sure where to start. The good news is that help is available for people who want to work their way to a better future: Social Security’s Ticket to Work program! Ticket to Work is a free and voluntary program offered by Social Security that can help people age 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits and who are interested in returning to work or working for the first time. Ticket to Work connects individuals on SSI or SSDI with free employment services to help them decide if working is right for them, prepare for work, find a job or maintain success while they are working. The New River/Mount Rogers Workforce Development Area Consortium Board is a Workforce Employment Network (WFEN). Workforce ENs are part of a state’s public workforce system. Workforce ENs provide access to a wide array of employment support services, including training programs and special programs for youth in transition and veterans. A Ticket to Work participant who assigns their Ticket to a Workforce EN will either work with a Workforce EN directly or via other providers in the workforce system, including American Job Centers. Our Disability Resource Coordinators can assist SSI/SSDI beneficiaries in meeting their employment goals:

• Assist those with questions about the Ticket to Work Program
• Counseling on how returning to work will affect their benefits (assisting with financial planning)
• Developing an Individualized Work Plan with the Ticket holders on what needs to be done in order to return to work or start their own business
• Partnering with other programs and/or connecting to other resources so that the Ticket holder can meet their employment goals

Please Contact:

Kimber Simmons
540-357-1651
kimber.simmons@vcwnrmr.com