RELEASE: HILL, COSTA, DAVIDS, DAVIS, MILLER, MOORE INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO BOOST TICKET TO WORK AWARENESS

The following information was released by the office of Arkansas Rep. French Hill:

Today, Rep. French Hill (AR-02), Rep. Jim Costa (CA-21), Rep. Sharice Davids (KS-03), Rep. Donald Davis (NC-01), Rep. Max Miller (OH-07), and Rep. Blake Moore (UT-01) introduced the bipartisan Ticket to Work Awareness Act to increase awareness of an existing program that helps Americans with disabilities access job training, employment services, and support without risking their benefits.

Rep. Hill said, "Nearly two-thirds of eligible beneficiaries have no idea the Ticket to Work program exists. That is unacceptable. This commonsense bill improves outreach so people who want to work know what options are available to them, without adding new spending or growing government. I am proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to correct the Social Security Administration's failure to adequately communicate and promote this important program and support greater opportunities and independence for people with disabilities."

"I'm proud to co-lead this bipartisan legislation to ensure people receiving Social Security disability benefits are aware of the Ticket to Work program," said Rep. Costa. "Far too many individuals with disabilities across the San Joaquin Valley and the nation are unaware of the employment services readily available to them. This bill will strengthen outreach from the Social Security Administration and will allow beneficiaries to explore work opportunities without risking their benefits."

Rep. Sharice Davids said, "Far too often, people who want to work and gain more independence don't have clear information about the support available to them. This bipartisan bill makes sure Social Scurity actually reaches out to beneficiaries and clearly explains their options, so Kansans with disabilities can explore work and career opportunities without fear of losing the benefits they depend on. By improving awareness, we can help more families build financial stability and dignity through work without adding cost or bureaucracy. I am glad to work with my Republican colleague, Representative French Hill, on this effort."

The Ticket to Work program opens doors for eastern North Carolinians and others across the nation by offering training that leads to meaningful new careers and economic stability for their families," said Congressman Don Davis . "True potential is unlocked when eligible participants know how to access these impactful training opportunities."

"Too many Americans with disabilities who want to work and achieve financial independence simply don't know the Ticket to Work program exists," said Congressman Max Miller . "This legislation takes a simple, common-sense step to change that by requiring regular outreach, so eligible beneficiaries are aware of the opportunities and support available to them. Ticket to Work empowers Americans to pursue meaningful employment without risking their benefits, and increasing awareness will help more people gain independence, dignity, and a stronger future. I'm proud to cosponsor this bill to make sure no one is left in the dark about a program designed to help them succeed."

Rep. Moore said , "The Ticket to Work program exists to give disability beneficiaries access to free vocational rehabilitation, employment, and other work-related support services while maintaining their benefits. Unfortunately, many of the people who could benefit the most from this program don't know that it exists. I'm excited to work with my friend Chairman French Hill to introduce the Ticket to Work Advertisement Act to require regular advertising for the program, bringing awareness to the opportunities and support available to SSDI beneficiaries."

Background:

The Ticket to Work (TTW) program was created with bipartisan support as part of an effort to promote work amongst those who receive Social Security disability benefits, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

The Ticket to Work Advertisement Act requires the Commissioner of the Social Security Administration (SSA) to advertise the TTW program to beneficiaries at least every six months. SSA has 12 months for implementation.

Increasing awareness of the TTW program is a straightforward, cost-effective step toward improving the TTW program's impact. Ensuring consistent SSA outreach will help beneficiaries understand and access the opportunities they have and deserve.

What is the Ticket to Work Program?

The TTW program allows beneficiaries ages 18-64 to obtain free employment services, vocational rehabilitation (VR) services, and other support services from approved providers to achieve specific work-related and career goals.

Participation is completely free and voluntary.

The purpose of the TTW program is to help individuals with disabilities experience working while connecting them to support and services they need to succeed in the workplace.

The goal of the TTW program is to help SSDI and SSI beneficiaries who can and want to achieve financial independence.

During the TTW program, participants do NOT lose their disability benefits.