September 2026 Spotlight on
Social Security Newsletter

Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Spotlight on Social Security Newsletter brings exciting news, work incentive information, success stories, and other valuable information for beneficiaries receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), their families, and the professionals who serve them. Stay informed, subscribe to the Spotlight on Social Security newsletter.

In This Issue:

Register Today for Upcoming Virtual Webinars

September 17, 2026

Your Path to Work: Understanding Employment Networks and Ticket to Work Supports

Time: 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. PST
Location: Virtual
Event Information: Join this month’s Spotlight on Social Security webinar for an informative session on Ticket to Work (TTW) and how Employment Networks (ENs) can support you on your path to employment.

Get the facts from a panel of Employment Network specialists on:

  • Career Planning
  • Finding and Keeping a Job
  • Ticket to Work Resources

Register for the September 17th Webinar

September 23, 2026

Work Incentives Seminar Event (WISE) Webinar:
Debunking the 3 Biggest Myths about Disability Benefits and Ticket to Work

Time: 12:00 P.M. – 1:30 P.M. PST
Location: Virtual
Event Information: Are you ready to try work? Join this free WISE webinar.

During the webinar, you will:

  • Gain insight into how the program can support you and your employment goals.
  • Discover free resources that can help you find a job and succeed at work.
  • Find out who can help you decide if work is right for you and what type of work may suit you and help you find employment.

Register for the September 23rd Webinar

Employment Services and Ticket to Work

The idea of going to work can be daunting to some, especially when it feels like you’re doing it on your own. Fortunately, there are organizations that are available to support you through all stages of your employment journey. Read on to determine what help is out there, and what will work best for you!

What is the Ticket to Work Program?

The Social Security Administration’s (SSA) TTW Program is for people ages 18 through 64 who receive social security disability benefits – such as SSI and/or SSDI– and want to go to work. Those who qualify for this free and voluntary program can work with qualified service providers to receive the support they need to find and maintain employment.

How Does it Work?

The TTW Program connects you with free employment services to help you decide if working is right for you, prepare you for employment, find a job, and be successful at work.

Who offers Employment Services?

Employment Networks (EN)

  • Can be private or public organizations
  • Assist with career counseling, job placement, and benefits planning
  • Offer online or in-person services
  • Can provide long-term support to help find, keep, and advance in a job or career

If you decide to receive services from a particular EN and they agree to work with you, you will work with that provider to complete an Individual Work Plan (IWP). Once you sign the IWP, your Ticket is "assigned" to that EN for the time that you receive services from them.

Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agency

  • Works with individuals who need services to return to work or go to work for the first time.
  • Services can include, but are not limited to, intensive training, education, and/or vehicle modification.
  • May provide career counseling, job placement assistance, and counseling on how working may affect benefits.

Your next step will be to decide what kind of service provider is right for you. Whether you work with an EN or DOR depends on your employment goal and support needs.

The "Finding an EN and Assigning Your Ticket Worksheet" can help you keep track of the ENs you are interested in and provides important questions for you to ask them.

These services can also work in succession with one another. If you start your employment journey with DOR and find a job, your DOR counselor will close your case approximately 90 days after you start working. Many people find they need continued support once their State VR case is closed. That's where an EN may be able to step in and provide ongoing, post-employment support.

You can learn more about how to choose a service provider that's right for you at Your Path to Work: Ready to Work.

Check out these additional resources:

Tools and Resources for Your Path to Employment

While you research what organization is the best fit for you and your situation, explore some of these resources to learn more about your benefits and the many available work incentives.

DOR Benefits to Independence 101

The DOR Benefits to Independence 101 course is a self-paced curriculum designed to teach you the basics of Social Security Disability Benefits and some of the work incentives that are available to you. Through short informative videos and interactive activities, you will be able to:

  • Clear up common fears about going to work while receiving benefits.
  • Understand your benefits and how they interact with employment.
  • Avoid common pitfalls like overpayments or loss of coverage.
  • Discover programs and supports that make working possible without sacrificing your essential benefits.

Work with a Work Incentive Planner (WIP)!

Thinking about getting a job but not sure how it will affect your benefits? A WIP can help!

  • Learn the details about how work affects SSI or SSDI.
  • Get the facts about keeping Medi-Cal or Medicare while working.
  • Make informed decisions with confidence.

Want to learn more? Watch our Overview of Work Incentive Planning Services video on the Spotlight on Social Security YouTube Channel.

Still not sure? Hear from other DOR consumers about their experiences with our WIPs.

Talk to your DOR counselor for a referral for DOR Work Incentive Planning Services today!

Ticket to Work

The TTW website offers fact sheets, webinars and a "find help too" to connect you to free employment services or benefits planning.

Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) Projects

  • Staffed by Community Work Incentive Coordinators (CWIC)
  • Provide free benefits counseling to eligible SSA disability beneficiaries.

If you are not receiving DOR services, contact the TTW Helpline for free benefits planning through a local WIPA project. Call 1-866-968-7842 (TTY: 1-866-833-2967) or visit the Ticket to Work Find Help Tool.

Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS) Program

Another resource listed on the TTW website is the PABSS Program, which helps people receiving Social Security Disability Benefits who have a disability-related employment issue. PABSS advocates provide legal support, advocacy, and information, which may include:

  • Navigating organizations and services to support your efforts to work and protect your rights
  • Requesting reasonable accommodations in your workplace
  • Other disability-based legal issues that are barriers to employment

Subscribe to our Spotlight on Social Security Newsletter, Browse past newsletters online or visit our Spotlight on Social Security YouTube channel for recorded videos.

Feel free to forward this newsletter to friends, family members, coworkers, and service providers.