Meet The Experts:
SSA Ticket to Work Program by ERS
At Medicare Mall, our mission has always been to connect people with the resources they need to live healthier, more financially secure lives. That’s why we’re excited to introduce one of our newest partners: EmployReward Solutions (ERS) — a federally contracted Employment Network dedicated to helping people on disability benefits take confident steps toward the workforce.
If you receive SSDI or SSI and have ever wondered whether working is an option for you, this post is for you.
What Is the SSA Ticket to Work Program?
The Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work program is a free and voluntary program designed for people ages 18–64 who are currently receiving SSI or SSDI benefits and are interested in exploring work, whether that means returning to a job, starting one for the first time, or growing in a position they already have.
Here’s what makes it worth knowing about: By participating and making consistent progress toward your employment goal, Social Security will not initiate a review of your case to determine if you still qualify for disability. Your cash benefits, Medicare, and/or Medicaid coverage can continue as you transition toward work. And if you’re ever unable to continue working due to your disability, your benefits can be reinstated.
The program gives you a structured trial period to see what working looks like for you — with built-in protections that keep your benefits in place while you find out what you’re capable of.
It's Completely Free!
One of the most important things to know before anything else: the SSA Ticket to Work program, and everything ERS offers through it, costs you nothing.
When you join the ERS community, you’re paired with a professional team of Career Coaches and Benefits Specialists at no charge — people who are genuinely invested in your success and with you every step of the way. No cost. No catch. Just a team built around giving you a real shot at financial growth and fulfillment.
How ERS Supports You
ERS was founded in 2010 and became a federally contracted Employment Network through the SSA in 2012. Since then, they’ve grown to serve over 11,000 ticketholders across all 50 states — and that reach matters, because it means they’ve built a nationwide network of resources, employers, and support systems designed around people like you.
When you work with ERS, you’re not handed a packet and left on your own. You get a dedicated team:
Career Development Specialists
Who walk you through the program, explain your options, and build a customized Individual Work Plan tailored to your goals
Career Coaches
Who stay with you throughout the process — whether you’re actively job searching or already working and looking to grow
Benefits Specialists
Who help you understand your work incentives and keep your benefits protected as your income changes
You’ll also get access to ERS’s full Learning Library, including resume templates, interview tips, learning guides, and resource articles — along with help navigating local 211 services, wage reporting reminders, and childcare and transportation resources.
Common Questions About the Program
Will I lose my Medicare or Medicaid if I participate?
No. If you continue receiving SSDI payments, your medical coverage stays in place. If your earnings eventually grow to the point where SSDI payments stop, work incentives allow your Medicare or Medicaid coverage to continue for at least 93 months after your Trial Work Period ends.
What if I can no longer work due to my disability?
You won’t have to start over. Through a provision called Expedited Reinstatement (EXR), you can request that your benefits be reinstated, without filing a new application, for up to five years after they ended due to work earnings. Temporary benefits can be issued for up to six months while SSA reviews your case.
How do I know ERS is a legitimate Employment Network?
You can verify ERS’s active contract with the Social Security Administration by calling the SSA Ticket to Work helpline at 1-866-968-7842. Their DUNS/PID number is 963890111.
What does "Timely Progress" mean?
Every 12 months, SSA reviews your progress toward your vocational goal — things like completing educational milestones or maintaining employment. Your ERS team will help you stay on track and understand what’s expected at each stage.
Who Is This Program For?
You may be a good fit for the SSA Ticket to Work program if:
You are between the ages of 18 and 64
You currently receive SSDI/SSI benefits
You are interested in working
You want to explore your options
Ready to Learn More?
Medicare Mall is proud to connect our community with trusted partners like ERS who share our commitment to supporting people through every stage of their healthcare and financial journey. If you’re on disability benefits and curious about what work could look like for you, ERS is a great place to start — with zero pressure and a team that’s genuinely in your corner.
