Explore Employment With Your Own Team

(NAPSI)—Dame Helen Mirren has all the qualities that make a star. Now in her 70s, the Academy Award-winning actress remains talented, posted, beautiful and sought after in an industry that has relatively few roles for older women. How does she do it?   

Often the difference between being average and being excellent lies in having a strong team working toward a common goal. A manager, agent, stylist, acting coach and personal assistant all contributed to Dame Mirren’s success. Imagine what it would be like to have your own team supporting your efforts to start or progress in a career.   

You don’t have to be a celebrity to have a supporting team. If you’re an adult (ages 18-64) receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) because of a disability, a team of professionals devoted to helping you reach your employment goals awaits.   

If you choose to participate in Social Security’s Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program, you’ll have access to free employment support services that can help you prepare for the workforce, search for a job or progress in a career. The program is voluntary and designed to help people progress to financial independence.   

Several types of Ticket Program providers can be part of a team that gives you the support you need:  

•Employment Networks (EN) offer:  

•Career planning (such as benefits counseling, goal setting, job coaching, and job development). 

•Job placement assistance, and   

•Ongoing support to help you succeed and advance in your career.   

•State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies offer some of the same services you’ll find at ENs. Job seekers with more complex support needs can access intensive training, education and rehabilitation with the VR’s help.   

•Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA) projects provide free benefits counseling to help you understand how working will affect your benefits.   

•Protection and Advocacy (PABSS) organizations provide free legal assistance to people who receive Social Security disability benefits and who have disability-related employment issues.  

For more than 20 years, Ticket to Work service providers have helped people find their path to a better future through work. Connect with your employment team and find out what is possible for you. 

To learn how, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) or visit choosework.ssa.gov.   

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)