Social Security Administration
ACES is an approved Employment Network with the Social Security Administration.
The Ticket to Work program is a free and voluntary employment support program for people ages 18 through 64 who receive disability benefits and want to work.
Participants can test their ability to work while benefiting from special rules that protect healthcare coverage and disability benefits during the transition.
You may qualify if you:
Eligibility is generally automatic for beneficiaries who meet these requirements.
Know your benefit
| Feature | SSI | SSDI |
|---|---|---|
| Based on disability status | Yes | Yes |
| Based on work history | No | Yes |
| Based on financial need | Yes | No |
| Monthly benefit amount | Usually lower | Based on prior earnings |
| Medicare eligibility | Usually after a qualifying period | Typically after 24 months of SSDI benefits |
| Medicaid eligibility | Often immediate | Depends on state rules |
SSI is designed for individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
SSDI provides benefits to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to qualify.
Protections
These incentives are intended to reduce the financial risks associated with returning to work.
The Trial Work Period (TWP) allows SSDI beneficiaries to test their ability to work for up to nine months while continuing to receive full disability benefits regardless of earnings, provided they remain medically disabled.
After completing the Trial Work Period, additional protections may still apply through the Extended Period of Eligibility.
With the right support, you can explore work options, gain valuable skills, and move toward greater independence — all while protecting your health coverage and managing your benefits wisely.
At Alliance Community and Employment Services, Inc. (ACES), we specialize in helping individuals with disabilities succeed in the workplace. As an approved Employment Network (EN) with the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work program, ACES provides:
Our holistic approach ensures that you are not just finding a job — you are building a pathway to independence, stability, and career growth.
Have questions?
Contact a counselor or reach out to ACES today to learn how we can help you transition into employment with confidence.
