AmericanDreamEN.org TICKET TO WORK BASICS Training for ADEN Participants and Members Estimated time: 15 minutes

AmericanDreamEN.org ADEN Co-Directors of American Dream Employment Network (ADEN) Mary Lynn ReVoir Kevin Nickerson

AmericanDreamEN.org TICKET TO WORK AND WORK INCENTIVES IMPROVEMENT ACT Passed by congress in 1999 Medicaid Buy-In Programs Work Incentive Planning and Assistance projects Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency employment program Ticket supports Ticket Holders in becoming self-sufficient through employment Ticket Holders are qualified Social Security Disability Beneficiaries ages 18 to 64, receiving Title XVI and/or Title II benefits (SSI or SSDI)

AmericanDreamEN.org TICKET PROGRAM ACRONYMS AND TERMS CDRContinuing Disability Review BASSBeneficiary Access and Support Services ENEmployment Network IWPIndividual Work Plan OSMOperations Support Manager PIIPersonal Identifiable Information SGASubstantial Gainful Activity SSASocial Security Administration SSDISocial Security Disability Insurance SSISupplemental Security Income TPRTimely Progress Review TWLTrial Work Level VR(state) Vocational Rehabilitation

AmericanDreamEN.org GOALS OF TICKET PROGRAM Self-Sufficiency: Decrease the Ticket Holder’s dependence on their cash benefits by increasing their earnings to a substantial level of employment and ultimately, to assist Ticket Holder in achieving self-sufficiency Choice: Employment Networks (ENs) offer another level of choice to Social Security beneficiaries Increased need for exemplary customer service in providing rehabilitation services is important, especially as more EN providers become available

AmericanDreamEN.org FROM THE BENEFICIARY'S PERSPECTIVE This is a voluntary program - As a Ticket Holder, I do not have to participate. Provides Ticket Holders with CHOICE – As a Ticket Holder, I decide who I assign my Ticket to based upon who I feel can best provide the services I need. Ensures continued employment support – As a Ticket Holder, I know you will continue to provide me support beyond the time that Vocational Rehabilitation permits in some cases. Actively participating in the Ticket program suspends a Ticket Holder’s medical Continuing Disability Review – As a Ticket Holder, I can avoid the stress of a continuing disability review as long as I making progress towards self- sufficiency

AmericanDreamEN.org WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF TICKET PROGRAM?

AmericanDreamEN.org TICKET REVENUE An EN receives payments from SSA, when beneficiary achieves eligible payment thresholds ADEN shares the Ticket Revenue with Members serving the respective Participant who met eligible payment Payments are made to ADEN Members quarterly following the payment receipt 80% to the ADEN Member / 20% to the ADEN Administration Ticket revenue does not conflict with Medicaid funded services. SSA and CMS has written statement if needed. Ticket revenue is not program income for the public workforce system. Ticket revenue is flexible; there are no restrictions EN Payments will be discussed more detail future training

AmericanDreamEN.org STATE VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION (VR) When a beneficiary is served by VR, a case is opened, and his/her Ticket is considered “in USE” with VR and cannot be assigned to EN Typically VR closes the case after 90 days of employment After the VR case is closed, the individual can (and should) assign his/her Ticket with an EN If the person remains employed at a certain level, then the EN can get some payments plus SSA gives VR funds called Cost Reimbursement Continuing Disability Review (CDR) protection applies while Ticket is “in use” or when “assigned” to an EN It is not required for individual to get VR services; beneficiary have choice to assign Ticket to EN and never use VR or use both.

AmericanDreamEN.org TIMELY PROGRESS REVIEW (TPR) Social Security expects a Ticket Holder to make progress towards self-sufficiency while their ticket is assigned A Timely Progress Review (TPR) is Social Security's way to track the progress of a Ticket Holder A review is conducted at the end of every 12-month period from date of Ticket assignment Timely Progress Guidelines are established by Social Security The guidelines consist of work and earnings requirements, educational or training requirements, or a combination of both

AmericanDreamEN.org TPR GUIDELINES & RESPONSIBILITIES An example 1 st 12-month Review, beneficiary must meet one of the following: Worked 3 months at the Trial Work Level amount Completed a GED, or high-school diploma, or have completed 60% of a full-time course load for an academic year in a college or technical, trade, or vocational training plan Or some combination of the work and education requirement For each subsequent year, the requirements are greater ADEN is required to explain TPR and give a handout to each Participant Review section of the ADEN Individual Work Plan (IWP)

AmericanDreamEN.org TPR PROCESS SSA first checks earning records of beneficiary If earnings meet TPR guidelines, TPR is met and no further action is taken If earnings do not meet TPR guidelines, the beneficiary is contacted for a review If no response is received from the beneficiary, then SSA contacts ADEN If TPR is not met The beneficiary is placed back in the queue for continuing disability reviews. TPR outcome does not affect Ticket assignment

AmericanDreamEN.org CONTACT US ADEN Co-Directors Mary Lynn ReVoir Kevin Nickerson