In celebration of the 10th Anniversary of the enactment of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act (Ticket Act), SSA has launched a new web site to renew Congress’ challenge to willing SSI and SSDI beneficiaries to “Choose Work” by participating in the Ticket to Work program and using the other SSA Work Incentives.

For the first time, those unfamiliar with the program can view short, informative videos, hear powerful stories told by people just like themselves whose circumstances have led them to explore the Ticket and other Work Incentives, experience a Work Incentive Seminar Event and find local resources and other helpful information in one interactive location online.

In 1999, Congress passed the landmark Ticket Act to expand choice and provide improved services and supports to beneficiaries with disabilities who decided to Choose Work.  SSA has worked continuously to improve the Ticket program over the past decade, and the program has come a long way since the first Ticket was issued in 2002.

Regulatory improvements made to the Ticket program in July 2008 resulted in significant program growth and these encouraging trends:

Increased Ticket Assignments
- Over 270,000 beneficiaries are using their Ticket to get help finding a job— up 72% from the beginning of 2007.

More Beneficiaries Are Working
- In 2008, 96,993 beneficiaries had their Ticket in use and were working— up 63% from 2007. Many of these beneficiaries have achieved significant levels of self-sufficiency and successfully transitioned off SSA benefits.

To learn more, visit the website at www.ChooseWork.net