Choosing The Right Employment Network For You

Last Updated: 6/24/2026

Returning to work while receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits can feel overwhelming. Questions about managing health, protecting your benefits and finding the right support often come up.

The Ticket To Work (TTW) Program is designed to help you explore employment opportunities while maintaining your benefits. A key feature of this program is the ability to connect with an Employment Network (EN) at no cost. ENs provide career guidance, resources and ongoing support throughout your return-to-work process so you can focus on your health and career.

Understanding what ENs do and how they differ can make a significant difference in your experience and the outcome of your return-to-work journey.

What Employment Networks Do

Employment Networks, such as Allsup Employment Services, provide a wide range of services. Many ENs work with you throughout the entire return-to-work process, from career exploration to long-term job retention.

An important tool they use is the Individualized Work Plan (IWP), which acts as a roadmap for your employment journey. The IWP outlines your short-term goals, long-term goals and the responsibilities of both you and the EN.

Services offered by ENs vary, but often include career counseling to identify strengths, transferable skills and potential job paths. ENs may help with resume development and interview preparation, help communicate your needs to employers and advising on workplace accommodations.

Guidance on SSA work incentives is another common service, helping you understand how working will affect your SSDI benefits. Some ENs also offer coaching to support job retention and career growth after you start working.

How ENs Differ

Not all ENs operate in the same way.

Some ENs function almost entirely online, while others provide in-person or hybrid support, allowing you to choose the style that works best for you.

ENs may also differ in their area of focus. Some specialize in serving individuals with certain disabilities. While others focus on specific types of jobs or industries. Some primarily assist with entry-level positions, while others support people who are working toward long-term careers and higher-level roles.

Communication style is another difference. Some ENs check in often and provide ongoing support, while others encourage you to work more independently between check-ins. How an EN communicates can affect how supported you feel and how effectively the services work for you.

Because of these differences, selecting an EN that aligns with your needs is not a one-size-fits-all decision. Evaluating these differences helps you get a better idea of what working with each EN might be like, making it easier to find one that fits your goals and preferred work style.

Things To Consider When Choosing An EN

When evaluating ENs, several key factors can help your assessment:

1. Service Offered: Some ENs provide career counseling and skill development, while others focus primarily on job placement. Matching the EN’s services to your personal goals can ensure that the support you receive is meaningful and practical. For example, AES offers assistance identifying transferable skills, access to resources for job training, benefits counseling, interview preparation and more.
2. Accessibility & Communication: Consider how often you would like to interact with the EN, whether support is available online, by phone or in person, and how responsive staff are to questions and concerns. AES continues support even after you are hired, providing regular check-ins and ongoing employment guidance.
3. Reputation & Track Record: Testimonials, references and success stories from previous participants can show how effective an EN has been in helping individuals achieve employment goals. You can view AES success stories to learn more about how we help people.
4. Compatibility: Feeling understood and supported by EN staff can affect how comfortable you feel during the process. At AES, you will receive support through career planning, goal setting and guidance on job accommodations to ensure you feel confident throughout the entire process.

When speaking with ENs, you might ask questions such as:

• What types of jobs and industries do you typically work with?
• How often will we meet or communicate?
• What support is available once I start working?
• How do you coordinate with the SSA to manage benefit-related questions?

These conversations can help you understand not only the services an EN provides but also how they interact with participants and tailor support to individual needs.

How The Right EN Supports Long-Term Success

The EN you work with can shape what happens after you start a job. An EN that provides ongoing support can assist with managing workplace challenges, requesting accommodation and adjusting when work duties change.

ENs may also support long-term career growth. This can include moving from part-time to full-time work or developing new skills that lead to higher-level roles.

Many ENs also explain how SSA work incentives apply as earnings change, helping reduce uncertainty about how work and benefits fit together.

A steady relationship with an EN can help build confidence during your return-to-work journey. Over time, this support can strengthen job skills, clarify expectations and foster a more positive outlook as you transition back to employment.

Returning To Work With Allsup Employment Services

Allsup Employment Services (AES) is an SSA-authorized EN for the TTW Program. We have over 10 years of experience helping thousands return to work successfully. We can help guide you through the SSDI work incentives on your return-to-work journey.

The TTW Program helps you protect your SSA disability benefits, and working with AES you can:

• Earn More.Make as much income as you choose during the Trial Work Period and protect your full SSDI benefits.
• Stress Less.Avoid medical disability reviews and the worry that comes with them.
• Keep Medicare. While working, you can keep Medicare for over seven years.
• Avoid Risk.If you stop working anytime within five years, your SSDI benefits can resume through a reinstatement process.
• Pay Nothing.As a Social Security-authorized Employment Network, our services are provided at no cost.

Choosing AES means working with an EN who’s focused on your goals and will work with you every step of the way.

Get started with no cost and no obligation

You can reach Allsup Employment Services today by calling 866-540-5105 or requesting a call.