The Power of Having Someone in Your Corner: How Support Can Help You Reach Your Work Goals

Finding a path to employment is easier when you don’t have to figure everything out alone. Whether you’re exploring careers, preparing to apply for jobs, or working toward greater success in your job, the right support can help you move forward.

For people who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI), the Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program offers free and voluntary employment support to help eligible people move toward work and financial independence. And as Shileta’s story shows, having someone in your corner can make a meaningful difference along the way.

Shileta’s Story

Everyone’s path to employment and independence looks different. For Shileta, mentorship played an important role in helping her build confidence and pursue her goals.

Through the guidance and encouragement of mentors, Shileta found support as she worked toward greater independence. Those experiences helped shape her own journey and inspired her to give back.

Today, Shileta serves as a mentor herself, guiding young people with disabilities as they explore their potential and work toward their goals.

Her story is a reminder that support can have a lasting impact. A mentor can offer encouragement, share experience, and help someone recognize possibilities they may not have considered. Just as importantly, the support someone receives can inspire them to help others in the future.

Read Shileta’s full success story, “Mentoring in Real Life.” Discover how mentorship made a difference in her journey and how she went on to become a mentor herself.

You Don’t Have to Navigate Your Employment Journey Alone

You may know you want to work but feel unsure about where to start. Perhaps you want to explore a new career, learn about workplace accommodations, or understand how working will affect your Social Security disability benefits. You don’t have to answer every question before you begin exploring your options.

Social Security’s Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program connects people who receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), ages 18 through 64, with free employment services. Depending on your needs and goals, you may be able to get help with:

• Exploring careers: Identify your interests, skills, and employment goals.
• Preparing for a job: Get help with resumes, applications, interviews, and job-search strategies.
• Finding and keeping work: Connect with employment support as you pursue a job and adjust to the workplace.
• Understanding your benefits: Learn about available resources, including how earnings from work will affect your Social Security disability benefits.

You can explore these services at your own pace. You don’t have to be ready to apply for a job today to start learning about your options.

Find Support That Works for You

Just as Shileta benefited from people who encouraged her along the way, you can explore resources and services designed around your own employment goals.

The Ticket Program offers several ways to connect with support. Employment Networks provide a range of employment services, and your State Vocational Rehabilitation agency may offer services if you need more significant support to prepare for, find, or keep a job.

The right fit depends on your circumstances, needs, and goals. You can explore available providers and learn more about the services they offer before deciding how you want to proceed.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

• Visit Choose Work to learn about the Ticket Program, eligibility, and available employment resources.
• Use the Find Help tool to explore service providers and find support that fits your needs.
• Learn about your benefits. Explore resources about Social Security disability benefits and work so you can make informed decisions about your future.

Your Goals. Your Journey. Your Support.

Shileta’s story demonstrates how encouragement and guidance can make a difference, not only in reaching personal goals but also in finding opportunities to help others.

You don’t have to follow someone else’s path. Start with what matters to you, explore the resources available, and connect with people who can help you work toward your goals.

With the right support, you can decide what’s possible.