We asked Diane Winiarski, senior director of Allsup Employment Services (AES) to talk about what support one can expect when using AES as their provider for the Ticket To Work Program. AES was founded in 2014 and has helped over 43,000 people return to work.
What is Allsup Employment Services, and how does it help people through the Ticket to Work Program at no cost?
“We are a Social Security-authorized Employment Network in the Ticket to Work (TTW) Program. We help people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) explore, prepare for, obtain and maintain employment at no cost.
Through the TTW Program, AES provides personalized support based on each individual's employment goals and needs. Services may include:
- Career planning and vocational guidance.
- Identifying transferable skills and employment opportunities.
- Resume development and interview preparation.
- Benefits counseling to help beneficiaries understand how work may affect SSDI and Medicare.
- Assistance with workplace accommodations.
- Ongoing support after employment begins.
- Guidance with work-related communications and reporting requirements to Social Security.
Our goal is simple: to help beneficiaries pursue employment with confidence, increase their financial independence and achieve their work goals.”
How does AES help people understand how working could affect their Social Security disability benefits?
“AES helps beneficiaries understand how work may affect their Social Security disability benefits by providing personalized benefits education and guidance at no cost. Our vocational experts explain Social Security work incentives, answer questions about earnings, and help individuals make informed decisions about returning to work.
For example, we help beneficiaries understand work incentives such as the Trial Work Period (TWP), Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) and Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs), which are designed to support a transition to work while protecting benefits.
By helping beneficiaries understand the rules, protections and supports available through the TTW Program, AES empowers individuals to pursue employment with greater confidence and financial security.”
What specific support is provided to help get a new job?
“AES provides personalized job search support to help beneficiaries prepare for, find and maintain employment. At no cost, our vocational experts help individuals identify their skills and interests, explore job opportunities, develop or update résumés, and prepare for interviews.
Specific assistance may include:
- Identifying transferable skills and matching them to potential careers.
- Creating or improving resumes and cover letters.
- Practicing interview questions and techniques.
- Developing job search strategies and applying for positions.
- Discussing workplace accommodations and how to request them.
- Providing ongoing support after employment begins.
Our goal is to help beneficiaries pursue meaningful employment, increase their independence, and achieve their work goals with confidence.”
How does AES help people decide what type of job may be a good fit?
“AES helps beneficiaries explore jobs that align with their skills, interests, experience and individual needs. Through conversations about their background, preferences and employment goals, our vocational experts can help identify opportunities that may be a good fit.
For example, we may talk about questions such as:
- What kinds of work have you enjoyed in the past?
- Are there skills from previous jobs that could transfer to a new career?
- Do you prefer working with people, technology, data or hands-on tasks?
- Would a part-time, full-time, remote or flexible schedule work best for you?
- Are there accommodations or workplace supports that would help you succeed?
We also help beneficiaries think through practical considerations, such as preferred work schedules, job duties, work environments and any accommodations that may help them succeed. The goal is to help each person find meaningful employment that feels like the right fit for their situation and career goals.”
What support is available after someone gets a job?
“AES support does not stop when a beneficiary gets a job. We continue to provide guidance and encouragement as individuals adjust to working by discussing Social Security work incentives and addressing workplace concerns.
Whether someone has questions during their first few weeks on the job or needs assistance managing changes related to work and benefits, AES is available to help them work toward long-term employment success.”
What would you say to someone who wants to work but is worried about losing benefits or health coverage?
“I would tell them that they are not alone. Many people who receive disability benefits want to work but worry about what could happen to their benefits or health coverage.
The good news is that Social Security has work incentives designed to help people explore employment without immediately losing their benefits. AES can help explain these rules, answer questions and provide information about programs such as the Trial Work Period (TWP), Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE) and other work incentives that may provide additional protections.
Most importantly, you do not have to figure it all out yourself. AES can help you understand your options so you can make informed decisions about work and move forward with greater confidence.”
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Get started today with no cost or obligation by contacting Allsup Employment Services at 866-540-5105 or requesting a call.
