Ticket to Work Program

Objectives

Historical Overview of the Program Current Status of the Program The Future of the Program

Purpose of Ticket to Work Program

To expand the employment opportunities for most individuals receiving SSDI and/or SSI benefits.

Reduce their dependency on SSA

The Need for Ticket to Work

Less than 1% of SSDI and SSI beneficiaries attain paid employment enabling them to be self-sufficient

One-third of the people who leave the rolls return in 3 years

If one half of one percent of those individuals were to attain self-supporting employment, savings would

total $3.5 billion

Mission and Objectives

Address barriers that beneficiaries encounter when returning to work

Expand availability of health care services and medical coverage

Eliminate work disincentives Provide enhanced benefits planning

and assistance from service providers

Goals of Ticket to Work

To expand the number of service providers who are available to serve beneficiaries.

Increase the number of beneficiaries entering the work force.

Reduce dependency on cash benefits.

Social Security Administration (SSA)

Designated by Congress to oversee the implementation of the Ticket to Work Program

Responsible for writing the Regulations for the TTWP

Monitoring the success/short-comings of the TTWP

Determining which beneficiaries will receive tickets

Has final say on all decisions

MAXIMUS Responsible for

overseeing the administration/day-to-day functions of the TTWP

Maintain list of available ENs

Ensure all information is in accessible format to beneficiaries

Resolve payment issues

Monitor ENs to ensure adequate choices are available to beneficiaries

Ensure EN services are available to beneficiaries in all geographical areas

Employment Networks (EN)

Organizations or groups of organizations that have come together to provide necessary services to a beneficiary in support of an employment goal

Recruited by Maximus; Approved by SSA

Two payment options available

Disability Rights of Florida

SSA funds Disability Rights of Florida as an advocacy and protection program dedicated to beneficiaries of Social Security.

Ticket beneficiaries must contact this program for rights and remedies under the Ticket Program.

Florida Ticket to Work (TTW) Vision

To become an innovative leader in the successful administration of the Ticket to Work Program

Mission To administer the SSA Reimbursement and

Ticket to Work Program in support of the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation's Mission and to achieve optimum program performance while maximizing the collection of program income through the accurate, complete and timely filing of SSA Claims for reimbursement and request for EN Payments under the TTW Program.

Functions of the TTW Unit Oversee the administration of the TTW program Ensure the application of Chapter 16 Counselor Policy Manual Develop and recommend policies and procedures to be used

in the administration of the TTW program Provide technical assistance to VR staff Maintain records and information regarding the assignments

of tickets to the DVR Agency and records pertaining to requests for reimbursements and EN payments.

Develop and maintain effective systems to be used in the administration of the TTW program

Serve as a liaison between VR and other partners and organizations involved in the TTW program

Coordinate and manage the claims reimbursement and EN payment systems for DVR

Represent DVR at conferences, forums and other meeting with respect to the TTW program

Objectives of Florida TTW Alleviate the administrative workload of

counselors regarding the TTW program Coordinate the design, implementation

and maintenance of an automated system for tracking customers who are SSA Beneficiaries and for the identification, preparation and submission of SSA Claims for reimbursement

Maximize program income from SSA claim reimbursements and EN payments while stabilizing and containing operating cost

Objectives of Florida TTW Provide training and technical assistance

that addressed the current and projected needs of DVR staff

To be a reliable source of information and assistance for beneficiaries seeking information concerning the Ticket to Work Program and other services provided by the DVR as an Employment Network

Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with partners of the Ticket to Work Program

Who’s Is Eligible to Participate in the TTW Program?

Individuals between the ages of 18 -  64

Receiving cash benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Disability Programs

Have underwent a SSA Medical Review

Are Ticket-holder’s Different From Other VR Consumers? Somewhat We Have to Identify Them at Beginning

of Process We Have to Register Them with SSA

(MAXIMUS, TTW Program Manager) We Have to Track Them Thru The VR

Process and Beyond They Are Eligible for Regular VR

Services

Special Service For Ticket-holders Work Incentives Planning and

Assistance Services Informs Ticket-holders About the Impact

of Working on Their SSA Benefits Educates Ticket-holders Regarding SSA

Work Incentives Helps Ticket-holders resolve SSA Benefit

Issues

Ticket-holders In DVR Program

Approximately 17,000 Ticket-holders between Plan Development and Employment

1,500 – Plan Development 12, 000 – In Service 2,200 – Ready For Employment 1,300 – In Employment

Timely Progress

– Prior – Timely Progress Standards were

“One Size Fits All”

– Current – Timely Progress Standards address multiple factors including educational

plans. SSA will measure.

26 Closures

80 Series Closures

Payment Methodologies

EN Payment System Outcome Payment Method Outcome/Milestone Payment Method

Traditional Cost Reimbursement (For State VR Agencies Only)

SSA Claims Filed

SSA Income

FY 2009 – 2010: $2,964,720.74 FY 2010 – 2011: $3,575,747.70 FY 2011 – 2012: $3,192,081.77