Last Updated: 11/11/2026
Finding qualified, dependable employees is a priority for every employer. But many businesses may be overlooking an experienced and motivated group of job candidates: people with disabilities who want to return to work.
The federal Ticket To Work (TTW) Program helps people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) prepare for, find and maintain employment. However, many employers are unfamiliar with the program or have questions about how it works.
Does Ticket To Work create additional responsibilities for employers? Will employees lose their disability benefits when they start working? Are there incentives for hiring people with disabilities?
Understanding the answers to these common questions can help employers make informed hiring decisions while gaining access to a broader pool of qualified candidates.
For employers, Ticket To Work provides an opportunity to connect with qualified candidates who have the skills, experience and motivation to contribute to their organizations.
Does hiring someone through Ticket To Work create additional costs or obligations?
One common misconception is that hiring someone who participates in TTW creates additional costs or special program requirements for employers.
In reality, TTW is designed to support the job seeker, not impose additional program obligations on the employer. Employers are not required to enroll in TTW to hire someone who participates in the program. They also do not have to administer the employee's Social Security benefits or manage their participation.
Instead, the employee works with an Employment Network (EN) or State Vocational Rehabilitation agency to receive employment support and guidance. Employers still have the same responsibilities they would when hiring other employees, including complying with applicable employment and disability discrimination laws.
Will an employee lose their SSDI benefits when they start working?
Employers sometimes worry that hiring someone who receives SSDI benefits could cause that employee to lose their benefits immediately.
Fortunately, Social Security provides work incentives that can help eligible beneficiaries make a gradual transition into employment. These work incentives can help reduce some of the uncertainty associated with returning to work for the beneficiary. The employer can be assured that their employee is not going to lose their benefits right away.
An EN like Allsup Employment Services (AES) can help employees understand these protections and how their earnings may affect their benefits. This allows employers to focus on supporting employees in their new roles.
What are the benefits of hiring employees with disabilities?
Hiring people with disabilities is an opportunity to bring valuable experience, skills and perspectives into the workplace.
Many individuals participating in Ticket To Work have extensive employment experience and are looking for opportunities to use their abilities in meaningful ways. Employers who embrace inclusive hiring practices may realize several advantages.
Access To A Broader Talent Pool
People with disabilities represent an often-overlooked source of qualified candidates. Including these individuals in recruitment efforts can help employers fill open positions and address workforce needs.
Valuable Skills And Experience
Many SSDI beneficiaries have years of professional experience before having a health condition. They may bring technical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, leadership experience and other valuable skills to a new position.
Employee Loyalty And Retention
An inclusive workplace that provides employees with the support they need can help strengthen job satisfaction, engagement and retention.
Different Perspectives And Ideas
Employees with different backgrounds and life experiences can contribute fresh perspectives to workplace challenges. This diversity of thought can support innovation, collaboration and stronger business decisions.
For employers, the goal is to recognize what each candidate can contribute and how their unique backgrounds can foster a more productive environment.
What can employers do to create an inclusive environment?
Employers can help create an environment where employees feel comfortable discussing what will help them perform best in their roles.
Some helpful practices for employers may include:
- Clearly communicating the organization's commitment to disability inclusion.
- Providing information about reasonable workplace accommodations and available support resources.
- Training managers on disability awareness and inclusive hiring practices.
- Making voluntary self-identification processes confidential and easy to understand.
- Focusing on an employee's qualifications, abilities and job performance.
Creating an inclusive workplace benefits employees while helping employers build a culture of respect and trust.
Are workplace accommodations expensive or difficult to provide?
Another common misconception is that hiring employees with disabilities requires expensive equipment or major workplace modifications.
In reality, many workplace accommodations are simple and involve little or no cost. Depending on the employee's needs and job responsibilities, accommodations may include:
- Flexible work schedules or adjusted break times
- Modified workstations or ergonomic equipment
- Assistive technology or accessible software
- Written instructions or alternative communication methods
- Adjustments to certain job tasks or workplace procedures
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) generally requires covered employers to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified employees with disabilities unless doing so would create an undue hardship.
An effective approach is to communicate with employees about their individual needs.
What is the value of working with Allsup Employment Services?
Hiring employees with disabilities can help organizations build a more inclusive workforce while connecting qualified individuals with meaningful employment opportunities.
The TTW Program helps make those opportunities possible by providing eligible job seekers with career guidance, employment resources and ongoing support.
With more than 12 years of experience helping SSDI beneficiaries return to work, AES understands the challenges individuals may face when transitioning back into the workforce.
How can an employer get help from an Employment Network like Allsup Employment Services?
An EN like Allsup Employment Services can help you identify qualified employees with disabilities who are able and want to work. We’ll help your new employee move through the TTW Program so you can focus on what’s important to your organization.
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