How do I use the Ticket to Work program in California to attempt a return to employment without immediately losing my disability status?

The Ticket to Work program lets you test your ability to work for at least nine months while keeping your full disability benefits and protecting your disability status from medical review. You can use the program by assigning your "Ticket" to an approved provider who will help you find and maintain employment. Step 1: Verify Your Eligibility and Find Your Ticket The Social Security Administration (SSA) automatically mails a paper "Ticket" to eligible beneficiaries, typically those aged 18 to 64 receiving SSDI or SSI benefits. If you did not receive one or have lost it, you do not need the physical document. Call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 to confirm your eligibility. Step 2: Choose a Service Provider You must choose an approved service provider to help you. You have two main options in California: an Employment Network (EN), which is a private or public organization, or the California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), the state agency established under WIC §19000. Use the "Find Help" tool on the official SSA website (choosework.ssa.gov) to locate providers near you. Step 3: Develop Your Employment Plan Work with your chosen provider to create an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE), as required by WIC §19705 for DOR services. This written plan will outline your work goals and the services you need. Your provider must agree to the plan before you can assign your Ticket. Step 4: Assign Your Ticket and Start Working Once you have an approved plan, you officially assign your Ticket to that provider. You can then begin working. During your Trial Work Period (TWP), you can work for at least nine months (they do not have to be consecutive) and receive your full disability benefits, no matter how much you earn. A month counts toward your TWP if your earnings exceed $1,110 (in 2024). Important details and nuances: While your Ticket is assigned and you are making "Timely Progress" toward your employment goals, the SSA will not conduct a medical Continuing Disability Review (CDR) to check if you are still disabled. After your nine-month TWP ends, you get a 36-month Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) where you can still receive benefits for any month your earnings fall below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) level. Warnings and limitations: You must accurately report all earnings to the SSA every month. Failure to make "Timely Progress" as defined by the SSA can result in losing your protection from medical reviews. The program rules are complex and different for SSI versus SSDI recipients. This is general information and does not constitute legal advice. For complex situations, consult with a qualified California attorney.