When an illness or disabling condition forces you to leave your job, prioritizing your health becomes critical. However, returning to work is possible when you’re emotionally and physically ready. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and the Ticket to Work Program (TTW) provide a pathway to return to work when you feel emotionally and physically prepared, offering support tailored to your unique needs.
For many, returning to work is a significant step that involves understanding your needs, assessing your readiness and seeking guidance from professionals who can provide support throughout the process. If you are considering returning to work, it’s important to assess several factors, including your emotional and physical readiness, as well as your financial needs. Throughout this process vocational experts from Social Security-approved Employment Networks (EN) or state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies (VR) are available to assist you as you evaluate your individual circumstances, goals and support needs.
Assess Your Personal Readiness
In my experience assisting individuals who want to re-enter the workforce after a long absence, I encourage individuals to assess their emotional readiness, recognizing it may look different for everyone. Emotional readiness might include feeling stable, curious about new opportunities or prepared for structured routines. I recommend individuals who participate in the TTW Program collaborate with their providers to address any challenges they may have to ensure they are prepared to re-enter the workforce and pursue employment opportunities.
The other aspect of readiness is physical which is typically determined by you and your doctors. Together, you decide if your physical recovery supports your ability to manage work responsibilities. Are you able to maintain a routine and meet any physical demands of a job? If additional support during this recovery period would be helpful, turning to specialists such as physical, occupational or speech therapists may be an option.
A checklist with these key actions can help you determine the right time to consider the TTW Program.
Ö Consult your healthcare team for their opinions.
Ö Assess your energy level; do you tire easily or could benefit from frequent breaks?
Ö Evaluate your pain or discomfort; is it manageable?
Ö Test your range of motion and strength.
Ö Simulate tasks aligned with your job goals, such as using adaptive tools, practicing technical skills or building endurance for routine tasks.
Ö Consider your levels of stress and anxiety; are they low or high?
Evaluate Your Financial Needs And Goals
A primary reason former workers with disabilities or chronic illnesses return to work when they are ready is to have more financial stability. Social Security’s TTW Program allows beneficiaries to increase their income while maintaining vital SSDI benefits including Medicare. Three valuable TTW incentives that support Ticket holders are the:
· Trial Work Period (TWP) where you may earn income for nine non-consecutive months and keep your benefits.
· Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) provides a 36-month safety net that covers you should your monthly earnings fall below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) levels (2025 levels are $1620 and $2700 for individuals who are blind).
· Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) allows you to request your SSDI benefits be reinstated — if you are no longer able to work — without reapplying.
As you evaluate your financial goals, you can rely on your EN or VR to provide benefits counseling. These professionals can help clarify the details of these important incentives, so you can make informed decisions that support your goals without risking your benefits. It’s important to consult a vocational expert to fully understand how increased income may affect long-term benefits.
Explore The Job Landscape
When considering a job or self-employment, it’s also helpful to determine your job readiness. What is the job outlook in your community? Are there certain industry sectors that you might be well-suited for? What types of opportunities address your experience and skills?
A good place to start is with job boards such as Indeed, Glassdoor, CareerBuilder, Monster and ZipRecruiter or Upwork and Fivrr for gig work. Here you can find job postings that may interest you or fit your background. When possible, network with other professionals or recruiters. They can be helpful in matching skills and your personal preferences to the right job or company.
If you’ve been away from the workforce for some time, you might find that some skills need updating, as technology and industry practices continue to evolve. Vocational experts can help connect you with resources to refresh or develop your skills. Be sure to include any new training or certifications on your resume to highlight your updated qualifications.
Expanding Your Support Network With TTW
Having a strong support network on your journey back to work can make the transition much smoother. With the TTW Program and your assigned EN or VR, you are immediately connected to knowledgeable and compassionate professionals rooting for you, every step of the way. They can work with you and offer assistance with many services including job-searching, resume-writing, benefits counseling, interview preparation and wage-reporting. They understand your individual needs and guide you as you discover this next chapter. Having the support of friends and family along with vocational experts can be invaluable as you navigate the process of returning to work.
Ticket To Work: Empowering Your Return To Employment
Going back to work after an extended absence is a big decision. While financial stability is a compelling goal, this decision is also about finding balance between personal priorities and professional aspirations. Assessing your readiness levels – physically, emotionally and professionally — is the first step in this decision process.
If you’re ready to return to work, the Ticket to Work Program is your gateway to expert support, financial safeguards and personalized guidance throughout the process. It is free and voluntary and available to individuals receiving disability benefits. The TTW Program can help you make informed, empowered decisions that align with your goals.