Program Spotlight | Employment Services

Posted: 1 month ago

Ticket to Work

by John Burtrum

The Ticket to Work program is a Social Security Administration (SSA) program that can help those receiving SSA benefits (SSDI, SSI and/or both) achieve gainful employment. For some, this can be a complicated and challenging process. SSA recognizes these challenges and offers employment support services to individuals who have the goal of achieving financial self-sufficiency through the Ticket to Work program. Disability Network of Northern Michigan is a member of the American Dream Employment Network (ADEN) and can offer full employment network services under the Ticket to Work program.
Benefits of using Ticket to Work:

Assistance from an Employment Specialist to obtain and/or keep employment. It ensures continued employment support after you are employed, even beyond Vocational Rehabilitation services.
Reduce your dependence on SSDI or SSI and/or both payments.
Exempt from Continuing Disability Review by SSA, as long as you are making progress towards self- sufficiency.
Receive services such as career counseling, job search, long term employment support, benefits counseling, social security work incentive advisement and financial services/resources.

Our ADEN Ticket to Work Specialist, John Burtrum, can assist you regarding employment, benefits and assigning your Ticket to Work with Disability Network. If you are receiving SSI or SSDI and/or both benefits, are between the ages of 18-64 and employed or looking for employment, Ticket to Work can assist you with many work incentives and guidance on navigating back to the workplace to achieve financial independence. Assigning your Ticket is voluntary and there is no fee. This process and services can be completed virtually if necessary. Connect with John to discuss how you can achieve financial self-sufficiency through the Ticket to Work program at 231 922 0903 ext. 327 or via email at JBurtrum@disabilitynetwork.net.

For More Information

John Burtrum | Employment Specialist

JBurtrum@disabilitynetwork.net | 231 922 0903 ext. 327

Disability Network Northern Michigan | Employment Services Website

Author | John Burtrum

John graduated from Western Michigan University with a BA in Sociology. He has a passion for working with people with disabilities and has many years of experience providing them support in different ways. John is committed to the person-centered approach for program planning, support and services provided to people with disabilities. Prior to joining the Disability Network, John was a director for an Independent Living Services program for people with developmental disabilities in Sacramento, CA. John and his family recently relocated back to Michigan from Auburn, CA to be close to family. He is very excited to be back in Michigan and happy to call Traverse City his home. John enjoys spending his free time with his wife and two kids

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Disability Network Northern Michigan is the first stop for people with disabilities and their families in northern Michigan. Our mission is to promote personal empowerment and positive social change for people with disabilities. We educate and connect people with disabilities to resources while advocating for social change in an accessible and welcoming community. Disability Network is providing services to customers and community members via phone, email and online. Our office is closed to walk-in business until further notice. We welcome you to virtually join us for peer support and connection with our weekly Zoom online events. Please see our website event page for Zoom online event details!

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