ERI has worked several years toward the idea that Employment Networks (ENs) and state Vocational Rehabilitation agencies (VRs) could partner successfully to serve common customers under the Federal Ticket to Work Program. Together, VRs and ENs could guide a Social Security beneficiary (Ticket Holder) through the various stages of employment to ultimately transition off of Social Security benefits.
Under Ticket to Work regulations (effective July 2008) an opportunity called “Partnership Plus” paved the way for ENs and VRs to collaborate vs. compete when serving Social Security beneficiaries. Partnership Plus allows a beneficiary to receive DVR services to meet his or her intensive up-front service needs and, after the VR case is closed, work with an EN to receive job retention services. The goal is to increase employment retention and promote the highest level of self-sufficiency possible.
Since 2008 ERI has built and operated our EN, “ERI PLUS”, with this goal in mind. We have collaborated to build a partnership with the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) toward a common goal of assisting SSA beneficiaries (Ticket Holders) retain employment after DVR case closure.
As a result, ERI is pleased to have entered into a formal Ticket to Work “Partnership Plus” agreement with DVR, effective March 22, 2012. The agreement establishes the basis for providing the Ticket Holder with a coordinated and seamless service transition between DVR and ERI. It also ensures best practices and ethical standards are maintained and that the person’s rights and choices are respected.
When a VR agency and EN partner like this, the Ticket Holder can receive free and continual employment services, the VR agency can receive Cost Reimbursement for helping the beneficiary acquire skills and obtain a job, and the EN can receive Ticket payments for providing ongoing supports to the Ticket Holder.
ERI PLUS is currently serving 55 Ticket Holders who are working substantially and have a goal of ending their SSA cash benefits. Fifteen of those are being served under VR Partnership Plus arrangements and we look forward to growing this unique program.
About the Ticket to Work program:
The Ticket to Work program is funded by the Social Security Administration (SSA). This program is available to people ages 18 – 64 who receive disability related benefits. The Ticket to Work program provides assistance for individuals who want to work and decrease their dependency on Social Security cash benefits. The Ticket to Work Program can help Social Security beneficiaries go to work, get a good job that may lead to a career, save more money, and become financially independent, all while they keep their health coverage.