Congressman Don Davis Joins Bipartisan Effort to Boost Ticket to Work Awareness

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Representatives Don Davis (NC-01), French Hill (AR-02), Jim Costa (CA-21), Sharice Davids (KS-03), Max Miller (OH-07), and Blake Moore (UT-01)to introduce the bipartisan H.R. 7253, the Ticket to Work Awareness Act, legislation aimed at strengthening outreach for the Ticket to Work program that helps Americans with disabilities access job training, employment services, and career support without jeopardizing their earned benefits.

The Ticket to Work program offers free, voluntary employment and vocational rehabilitation services to eligible beneficiaries of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Despite its proven impact, nearly two-thirds of eligible individuals remain unaware of the program's existence.

"The Ticket to Work program opens doors for eastern North Carolinians and others across the nation by offering training that leads to meaningful new careers and economic stability for their families," said Congressman Don Davis."True potential is unlocked when eligible participants know how to access these impactful training opportunities."

"Nearly two-thirds of eligible beneficiaries have no idea the Ticket to Work program exists. That is unacceptable," said Congressman French Hill. "This commonsense bill improves outreach so people who want to work know what options are available to them, without adding new spending or growing government. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to correct the Social Security Administration's failure to adequately communicate and promote this important program and support greater opportunities and independence for people with disabilities."

"I'm proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation to ensure people receiving Social Security disability benefits are aware of the Ticket to Work program," said Congressman Jim Costa. "Far too many individuals with disabilities across the San Joaquin Valley and the nation are unaware of the employment services readily available to them. This bill strengthens outreach and allows beneficiaries to explore work opportunities without risking their benefits."

"Far too often, people who want to work and gain more independence don't have clear information about the support available to them. This bipartisan bill ensures Social Security reaches out clearly and consistently, so Kansans with disabilities can explore career opportunities without fear of losing the benefits they depend on. By improving awareness, we can help more families build financial stability and dignity through work - without adding cost or bureaucracy. I am glad to work with my Republican colleague, Representative French Hill, on this effort," said Congresswoman Sharice Davids.

"Too many Americans with disabilities who want to work and achieve financial independence simply don't know the Ticket to Work program exists," said Congressman Max Miller."This legislation takes a simple, common-sense step to change that by requiring regular outreach, so eligible beneficiaries are aware of the opportunities and support available to them. Ticket to Work empowers Americans to pursue meaningful employment without risking their benefits, and increasing awareness will help more people gain independence, dignity, and a stronger future. I'm proud to cosponsor this bill to make sure no one is left in the dark about a program designed to help them succeed."

"The Ticket to Work program exists to give disability beneficiaries access to free vocational rehabilitation, employment, and other work-related support services while maintaining their benefits. Unfortunately, many of the people who could benefit the most from this program don't know that it exists. I'm excited to work with my friend Chairman French Hill to introduce the Ticket to Work Awareness Actto require regular advertising for the program, bringing awareness to the opportunities and support available to SSDI beneficiaries," said Congressman Blake Moore.

Background:

The Ticket to Work program was created with bipartisan support as part of an effort to promote work amongst those who receive Social Security disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income.

The Ticket to Work Awareness Actrequires the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to advertise the Ticket to Work program to beneficiaries at least every six months. The Social Security Administration has 12 months for implementation.

Increasing awareness of the Ticket to Work program is a straightforward, cost-effective way to improve its impact. Ensuring consistent SSA outreach will help beneficiaries understand and access the opportunities they have and deserve.

What is the Ticket to Work Program?

• The Ticket to Work program enables beneficiaries ages 18-64 to access free employment services, vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, and other support from approved providers to achieve specific career and work-related goals.

• Participation is entirely voluntary and free.

• The program is designed to help individuals with disabilities gain work experience while connecting them to the services and support they need to succeed in the workplace.

• The goal is to assist Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries who are able and willing to pursue financial independence.

• Throughout participation in the Ticket to Work program, beneficiaries do NOT lose their disability benefits.