If you receive SSDI or SSI and want to return to work, the Social Security Administration's Ticket to Work program connects you with free employment support through authorized providers called Employment Networks (ENs). As of 2026, hundreds of ENs operate across all 50 states, offering services like resume help, job placement, career counseling, and benefits coaching at no cost to you. This guide explains what Employment Networks do, who qualifies, and exactly how to find one in your area.
What Is an SSA Employment Network?
An Employment Network is a private organization, nonprofit, or government agency that has signed an agreement with the Social Security Administration to deliver employment services to disability beneficiaries. ENs participate in the Ticket to Work program, which was created to help people with disabilities reduce or eliminate their reliance on Social Security benefits by returning to work.
ENs get paid by SSA, not by you. Their payment is tied to your success, meaning they earn milestone and outcome payments as you progress toward and reach employment goals. This structure gives ENs a direct financial incentive to help you find and keep a job.
Services vary by EN, but typically include:
- Career counseling and vocational guidance
- Resume writing and interview preparation
- Job placement assistance and employer connections
- Benefits counseling (what happens to your SSDI or SSI when you earn income)
- Ongoing support after you start working
- Assistance with workplace accommodations
Many ENs serve specific populations, such as veterans, people with visual impairments, individuals in particular industries, or those in specific geographic areas. Some operate entirely online or by phone, so location is not always a barrier.
Who Qualifies for Ticket to Work (and Employment Network Services)
You are eligible for the Ticket to Work program if you meet all three of these conditions:
- You are between ages 18 and 64
- You currently receive SSDI or SSI benefits because of a disability
- You want to work toward financial independence
Participation is completely voluntary. SSA does not require you to use your Ticket, but there are meaningful benefits to doing so.
One key protection: if you assign your Ticket to an approved EN before receiving a Continuing Disability Review (CDR) notice and you are making timely progress on your employment plan, SSA will not conduct a medical review of your case. This is significant because CDRs can put your benefits at risk. Assigning your Ticket early protects your benefits while you work toward employment.
2026 Work Income Thresholds to Know
Before engaging with an Employment Network, it helps to understand the 2026 income limits that govern how work affects your SSDI benefits.
| Threshold | 2026 Monthly Amount |
|---|
| Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), non-blind | $1,690 |
| Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA), blind | $2,830 |
| Trial Work Period (TWP) month trigger | $1,210 |
SGA (Substantial Gainful Activity): If you consistently earn above $1,690 per month (non-blind) in 2026, SSA may determine you are no longer disabled and can end your SSDI benefits. The Ticket to Work program and a Trial Work Period give you time to test your ability to work before this rule applies.
Trial Work Period: You can earn any amount for up to 9 months (within a rolling 60-month window) without losing SSDI. Any month where you earn at least $1,210 counts as a Trial Work Period month.
Your EN's benefits counselor can walk you through exactly how these thresholds apply to your specific situation before you start working.
Employment Network vs. State Vocational Rehabilitation: What Is the Difference?
The Ticket to Work program has two types of service providers: Employment Networks and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Employment Networks (EN) | State VR Agencies |
|---|
| Who runs them | Private/nonprofit organizations | State government agencies |
| Services focus | Job placement, career counseling, ongoing support | Intensive services: education funding, assistive technology, medical restoration |
| Best for | People ready to work soon or already employed | People needing longer-term preparation or education |
| Plan type | Individual Work Plan | Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) |
| Availability | Hundreds nationwide, many virtual | One agency per state |
| Cost to you | Free | Free |
Many people start with a State VR agency to address significant barriers (like getting a degree or assistive technology), then transfer their Ticket to an Employment Network for ongoing job support once they are closer to employment.
You can only assign your Ticket to one provider at a time, but you can reassign it if your needs change.
How to Find an Employment Network Near You: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Go to the Ticket to Work Find Help Tool
Visit choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp. This is the official SSA directory of approved Ticket to Work service providers.
Step 2: Choose Your Search Type
The tool offers two options:
- Guided Search: Answers a short series of questions about your work readiness and goals. Based on your answers, it recommends the best-fit providers for your situation.
- Direct Search: Enter your ZIP code to see a list of all providers serving your area, sorted by type (Employment Networks first) and then by distance.
For most people, the Direct Search is faster. The Guided Search is useful if you are unsure whether you need an EN or a VR agency.
Step 3: Review Your Results
Results show each EN's name, location, distance from your ZIP code, and whether they offer in-person, phone, or virtual services. You can sort results alphabetically or by distance.
Pay attention to whether the EN specializes in your type of disability or industry. Some ENs serve specific populations and may be a better fit than a general provider.
Step 4: Contact the EN Directly
Reach out to two or three ENs before committing. Ask:
- What specific services do you offer?
- Do you have experience with my disability type?
- How do you communicate with clients (in-person, phone, video)?
- What does the Individual Work Plan process look like?
- How long does it typically take clients to find employment?
You are not obligated to use the first EN you contact. Shopping around helps you find the right match.
Step 5: Assign Your Ticket
Once you choose an EN, you and the EN work together to create an Individual Work Plan that outlines your employment goals and the steps to reach them. When both parties sign the plan, your Ticket is officially assigned and CDR protection begins.
Alternative: Call the Ticket to Work Help Line
If you prefer to speak with someone, call the Ticket to Work Help Line:
- Phone: 1-866-968-7842
- TTY: 1-866-833-2967
- Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern
Representatives can help you search for ENs, explain the program, and answer questions about how working might affect your benefits.
Additional Search Option: CareerOneStop
The Department of Labor's CareerOneStop also has an Employment Networks finder tool that lists ENs by location.
What to Expect After Choosing an Employment Network
Once your Ticket is assigned:
- Individual Work Plan: You and your EN develop a written plan with your employment goal, timeline, and the services the EN will provide.
- Active participation: You are expected to make timely progress. SSA evaluates progress periodically to maintain your CDR protection.
- Benefits review: The EN or a Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) counselor will review how your earnings affect your SSDI/SSI, Medicare, and Medicaid.
- Job search and placement: The EN assists with actual job searching, employer connections, and applications.
- Post-employment support: Many ENs continue to work with you after you start a job to help with any workplace challenges.
If an EN is not meeting your needs, you can leave and assign your Ticket to a different EN. Your progress credits generally transfer.
Common Concerns About Using an Employment Network
"Will working mean I lose my benefits immediately?"
No. The Trial Work Period lets you test your ability to work for up to 9 months without losing SSDI. After that, an Extended Period of Eligibility gives you a safety net if you stop working. Your EN's benefits counselor will explain all of this in detail.
"What if there are no ENs near me?"
Many ENs provide services entirely by phone or video. Location is not a hard barrier. The Find Help tool lets you filter for virtual providers.
"Can I use both an EN and a VR agency?"
Not simultaneously. Your Ticket can only be assigned to one provider at a time. However, you can use a VR agency first and then transfer your Ticket to an EN later.
"Is my medical information shared with the EN?"
ENs work with you voluntarily. You share the information you choose to share. SSA does not send your medical records to ENs.
Other Benefits Resources
If you receive SSDI and are exploring your options, check whether you may also qualify for other assistance programs. Use the free Benefits Navigator screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to see what federal and state programs you may be eligible for based on your income and household size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an SSA Employment Network?
An Employment Network is a private or nonprofit organization approved by SSA to provide free job training, career counseling, job placement, and benefits guidance to SSDI and SSI recipients through the Ticket to Work program.
How do I find an Employment Network near me in 2026?
Go to choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp, enter your ZIP code, and browse the list of ENs serving your area. You can filter by distance or service delivery method (in-person, phone, or virtual). You can also call 1-866-968-7842 for help finding an EN.
Who qualifies for Ticket to Work Employment Network services?
Anyone aged 18 to 64 who currently receives SSDI or SSI due to a disability is eligible. Participation is free and voluntary.
Do Employment Networks cost anything?
No. All services through an approved EN are free to you. SSA pays the EN directly based on your employment milestones and outcomes.
Will using an Employment Network protect me from a CDR?
Yes, if you assign your Ticket before receiving a CDR notice and make timely progress on your employment plan, SSA will not initiate a medical Continuing Disability Review while your Ticket is in use.
What is the 2026 SGA limit for SSDI?
The Substantial Gainful Activity limit for 2026 is $1,690 per month for non-blind SSDI recipients and $2,830 per month for blind recipients. Earning consistently above this amount may affect your eligibility for SSDI benefits.
Can I switch Employment Networks if mine is not working out?
Yes. You can leave one EN and assign your Ticket to another. Contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 for help with the reassignment process.
Is the Ticket to Work program the same as an Employment Network?
No. Ticket to Work is the name of the overall SSA program. Employment Networks are one type of approved provider within that program. The other provider type is State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies.
