Ticket to Work

Ticket to Work Information

KY DVR Ticket to Work Philosophy and Principles

Kentucky VR has as its mission to assist eligible individuals with disabilities achieve suitable employment and independence. Ticket to Work in no way changes that mission.

All eligible individuals will receive the highest quality services consistent with the individual's strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice regardless of whether the individual choices to assign his/her ticket to VR.

Services to eligible individuals will not be delayed while confirmation of Ticket availability is sought or negotiations with Employment Networks are in progress.

Services agreed upon by the beneficiary and the Employment Network (EN) and listed in the Individualized Work Plan when an individual assigns his/her ticket to an EN are considered comparable benefits for consumers and are not to be purchased by VR.

Eligible individuals who are referred by an Employment Network but whose Individualized Work Plan is not, in the opinion of the counselor, appropriate given the individual’s strengths, resources, priorities, concerns, abilities, capabilities, interests, and informed choice will be served under a new Individualized Plan for Employment including only those services which the individual and counselor agree are necessary to achieve the vocational objective.

All Ticket to Work procedures are to be developed to ensure that the program meets the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and to limit the impact on field staff as they provide services to eligible individuals.

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Overview

Overview PowerPoint Presentation

The Ticket to Work and Self Sufficiency Program Federal Register Final Rule

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EN Agreement

EN Agreement PowerPoint Presentation

DVR EN Agreement

Ticket to Work/Employment Network Referral (pdf)

Written Consent for Release of Personal Information

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VR Process

Process for Counselors PowerPoint Presentation

Instructions for DVR Counselor (pdf) (html)

Questions and Answers About Ticket to Work (pdf) (html)

How to Choose Your Ticket Provider (pdf)

Let KY DVR be Your Ticket Provider (pdf) (html)

Letter for Consumer (March 2003) from Counselor

Form SSA-1365 (pdf) (form fill-in)

MAXIMUS Confirmation Request (FAX)

SAMPLE of the SSA "Ticket"

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Counselor Instructions for Ticket to Work

Ticket holders who are DVR consumers
Ticket holders who are not current DVR consumers
Ticket holder is referred to DVR by the EN

Ticket holders who are DVR consumers
1. Letter is sent from Central Office 10/25 (Include "Answering Questions" and "Let DVR Be Your Ticket Provider"). Counselor is notified when letters are sent.

2. Consumer receives ticket between November 2002 and February 2003. If consumer has not discussed assigning ticket by March then DVR Counselor sends 2nd letter (along with "Let DVR Be Your Ticket Provider" and "How To Choose Your Ticket Provider").

3. Consumer calls DVR Counselor and makes appointment to discuss assigning ticket.

4. DVR Counselor calls Maximus (1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 TTY) to verify ticket availability.

5. Counselor discusses the following options with consumers:
a. Assign ticket to DVR.
b. Assign ticket to an EN.
c. Not to assign ticket to any provider.

Counseling and Guidance should be provided regarding the decision on when and if to assign the ticket. Inform consumer of regulations related to the suspension of CDR’s while ticket is being used. See Federal Register section 411.191 and Cornell Policy and Practice Brief page 16.

6. Document consumer’s decision in case notes.

A. If consumer wishes to assign ticket then:

1. Complete form SSA-1365 on or after the date the IPE is signed. Mark "Cost Reimbursement Payment System" in #7 of SSA-1365. (When partnering with EN or if ticket was previously assigned to another EN then mark "State VR agency's EN payment system."

2. Give Benefits Plus brochure to consumer. Also remind consumer of appeal rights as outlined in Consumer Guide.

3. Fax SSA-1365 to Maximus (703-683-3289) using the ticket assignment fax sheet and fax the form to Central Office Attn: Ticket to Work (502-564-1268). Give copy to consumer.

4. Continue rehabilitation process.

5. Receive confirmation by mail that Maximus has assigned ticket to DVR.

6. When case is closed successfully, wait for notification from SSA Coordinator to send requested documentation (same procedure as before Ticket to Work).

B. If ticket is assigned to another EN:

1. Provide guidance and counseling to consumer on benefits of reassigning ticket to DVR. If agreeable, ask consumer to notify Maximus in writing to unassign ticket from current EN. Go to (A.1) above to assign ticket to DVR.

2. If the consumer decides not to reassign ticket to DVR then determine if an agreement is already in place with an EN. If agreement is in place follow terms of agreement. If no agreement exists explore developing a partnership with EN and obtain agreement. Assistance with agreement may be provided by District Ticket to Work Specialist. All proposed agreements must be submitted to Central Office, Attn: Ticket to Work, for approval and appropriate signature. Once approved you will receive a copy for case file.

3. Continue rehabilitation process. If the ticket is held by an EN keep in mind that DVR cannot pay the EN for the services they agreed to provide on the IWP.

NOTE: DVR can always develop partnership with EN. If ticket is ever reassigned to an EN then return to (B.2) above and work to develop partnership with EN.

C. If consumer does not wish to assign ticket then:

1. Serve like any other case.
2. Inform consumer that SSA may initiate a medical review.
3. DVR may apply for cost reimbursement on pipeline cases as long as ticket is not assigned to another EN prior to reimbursement.

Ticket holders who are not current DVR consumers

1. Beneficiary receives ticket and calls Maximus.

2. Maximus provides information on DVR and ENs in area.

3. Consumer calls DVR Ticket to Work Information toll free number
(877-850-0055). Phone representative checks in CMS for possible DVR status and refers to local office.

4. DVR follow-up information letter sent to potential consumer with DVR information ("How to Choose Your Ticket Provider" and "Let DVR Be Your Ticket To Work Provider") and copied to DVR office.

5. If individual is interested he or she may call DVR Counselor and make appointment to apply for services.

6. DVR Counselor calls Maximus (1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 TTY) to verify ticket availability.

7. Counselor discusses the following options with consumers:
a. Assign ticket to DVR.
b. Assign ticket to an EN.
c. Not to assign ticket to any provider.

Counseling and Guidance should be provided regarding the decision on when and if to assign the ticket. Inform consumer of regulations related to the suspension of CDR’s while ticket is being used. See Federal Register section 411.191 and Cornell Policy and Practice Brief page 16.

A. If consumer wishes to assign ticket then:

1. Complete form SSA-1365 on or after the date the IPE is signed. Mark "Cost Reimbursement Payment System" in #7 of SSA-1365. (When partnering with EN or if ticket was previously assigned to another EN then mark "State VR agency's EN payment system").

2. Give Benefits Plus brochure to consumer. Also remind consumer of appeal rights as outlined in Consumer Guide.

3. Fax SSA-1365 to Maximus (703-683-3289) using the ticket assignment fax sheet and to Central Office Attn: Ticket to Work (502-564-1268). Give copy to consumer.

4. Continue rehabilitation process.

5. Receive confirmation by mail that Maximus has assigned ticket to DVR.

6. When case is closed successfully, wait for notification from SSA Coordinator to send requested documentation (same procedure as before Ticket to Work).

B. If ticket is assigned to another EN:

1. Provide guidance and counseling to consumer on benefits of reassigning ticket to DVR. If agreeable, ask consumer to notify Maximus in writing to unassign ticket from current EN. Go to (A.1) above to assign ticket to DVR.

2. If the consumer decides not to reassign ticket to DVR then determine if agreement is already in place with EN. If agreement is in place, follow the terms of the agreement. If there is no agreement present explore developing a partnership with EN and obtain agreement. Assistance with agreement may be provided by District Ticket to Work Specialist. All proposed agreements must be submitted to Central Office, Attn: Ticket to Work, for approval and appropriate signature. Once approved you will receive a copy for case file.

3. Continue rehabilitation process. If the ticket is held by an EN keep in mind that DVR cannot pay the EN for the services they agreed to provide on the IWP.

NOTE: DVR can always develop partnership with EN. If ticket is ever reassigned to an EN then return to (B.2) above and work to develop partnership with EN.

Ticketholder is referred to DVR by the EN

1. EN sends referral to DVR along with current IWP.

2. DVR Counselor obtains copy of EN agreement.

3. DVR Counselor meets with consumer to discuss IWP.

4. Using the IWP as a guide, the Counselor assists the consumer in developing an IPE consistent with the EN agreement. If the DVR Counselor does not agree with IWP (i.e. vocational goal or services), the Counselor may recommend changes to be negotiated between the consumer, EN and DVR. If an agreement cannot be reached the consumer may be served under a new IPE without partnering with the EN.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT TICKET TO WORK (pdf)

What is the Ticket to Work Program?

The Ticket to Work Program is something new in Social Security Administration. The program will offer SSA disability beneficiaries greater choice in obtaining the services they need to help them go to work.

Why will I receive a Ticket?

Most Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability beneficiaries will receive a "ticket" they may use to obtain vocational rehabilitation, employment or other support services from an approved provider of their choice.

Do I have to use the Ticket?

No. The Ticket to Work Program is voluntary.

How will choosing whether or not to work affect my benefits?

New and improved work incentives are available to assist you.
For more information about Social Security’s work incentives you should:

*Call Benefits Plus at 1-888-813-8497 (1-888-813-8652 TTY).
* call SSA's toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213;
* contact your local Social Security office; or
* visit their special "Worksite" at www.ssa.gov/work

If I choose to use my Ticket, whom should I contact?

You should take your Ticket to the Kentucky Department of Vocational Rehabilitation or an Employment Network. The Employment Networks will be private organizations or public agencies, which have agreed to work with Social Security to provide services under this program. You may contact MAXIMUS, Inc. at 1-866-968-7842 (1-866-833-2967 TTY) for information about Employment Networks that serve the area where you live. If you use the Internet, you can find this information on SSA's special "Worksite," www.ssa.gov/work, and on MAXIMUS, Inc.'s web site, www.yourtickettowork.com. Also, some Employment Networks may contact you to offer their services.

What if I lose my ticket or do not receive my Ticket?

Contact Maximus at 1-866-968-7842 (1-866-833-2967 TTY).

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LET KY DEPARTMENT OF VOCATIONAL REHABILITATION BE YOUR TICKET TO WORK PROVIDER

Why Choose KY-DVR?

KY-DVR provides high quality employment services to people receiving SSI/SSDI. We have established a working relationship with the Social Security Administration and understand the benefit issues that impact your going to work.
KY-DVR knows that you have many other concerns when you consider going to work such as health care, childcare, and accessibility. We are knowledgeable about community resources and can assist you with these concerns.
Unlike other Employment Networks, KY-DVR works with you regardless of whether you want to work full time or part time. We help you find work whether you want to supplement your check or eventually discontinue Social Security benefits entirely. We urge you to take advantage of benefits counseling so that you understand exactly what will happen to your monthly check and medical insurance when you go to work.
KY-DVR's vocational rehabilitation counselors are educated professionals. We help you examine the labor market and choose a job that will maximize your strengths.

When You Choose KY-DVR, You Can Expect:

Individualized service delivered by qualified professional counselors.
Convenient locations throughout the state of Kentucky.
Services from approved and qualified vendors.
The benefit of over 80-years of experience and commitment to serving persons with disabilities. Each year we assist approximately 5000 persons with disabilities to be successfully employed.
Access to the services you need to reach your employment goal such as:
Assessment
Vocational Counseling
Training
Rehabilitation Technology
Interpreter Services
Disability Resource Information
Community Resource Information
Educational Support Services
Drivers Evaluation
Attendant care
Comprehensive Rehabilitation Center Services
Job placement & follow-up

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