Approximately 10,000 Marylanders are using the Social Security’s free Ticket to Work program.
FREDERICK, MD. (LG) Officials with Allsup, Inc., say disability employment in Maryland is lagging behind the nation. “Currently there are about 205,000 people that might be eligible for the Ticket to Work Program, offered by the Social Security Administration,” said Rebecca Ray, Director of Corporate Public Relations. “And only about 10,790 people are participating in the program. The Ticket to Work Program is not a well known program. Social Security Disability is paying insurance for this program. So there are actually more than 155-million workers insured to participate in this program, and that includes participating in the Ticket to Work Program,” Ray continued.
Finding work with a disability brings additional challenges. For example, past careers may no longer be open, due to new limitations. Also, some employers maintain misconceptions and stereotypes about hiring individuals with disabilities. Evidence of this is in the 8% unemployment rate for individuals with a disability, which remains far above the national average of 3.8% overall.
“Almost 50% of disabilities that take people out of work are sudden accidents, like heart attacks, car accidents, or job related injuries.”
Not everyone qualifies for the program, because its based on your salary and the hours worked. The Ticket to Work program offers features like a Trial work Period, during which beneficiaries can test their ability to work and continue receiving SSDI.
ABOUT ALLSUP
Allsup and its subsidiaries provide nationwide Social Security disability, veterans disability appeal, return to work, exchange plan and Medicare services for individuals, their employers and insurance carriers. Allsup professionals deliver specialized services supporting people with disabilities and seniors so they may lead lives that are as financially secure and as healthy as possible. Founded in 1984, the company is based in Belleville, Illinois, near St. Louis. Learn more at TrueHelp.com and @Allsup or download a free PDF of Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance: Getting It Right The First Time.
By Loretta Gaines