What will happen when I call the Center?

When you call or someone calls on your behalf, tell the receptionist that you would like to talk to someone about the Ticket to Work Program.

During the call, you will be given a brief explanation of the Ticket Program and any questions you have will be answered. If you want an appointment, one will be set up for you. During that first appointment, a detailed explanation of the Ticket Program will be provided to your satisfaction. If you wish to continue, the assessment process will begin. This process may take two or more meetings.

When will my ticket become active with the DaVinci Center?

A Ticket recipient is referred to as a beneficiary by Social Security. Your Ticket becomes active with the DaVinci Center when:

• Both the beneficiary and the DaVinci Center agree that obtaining gainful employment is a realistic goal for the beneficiary.
• An Individual Work Plan is prepared, signed, and dated by the beneficiary and the DaVinci Center and submitted to Maximus, the Social Security Administration’s program manager.
• Maximus approves the Individual Work Plan.
• Are there any costs for the services under Ticket to Work?

As a contracted Employment Network with the Social Security Administration, all services are free of all charges or fees to the beneficiary.

Can I withdraw from the Ticket program if I end my involvement?

Beneficiaries with an approved Individual Work Plan can end their participation by notifying Maximus of their intent. The DaVinci Center can also end participation with a beneficiary by notifying Maximus when a beneficiary is no longer active in the program.

Does the DaVinci Center Ticket Program have jobs available to beneficiaries?

No, the Center does not provide jobs but assists beneficiaries in obtaining gainful employment appropriate for each individual in the program. Social Security defines gainful employment as monthly earnings at or above a gross amount of $860. Social Security calls this income level “ssubstantial gainful activity” (SGA). TThe amount is determined for each calendar year. $860 is the SGA for 2006.

Does the DaVinci Center provide job training or fund job training?

No, the DaVinci Center does not provide job training or funds. However, it can provide information and referrals for job training and scholarship opportunities.

How will paid employment affect my present Social Security benefits?

This is a fundamental question. Keep in mind that the goal of the Ticket To Work Program is to assist Social Security beneficiaries in obtaining employment at a level of income that will eliminate eligibility for a monthly cash benefit. In other words, a beneficiary’s disability is beneficial to gainful employment. Different effects on benefits are specific to each beneficiary’s ccircumstancestandeach Ticket Program participant.

What if I want some paid work to augment my monthly cash benefit, but I do not want to lose my present cash benefit?

The Ticket To Work Program aims to provide employment services to beneficiaries who believe they can work productively and earn income that allows them to live independently of Social Security cash benefits.

What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits disabled or blind individuals “who are insured” by workers’ contributions to the e Socia” Secworkers’ust fund. These contributions are the Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) paid on their earnings or those of their spouses or parents.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides cash assistance to elderly, blind, and disabled people with limited income and resources. These people may have never paid into FICA or paid an insufficient amount to qualify for SSDI.

SSDI and SSI programs share many concepts and terms. However, there are also significant differences in the rules affecting eligibility and benefit payments. Some individuals may qualify for both programs.

I am an SSI beneficiary. What are the more essential points to know if I become employed?

• Your earned income must be reported to Social Security by the 10th day of the following month, along with any other change in your circumstances. Your earned income will likely affect your monthly cash benefit amount at some point. You could earn sufficient monthly income to reduce or end your Social Security cash benefit eligibility.
• Even if you no longer qualify for a cash benefit, your Medicaid may continue.
• If you qualify for Food Stamps, the amount you receive may be adjusted.
• If you live in subsidized housing, your rent may be adjusted.
• If, as a result of employment, you no longer receive a Social Security monthly cash benefit but must cease work due to a condition related to your disability, you may be immediately reinstated for SSI cash benefits without having to file a new application.
• If your employment is part-time and your hourly wage is at or near the minimum wage, you may not generate much more monthly income than you presently receive. However, some may enjoy the social benefits and self-fulfillment that employment may provide.

I am an SSDI recipient. What are the most critical points for mew if I become employed?

• You are entitled to a nine-month Trial Work Period. That means that every month you gross more than $620 in 2006 from paid employment will be counted as one “service” month. You may acquire up to nine “service” months over”a roll g 60-month period. During that time”, you will continue to receive your SSDI monthly cash benefit and employment earnings no matter what amount you earn. Your Social Security cash benefits will cease once the ninth “service” month is reached after the following month plus two “grace” “months. “this is a way for beneficiaries to test their ability “to be “gainfully employed for up to a full year.
• Beneficiaries are eligible for an Extended Eligibility Period following the Trial Work Period. During this period, you have 36 months during which you can work and still receive Social Security cash benefits for any month your earnings from employment fall below SGA. SGA for 2006 is $860.
• If you no longer qualify for a Social Security cash benefit and cease work due to a condition related to your qualifying disability, you may be eligible for “expedited reinstatement. “ Your benefits will start again with having tog to apply if you notify SS within five years from the date you were terminated from SSDI benefits.

As an SSDI beneficiary, am I eligible for medical coverage?

With a few exceptions, for most SSDI beneficiaries, there is a twenty-four-month waiting period before becoming eligible for Medicare coverage.

What SSI or SSDI beneficiaries can best benefit from the Ticket To Work Program?

Every SSI and SSDI recipient in Rhode Island received a Ticket To Work from Maximus. The use of the Ticket is voluntary. Choosing not to use the Ticket will not affect beneficiary benefits. In reality, only a small number of beneficiaries can use the Ticket in a way that meets the goal of the Ticket program. That goal is to create more opportunities for beneficiaries to enter employment and earn income that will enable them to be independent of Social Security. Those who can best benefit are those who:

• In consultation with their medical caregivers, they are confident they can work in gainful employment.
• Are enthusiastic and determined about being employed.
• Have skills, training, or education that employers look for when hiring.
• Finding a job requires work and patience, just as anyone searching for employment does.
• Recognize that having an impairment does not need to be a permanent barrier to employment.