Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Ticket to Work Program?
Ticket to Work is a program that offers Social Security Administration (SSA) disability beneficiaries choices in selecting employment services. If you receive SSDI or SSI benefits and would like to increase your earnings through work, this program can help you obtain the individualized support and services that you need to reach your goals.
Can anyone assign their Ticket to ERI PLUS?
No. In order to be eligible for the ERI PLUS program, you must be: employed or actively looking for work on your own; eligible for SSDI or SSI payments (even if you currently do not receive a payment); and able to earn above SGA ($1000 in 2010).
What does the Ticket look like?
The ticket is red, white, and blue, and is 6 by 9 inches in size. Your name, a ticket number, and a claim number are printed on the ticket.
Please know that you do not need to have a paper ticket in your possession to be eligible for services. If you receive SSI and/or SSDI payments, you may be eligible. We can help you verify your eligibility status.
Do you provide counseling, follow-along support, or other ongoing services?
Yes. ERI PLUS provides benefits counseling services and opportunities to work with employment service providers in your local area.
What is Benefits Counseling?
Benefits counseling helps people with disabilities wade through complex benefits programs and helps individuals make informed choices about the impact of work on their benefits. Benefits Specialists can provide a written and oral analysis of a person’s services and benefits and how work will change their cash payments, medical coverage, and continued eligibility.
Will I receive 75% of every Ticket payment?
You will receive up to 75% of every ticket payment (potentially $275+) beginning with the 3rd month in which you report eligible earnings. The first two ticket payments are retained by ERI PLUS to help cover the cost of benefit related services.
This sounds too good to be true. Will you really pay me to keep my job?
Yes. You may contact the Social Security Administration Ticket to Work program at 866-968-7842 to verify that ERI PLUS is an approved Employment Network (EN).
The federal Ticket to Work program is designed to provide cash payments to any EN that supports a beneficiary in earning above SGA. Most Employment Networks keep 100% of their Ticket payments to cover expenses associated with job placement and counseling. We guarantee that as long as your work earnings garner Ticket payments for ERI PLUS, we will pay you a percentage of those payments, beginning with the 3rd month you are eligible.
How long does it take for me to get paid?
It may take some time to receive your payments. We guarantee that your payment will be mailed to you within 3 days after we receive a Ticket payment from Maximus. However, it takes Maximus between 8 to 14 weeks to process payment claims. Unfortunately, ERI PLUS has no control over these delays.
To make it easier for Maximus to confirm your work earnings, we suggest that you mail copies of your pay stubs to your local SSA office at the same time that you submit them to ERI PLUS. Maximus will check with SSA to verify that you have reported your earnings. Not reporting your earnings to SSA can slow this process.
What is Maximus?
Maximus is the organization with whom the Social Security Administration has contracted to manage the Ticket to Work program.
Maximus’ website is www.yourtickettowork.com and their toll-free phone number is 866-949-3687.
Why should I assign my Ticket to ERI PLUS instead of national ENs in other states?
ERI PLUS is a non-profit Wisconsin-based EN with a mission to advance employment opportunities for people with disabilities. Along with TicketShare payments, ERI PLUS also provides benefits counseling and support. When you call us, you’ll find that we are more than just an answering machine or email address; we provide each client with personal support. Revenues from our Ticket to Work program are used to support employment and benefits counseling programs in local communities.
Are my payments tax-free?
Your payments are tax-free because they are considered to be cash that you receive for the purpose of rehabilitation. You do not need to claim them as income on your income taxes. You can read more about this policy in IRS Publication 535.
Are my payments counted as income for other benefits I receive?
Your payments are considered “unearned income” for benefits such as FoodShare, state Medicaid programs, etc. As part of your ERI PLUS services, you will receive benefits counseling which will address how your benefits will be affected by both earned and unearned income. You can choose to opt out of receiving payments.
How long will my Ticket last?
It’s different for every persson. When you sign up to participate in the Ticket program, we will help you determine how many months remain on your Ticket. You may also find out by contacting Maximus at 866-949-3687. Depending on your situation, ticket payments can last a few months to over 4 years -- potential ticket payments of $15,000+ if you continue working.
Where can I find out more about Ticket to Work?
We would like to provide you with as much information as possible before making any decisions. Please do not hesitate to contact the Ticket Coordinator at ticket@eri-wi.org or 608-246-3444 x225 or toll-free at 1-800-710-9326.
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