Working With Disabilities

Posted on: Wed, Jul 30 2008 6:29 AM

Posted by: Bob Posts: 54

I tried the ticket to work and they sent me to school paid for all my tools of the trade and everything. It was to take 2 years but I finished the program in 7 months. tried my best to go back to work but it never happened. the costs where way to high for me to keep working so for the next 6 years I sat in my house now I have got a advocate group going and it takes more time than if I had a paying job and I feel good when I can help one person stay in there home or find a job that they can do. It is alot of work but it helps alot of people understand what we go thru daily and it did not take ticket to ride to get me going down this path. My advise is to sit down with a consiler and talk it over to see the benefits and the problems thatt can arise from it if it just wont pan out to be a good thing for you. everyone is different and we need to pick our battles closely to see the advantages.

Posted on: Wed, Jul 30 2008 11:10 AM

Posted by: beckywatson49 Posts: 480

morning ya'll

i knew this was the right place to ask about this program. If I am understanding it correctly a ticket to work is a program that helps some on SSDI work and not lose their benefits. The ticket is assigned to a specific job source which is supposed to get the person training and a job they are able to do. The person can try a source, the job and if not satisfied can change to other places. It is also supposed to be a shield from SS checking up on a person if their disability is still valid.

I would like to do medical trancribing,data entry, or copy writing  from my home computer. I had though of going to school for the medical field but do not have the 2,000 needed for the course. I have writing and data entry experience so thought would only need some fill in the gaps training.

Everytime I talk to my VR couselor she as much tells me that VR has done about all they can for me and because i am not in the most seriously disabled catagory, I will have to wait my turn on a state wide waiting list and might have to pay for the services if I ever get them. Is ther another kind of counselor I can talk to?

There is a 1-800 number with my information and I am to call that for an explanation but if their explanation is like the written material.......I will be more confused. 

thanks for everyone's info. Guess I will try, read the instructions and call the number and pray that I actually get someone "live" who will be able to help me understand federalspeak. Will let ya'll know the outcome.

Have a blessed day

becky W

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Posted on: Wed, Aug 6 2008 5:22 PM

Posted by: squabwithfibro Posts: 1,122

Hi Becky,

My husband is going through the Ticket to Work program right now.  His first step was to call the number/contact that you have been given by other posts.  His "case manager" there interviewed him and determined his eligibility.  He had to wait for a while, because there were others "higher" on their prioirity list.  Once he was called back, they pretty much outsourced him to MERS Goodwill.  Ever since, he has been going to a "class" once a week.  They tested him, and he is assigned to another "Casemanager".  She gives him job leads, files his resume, (which she helped him with.)  Several in his class have been placed in jobs.  It is a transition to returning to the work force.  Sometimes, it just doesn't work out.  So it is in a way, a safety net for you, if you don't make it.  And they do help you with "stuff".  You are not all alone.  But,  I guess, it doesn't work out for everyone.  He has not found a job yet, after he does, we will see if he makes it.  You are allowed to earn so much before loosing SSD benefits.  If you go over, you loose benefits.  There are time restrictions too.  I read the info he got, but can't remember all of it.

Regarding Vocational Rehab.  I had a friend who was retrained through that.  I am sorry your counselor isn't more helpful to you.  How frustrating.  I don't know how that system works.  My friend had a stroke in her 30's and has a visible disability.  She works today.  Some people are able to go back to work.  Good luck to you.

Have a blessed day,

Valerie 

Posted on: Wed, Aug 6 2008 10:49 PM

Posted by: beckywatson49 Posts: 480

Valerie and everyone

thanks for the info. Called the telephone number on the letter I got and they said they would be sending me a list of employment networks in my community and i could take it from there. When I asked about working from home they had one company listed. It was the same company I went to Voc Rehab to find out about for my self and got told that Voc Rehab was expected to pay $2000 for any one who took the comapny's training course and VR really did not do that very often. Guess i will wait for the list. I have already gone though the program that is based at Goodwill. Got a job that lasted a year but was back when I thought i could work full time. guess I will have to continue to look on my own. With the unemployment rate raising here where I live its might be more likely for me to start selling off personal stuff to fill in the gaps......won't have to pay taxes on it and could simplify real quick.

Blessings

Becky W