Ticket to Work Program
Employers
Are you an employer who is looking to add value to your organization?
Take advantage of the Ticket to Work Program and grow your organization with
the help of our nation’s most worthy, untapped resource: Americans with
disabilities.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) and DRS want
to help you connect with qualified jobseekers (SSI or SSDI beneficiaries),
who are equipped to contribute to your organization’s mission. The Ticket to
Work Program is a work incentive program that encourages SSI or SSDI
beneficiaries to join the workforce and rewards the employers who hire them.
If you are interested in additional revenue for your organization and
need reliable, qualified and loyal employees, contact us about the Ticket to
Work Program at 405.522.6537 or
mhopper@okdrs.gov.
Employment Networks
An Employment Network is an organization or agency that has entered into
an agreement with SSA to provide employment services and other types of
support to beneficiaries under the Ticket to Work program.
An
employer who becomes an approved Employment Network in SSA’s Ticket to Work
program can receive payments based on hiring a qualified beneficiary with a
disability who attains certain levels of earnings. In simpler terms, you get
paid to hire employees. That’s something you would do anyway.
Becoming an Employment Network does not require that you only hire people
with disabilities but it does reward you when you do. The employees you
interview will be qualified for the position. We do the paperwork involved
in getting your reimbursements. So what do you need to do? Bring an open
mind to new possibilities.
Benefits to Enrolling as an Employment Network- Turn “Diversity into Dollars”
After your organization becomes your first Employment Network and hires an SSA beneficiary (Ticket Holder) you receive payment from Social Security. Payments are calculated as your employee reaches prescribed earnings’ milestones or outcomes.
- As an Employment Network, you will have access to a pool of qualified candidates.
- For each Ticket Holder hired, your company may qualify for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit by taking advantage of the SSA’s Ticket to Work program. When your organization accesses the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), you may be able to recoup more than $7,000 in first year wages for each Ticket Holder hired.
- You can promote your company’s commitment to diversity and a positive work environment that is accessible to all qualified applicants.
- With the Ticket to Work program you can lower your turnover rate. Employees with disabilities statistically have a higher rate of loyalty and longevity
Assistance Is Available to Help You Get Started!
If you are interested
in becoming an Employment Network:
- Obtain an application — it costs nothing to apply.
- Complete the application — We do the paperwork. Just sign your name. The Ticket to Work program offers a streamlined application process, training, responsive support, and tracking of your claims through to payment.
- There is guidance and assistance at every step.
If you are interested in learning more about becoming an Employment Network or the Employer Partner opportunity, contact Mari Hopper at 405-522-6537 or mhopper@okdrs.gov.
Check out the The Secrets to Saving Time and Money When Hiring New Employees brochure:
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