U.S. Reps. French Hill (R-AR) and Blake Moore (R-UT) on Tuesday proposed bipartisan legislation that aims to increase awareness toward improving the impact of the Ticket to Work (TTW) program, which promotes work for people who receive Social Security disability benefits.
“Nearly two-thirds of eligible beneficiaries have no idea the Ticket to Work program exists. That is unacceptable,” Rep. Hill said. “This common-sense bill improves outreach so people who want to work know what options are available to them, without adding new spending or growing government.”
Rep. Hill sponsored the Ticket to Work Advertisement Act, H.R. 7253, alongside five original cosponsors, including Rep. Moore and lead cosponsor U.S. Rep. Donald Davis (D-NC), to raise awareness about the program that helps Americans with disabilities access job training, employment services, and support without risking their benefits.
“The Ticket to Work program exists to give disability beneficiaries access to free vocational rehabilitation, employment, and other work-related support services while maintaining their benefits,” Rep. Moore said. “Unfortunately, many of the people who could benefit the most from this program don’t know that it exists.”
The TTW program allows beneficiaries ages 18-64 to obtain free employment services, vocational rehabilitation services, and other support services from approved providers to achieve specific work-related and career goals. Participation is completely free and voluntary.
The purpose of the TTW program is to help individuals with disabilities experience working while connecting them to support and services they need to succeed in the workplace, according to a summary provided by the lawmakers.
If enacted, H.R. 7253 would require the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to advertise the TTW program to beneficiaries at least every six months. SSA would have 12 months for implementation.
“I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to correct the Social Security Administration’s failure to adequately communicate and promote this important program and support greater opportunities and independence for people with disabilities,” said Rep. Hill.