Does your job ever affect your mental health in a negative way? Tough projects, conflicts with co-workers or changing duties on your job can all play a role in your mental health. According to Mental Health America, 78% of workers agree that workplace stress affects their mental health. Thankfully, there are steps you can take at your job to help protect your mental health. Here are five tips to improve your wellness at work.

Be Patient with Yourself

Getting back into the workforce, starting work for the first time or just changing roles at your current job are big changes. Be patient with yourself. You'll need to get used to new people, tasks and schedules. When everything happens at the same time, it may not be easy to manage. Give yourself time to adjust to new surroundings and activities. When you're training for a job, it can be stressful to take in so much information. Try not to be hard on yourself and ask for help when you need it.

Communicate with Your Supervisor

Your supervisor isn't just the person who assigns work and approves your timesheet. Your supervisor is a source of support. For example, if you have problems at work with a particular task or interacting with a particular co-worker, communicate honestly about it with your supervisor. If you're uncomfortable discussing issues with an immediate supervisor, reach out to someone else who can help, like a human resources staff member.  

Take Breaks

If you're having a stressful day at work, sometimes it helps to just take a break. Breaks are built into your day to assure you don't overdo it and work too long. Use these breaks to clear your mind, get some fresh air and relax. Bring a book to work and read for a while during your break. Take a breather in a way that helps you relax. You'll feel refreshed and return to work ready to start your next project. Try not to skip the breaks your boss offers you. We never dreamed of skipping recess when we were kids, so let's not skip our well-deserved breaks as employees.

Celebrate Your Accomplishments

Focus on the tasks and projects you finished during the workday. Once you track your finished tasks, you'll see that you achieved more than you thought! Celebrate that you completed half of the big filing project your supervisor assigned you. Give yourself credit for making most of the calls on your long call list. If you only focus on everything that's left to do, it can be overwhelming. Recognize what you accomplished today, and it can give you positive energy to finish up tomorrow. Each step you complete gets you closer to finishing your "to-do" list.

Practice Self-care

Self-care can include activities like meditation, special hobbies, taking a nap or journaling. Simply resting on your day off is a great way to practice self-care. Try not to pack too many busy errands and other work into your days off. Use some of that time for self-care.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

The Ticket to Work Program may help take some of the stress out of job searching. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the service and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

If you work at a college or university career office and are coordinating employment opportunities for your students with disabilities, consider registering for the Workforce Recruitment Program. Managed by the U.S. Departments of Defense and Labor, the Workforce Recruitment Program is a recruitment and referral program for college students with disabilities. It connects federal and select private-sector employers nationwide with college students, graduate students and recent graduates willing to demonstrate their skills and abilities in the workplace through internships or permanent jobs.

The recruitment and referral program:

• Helps bring new talent into the federal government to fill mission-critical jobs.
• Provides students and recent grads the opportunities to receive career advice through informational interviews with federal employees.
• Provides an opportunity for participating college Career Centers and Disability Services Offices to assist candidates with disabilities in finding employment, and to educate them about job accommodations and the use of the federal government Schedule A Hiring Authority.

Once the college or university you represent is registered, you'll receive access to resources and optional webinars where you can learn more about the WRP, the federal hiring process and preparing students for employment.

Registration is now open! Register your college or university until June 30, 2023, at WRP.gov.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Do you work with or provide services to college students or graduates who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI)? If so, knowing more about Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program may enable you to help them as they pursue their work goals after graduation.

The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with Ticket Program service providers, like State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies or Employment Networks (EN), to receive the supports and services they need to pursue work and financial independence.

Ticket Program service providers offer a variety of supports and services to help job seekers with disabilities, ranging from resume writing and interview prep to accommodation requests (during the interview and/or on the job), and continued support once someone has started working. Many service providers also offer benefits counseling through certified Benefits Counselors, who can help people better understand how earning an income will affect their benefits and discover Work Incentives that may help them keep certain benefits during the transitional period.

Getting Started

If you know an eligible student or graduate who could benefit from the Ticket Program, there are two ways to get started.

1. Call the Ticket to Work Help Line: Ticket Program representatives can help callers find answers to their questions about working and their benefits — or even send them a list of service providers that offer the supports and services they need to start or continue their job search or succeed on the job. The Ticket to Work Help Line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. To connect with a representative, call 866-968-7842 or 866-833-2967 (TTY).
2. Visit the Find Help tool: If one of your eligible students or graduates is ready to start working with a Ticket Program service provider, the Find Help tool can help them find the right one. The Direct Search feature allows users to find service providers by type of provider, location and even services offered. Or the Guided Search feature asks the user a series of questions to help determine what kind of service provider may fit the user's needs.

Staying Connected Find us on social media to find more information and resources to share with the people you serve. We post updates about the Ticket Program and other Social Security news, and we help our followers discover new resources that may help them find work, request job accommodations, and succeed on the path to financial independence. Share our posts with your followers to help them find the information they're looking for!

• Like us on Facebook: @Choose Work!
• Follow us on Twitter: @ChooseWorkSSA
• Sign up for Ticket Program Texts by texting TICKET to 1-571-489-5292. Standard messaging rates may apply.
• Subscribe to our YouTube Channel

Take a moment to consider your surroundings. Do you feel safe? Do you have access to health care and food? Does your home support you, both physically and mentally? If you work from home part time or full time, is the space sufficient in meeting your work needs? This May is Mental Health Month, and we challenge you to look at your world and how different factors can affect your mental health.

What contributes to mental health?

Where a person is born, lives, learns, works, plays, and gathers, as well as their economic stability and social connections, are part of what are called social determinants of health. The more these factors work in your favor means you are more likely to have better mental well-being. However, when it seems like the world is working against you, your mental health can suffer.

While many parts of your environment can be out of your control, there are steps you can take to change your space and protect your well-being. Earnings from work and, over time, financial independence can help.

Secure safe and stable housing

This can be challenging due to finances, age and other factors, but there are a few things you can try, such as reaching out to state and local agencies to secure housing, removing safety hazards in the home, or finding another space (such as a community center or staying temporarily at a friend's home) where you can get the comfort you are missing at home. Earnings from work can help you achieve this goal.

Focus on your home

Consider keeping your space tidy, sleep-friendly and well-ventilated. Surround yourself with items that help you feel calm and positive. If you can, designate one room where you'll do your work. Try not to do anything else in that room. If you don't have the extra space, set up a desk or table that's dedicated to work.

Create bonds with your co-workers, neighborhood and community

Get to know the people living around you and those you work with. Make it a habit to try to engage in conversation with your co-workers at least once a week during your break time. Work can lead to life-long friendships and help you feel connected.

Connect with nature

If you're able, hike in a wooded area, sit in a city park, bring a plant inside, or keep the shades open to absorb natural light. If you have the time and access during your break, take a short walk around the block or building. If you don't have time for a walk, eat your lunch outside. Taking breaks to enjoy nature during the day, with your manager's permission, can help change up your workday and calm your mind.

#MoreThanEnough

As you consider these factors that might affect your mental health, we also encourage you to remember, YOU are #MoreThanEnough. The National Alliance on Mental Illness's (NAMI) theme for National Mental Health Month encourages "all of us to come together and remember the inherent value we each hold — no matter our diagnosis, appearance, socioeconomic status, background or ability. We want every person out there to know that if all you did was wake up today, that's more than enough. No matter what, you are inherently worthy of more than enough life, love and healing. Showing up, just as you are, for yourself and the people around you is more than enough."

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Remember, wherever you are on your journey, you are #MoreThanEnough. If you're ready to see if employment is a good fit for you, we're here to help. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the service and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

Connect with a Ticket Program service provider, such as an Employment Network (EN) for career counseling, including help with identifying reasonable accommodations. Your service provider can work with you to determine which accommodations may help you succeed in the workplace. Find one today!

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program recognizes that military veterans have a lot to offer employers. For veterans receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Ticket Program service providers offer help to identify transferable skills, prepare for and find job opportunities and transition to the civilian workplace.

May is both Mental Health Awareness Month and Military Appreciation Month. We understand the important role employment has on everyone's mental health.

"Veteran Mental Health and Employment: The Nexus and Beyond" states, "In the armed forces, 'service' denotes a willingness to 'work for' your country, wages, personal recognition of accomplishment, your brothers/sisters in arms, and references the importance of work in the identity of these individuals. Veteran employment and mental health are intricately connected and at times dependent upon each other."¹

Employment can have several positive effects on mental health by offering:

• Structure and routine
• A sense of purpose and accomplishment
• The opportunity to build relationships and community
• Increased financial self-sufficiency and security
• Increased confidence

Getting Started with a Career Fair

Career fairs are an excellent way to start or advance your civilian job search as a transitioning service member or veteran. Whether they're in person or online, job fairs let you engage with potential employers and learn about job openings.

RecruitMilitary

RecruitMilitary seeks to tap into the extensive talent pool that veterans represent for employers. For a listing of all RecruitMilitary virtual events, visit their calendar.

• May 11: Military Spouse Virtual Career Fair
• May 11: Greater Los Angeles Veteran Job Fair
• May 18: Cincinnati Veterans Job Fair
• May 23: National Virtual Career Fair for Veterans
• May 25: Elgin AFB/Hurlburt Field Area Veterans Job Fair

USAJOBS Career Fairs and Events

USAJOBS connects job seekers with federal employment opportunities across the United States and around the world. USAJOBS serves as the federal government's official employment site.

• May 10: IRS Veterans and Military Spouses Information Session
• May 16-17: The Plumas National Forest Service Hiring Direct Candidates
• May 17-18: IRS Andover, MD In-person Job Fair for CSR and Tax Examiners
• May 23: U.S. Forest Service at MCCS MilSpouse Career Symposium & Hiring Event

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

VA benefits can help Veterans and their families buy homes, earn degrees, start careers, stay healthy and more. See what events they have to offer near you with their full calendar.

• May 10: Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing featuring Saint-Gobain - Online
• May 17: Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing featuring Amazon - Online
• May 18: Corporate Gray Virtual Military-Friendly Job Fair
• May 19: Vets to Manufacturing Virtual Career Fair
• May 24: Heroes Connect: Military to Manufacturing featuring WestRock - Online
• May 25: G.I. Jobs Virtual Job Fair

Need help on your career path?

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can help. The Ticket Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work, including veterans with disabilities.

Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work. Connect with one today to learn how the Ticket Program can help you on your path to financial independence.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask for a list of service providers or find providers on your own using the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or, text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

¹ Nelson, C. B., Abraham, K. M., Miller, E. M., Kees, M. R., Walters, H. M., Valenstein, M., & Zivin, K. (2016). Veteran mental health and employment: The nexus and beyond. In S. MacDermid Wadsworth & D. S. Riggs (Eds.), War and family life (pp. 239–260). Springer International Publishing/Springer Nature. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-21488-7_13

When you think of work accommodations for someone who has a disability, you may immediately think of people with physical disabilities, such as those with mobility issues, hearing impairments or blindness. But did you know there are many possible accommodations for employees who have a mental illness?

What is a Reasonable Accommodation?

A reasonable accommodation is any change in the work environment or in the way things are customarily done that enables an individual with a disability to enjoy equal employment opportunities.

Equal opportunity is the opportunity to attain the same level of performance or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment. Examples can include:

A flexible schedule

An accommodation might include a request to work a specific time shift. For example, if you're more mentally alert and sharp during the day, you can ask to be scheduled for a day shift instead of a night shift. Another area of flexibility can include the timing of your commute to work. If driving or using public transportation during busy daytime traffic causes anxiety, or even panic attacks, you can inquire about going in for a nighttime shift when the roads are less busy. You may also be able to request that breaks during your shift be adjusted. After working for a while, you may find that one long break works better for you than several short ones.

Communication preferences

If you have problems understanding when your supervisor gives you instructions, it's a good idea to share what communication style works best for you. If you retain written instructions better than verbal, ask your boss to give instructions by email, or on paper. This could make a big difference in your everyday tasks. Or, if you are in a meeting, but the presenter often speaks very quickly, have a conversation with your supervisor and ask if you can record meetings. This allows you to listen later at your own pace and take notes.

A private workspace

Working in a noisy, open area can make it hard to concentrate. If you're unable to focus on your work, ask about a quiet workspace. There might be a conference room that's not in use, or a quiet corner to work in. Ask if there is an available office for you to work in that will create a calm environment. If you already have an office, but there's an "Open Door" policy and noise in the hallway, ask if you can close your door. You could also ask for permission to wear noise-cancelling headphones.

A job coach

A job coach is someone who can be with you at work to help you learn the responsibilities of the job, explore other helpful accommodations, and reduce anxiety. This person can closely monitor your progress and help along the way as you learn tasks and start doing projects with co-workers. A job coach can even join you at meetings to make sure you understand the main points and complete any work you're assigned. This one-on-one help at work can have a positive impact on your job performance and confidence. As with any accommodation, your employer will review the approval for a job coach on a case-by-case basis.

How Can Ticket to Work Help?

Working while navigating accommodations can be challenging, but for many people, it's possible, and we're here to help. Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work. Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with service providers to receive the service and supports they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work.

Connect with a Ticket Program service provider such as an Employment Network (EN) for career counseling, including help with identifying reasonable accommodations. Your service provider can work with you to determine which accommodations may help you succeed in the workplace. Find one today!

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

It takes many employees to run movie theaters, performing arts centers, sports arenas, amusement parks and other entertainment venues. Typically, jobs in these facilities include ushers, ticket takers and cashiers. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, entertainment attendants are one of the top 10 fastest growing occupations over the next 10 years. If you enjoy being around people and would like to help them enjoy events, a role in an entertainment venue may be the job for you! Let's explore the roles in this field and what it would take to start your career in them.

What are some entertainment attendant duties?

As an attendant, employees often greet people, help them find their seats and work in refreshment sales as needed. A position as a general attendant or crew member can help you learn more about the overall operations in entertainment facilities. There are more specialized roles such as sales associates, maintenance workers, technology assistants and more. In these jobs, your duties will be more specialized to one area. All these jobs are important for an entertainment venue to run smoothly and can lead to more advanced positions.

What education and skills are required?

Most positions in this field require a high school education. Good communication skills are also key. You will need to provide information on event times and prices and direct attendees to locations in the venue such as the restrooms and refreshment sales areas. Giving accurate information helps make the customer's experience more enjoyable.

Eventually, you may supervise other employees. For management roles, you may need training in staff scheduling, budgeting or facility operations. Some organizations provide on-the-job training, others may require more formal training.

Are entertainment attendant jobs right for you?

If you're a "people person" and want a job where you help customers regularly, this field could be for you. It helps to be a problem solver and to be able to stay calm with a dissatisfied customer. If you're able to work a flexible schedule, this is a plus. Many theaters, arenas and other facilities are open late into the night, so varied and long hours may be necessary.

Some of these roles may have physical demands that could involve sitting or standing for long periods of time. They can also be noisy and packed with people. If you're concerned about a disability making these situations difficult, you may be able to request job accommodations. For example, if you work as a ticket agent in a movie theater and standing for long periods of time is difficult, you might ask the supervisor if you can sit in a tall chair as you collect tickets. This way, you can still greet the customers and engage with them. Please visit the Job Accommodation Network (JAN) for more information on disabilities and accommodations.

Where to find entertainment attendant jobs?

There are many online jobsites that have positions in this field. You can start with our Find a Job page. Use keywords that are specific to the jobs you would like to apply for. For example, you can use "usher," "floor staff," "ticket agent" or "guest services staff." You can also go directly to the company websites of theaters, sports arenas and concert venues to see open positions. Ask friends and family if they know of any jobs in this area as well. You never know what leads they have that may help you find a job faster.

Finding Success with Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program

Through Social Security's Ticket Program, you can receive assistance on your employment journey to entertainment attendant roles or the industry you choose. The Ticket Program is a free and voluntary program that supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries ages 18 through 64, who want to work.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask for a list of service providers or find providers on your own using the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or, text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

It's hard to know how to start looking for a job, especially if you don't know what you want to do. If you've never worked or if you're looking for a job in a new field, it might be helpful to take a look at the 16 National Career Clusters as identified by the National Association of Career Technical Education Consortium.

Today, we're sharing one particular career cluster: Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources. Much of the information in today's blog post is courtesy of the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Careers in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources cluster mainly focus on working with plants, animals and the environment. They include occupations like farming, veterinary medicine, forestry, conservation work, and refuse and recyclable material collection.

What type of education do you need to work in the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources career cluster?

This really depends. Many jobs in this cluster require a high school diploma or equivalent, but as in any industry, some require more. Forestry and conservation workers tend to need a high school diploma or equivalent, and receive on-the-job training, whereas a veterinarian requires a doctoral degree. There are many jobs in between the two that might interest you. Not quite sure you want to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine? Maybe becoming a veterinary assistant is right for you. This job requires a high school diploma or the equivalent and had a median salary of $29,780 in 2021. [1]

Let's keep going and explore more about becoming a veterinary assistant.

What do Veterinary Assistants Do?

Veterinary assistants and laboratory animal caretakers handle routine animal care and help scientists, veterinarians, and others with their daily tasks. [2] This means you might be the one to calm down an anxious puppy while the veterinarian focuses on the exam. Or you may get a treat ready for a grumpy old cat who needs some shots. You could also clean kennels, get exam rooms ready and perform other duties that help the veterinarian and veterinary technicians perform their jobs.

How can I work in this field with my disability?

If you're unsure whether you'll be able to handle a position as a veterinary assistant in the Agricultural, Food and Natural Industry career cluster, think about some reasonable accommodations. As a veterinary assistant, one of your duties may be to input the veterinarian's notes into a computer. If you have low vision, you may need a larger monitor to enlarge fonts. Job accommodations don't have to be complicated or costly.

For information about working with a disability in this career cluster, visit Agrability. The mission of this program is to enhance the quality of life for farmers, ranchers and other agricultural workers with disabilities. You can also check out the Job Accommodation Network and search for reasonable accommodations based on your type of disability.

How Can Social Security's Ticket to Work Program Help?

Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program supports career development for people ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) and want to work.

Through this free and voluntary program, eligible participants can work with authorized Ticket to Work service providers to receive the supports and services they need to find and maintain employment as they move toward financial independence through work. Use the Ticket to Work Guided Search to find a service provider that can show you how the Ticket Program can help you on your career path, including careers in Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and even connect you with local resources to get you started in this field.

Learn More

To learn more about the Ticket Program, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask for a list of service providers or find providers on your own using the Ticket Program Find Help tool.

You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or, text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

You are probably familiar with the concept of setting goals for yourself like losing weight or saving money, but what about setting goals for your job search?

Today, we'll talk about what SMART goals are, why they're essential to a productive job search and provide an example of how to apply them to your job search.

What is a SMART Goal?

A SMART goal is defined as one that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound.

Let's run through an example of a SMART goal related to the job search.

What's Your SMART Goal?

There are lots of SMART goals you can set related to your job search. In today's example, we're going to discuss setting a specific goal for the number of jobs you will apply for in one week.

First, identify a number that works for you. This may be one, five or more. Setting a number makes your goal Specific and Measurable. Remember, your goal should be Attainable, so only make it what you think you can accomplish. Since your ultimate purpose is to find a job, this goal is Relevant because you will need to apply for jobs to find one! Set a deadline; allocating an amount of time like a week or a month makes it Time-bound.

It's important to be realistic about what you can accomplish. Creating SMART goals is about balancing what you'd like to get done and what you're able to do by a specific deadline. Applying for jobs can take time. You may have to fill out forms, create or update your resume and write cover letters for each position. You will also need to factor in time to prepare for and interview for jobs once you start applying. Keep all these tasks in mind when you think about how many jobs you want to apply for in a set amount of time.

Writing your goals down can help you stick to them and be accountable. Once you set a goal, keep track of your progress. If you want to apply to four jobs in a month, write down what they were and when you applied. This can also help you keep track of them and follow up if you don't hear back. You can make a tracker on your phone or computer, or just use paper and pen. The important thing is to be able to recall the details of each application.

With any goals that you set, don't forget to cross them off as you achieve them! Just this simple act can give you a sense of accomplishment and can motivate you to keep making progress. Repeat this process on a variety of job seeker tasks, you could plan to do a specific number of networking phone calls, rewrite your resume by a certain date or complete a specific training course. The power of SMART goals is the ability to apply this method to any type of task or goal you want to achieve.

How Can Social Security's Ticket to Work Program Help?

Social Security's Ticket to Work Program can guide you toward your employment goals. The Ticket Program is a free and voluntary program that supports career development for Social Security disability beneficiaries ages 18 through 64 who want to work.

Through the Ticket Program, you work with a service provider to identify your employment goals, as well as the supports and services you need to succeed. You and your provider will develop an agreement called an Individual Work Plan (IWP), an Individualized Plan for Employment (IPE) or an Individual Employment Plan (IEP), depending on the type of service provider you choose. This agreement is a roadmap to success, describing specific employment services, vocational rehabilitation services and supports to help you toward financial independence. Learn more about planning your employment goals with the Ticket Program.

Navigating a new career path can be hard, but we're here to help. To learn more, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY), Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool. You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or, text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.

"You can't stay in your corner of the Forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes." ¹

A lot of books have been written about the wisdom of Winnie the Pooh. He has so much amazing advice; about love, loss, mindfulness and friendship. How can the wise words of the yellow bear and his friends apply to the job search?

Winnie the Pooh teaches us that if we want something, we just have to get started. Pooh sometimes has a hard time finding motivation that isn't honey-related! But he and his friends have some great advice that could be used during your job search.

No matter where you are on your journey to work, there are resources available to help you accomplish your next step. Whether you are just considering working, ready to find a service provider to help you, are looking for a job, or already working and want to keep on the road to financial independence, Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program can support you on your journey.

It doesn't matter where you start, or how long it takes, the most important part of your journey to financial independence is that you begin.

"Before beginning a hunt, it is wise to ask someone what you are looking for before you begin looking for it."

The job search can be overwhelming, and we know you probably have a lot of questions. If you decide to participate in the Ticket Program, getting started is easy! First, give the Ticket to Work Help Line a call at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Our customer service representatives will explain how the program works and answer your questions or address concerns you might have and send you a list of service providers who can help.

Ticket Program service providers can answer your questions about work and Benefits Counselors can answer your questions about how work will affect your benefits. Maybe you're unsure about what type of job you want or what type of job may be best for you. Or maybe you have questions about how to request reasonable accommodations at work or for an interview, or how to revamp your resume. You're not alone in your job search when you participate in the Ticket Program. We're here to help you find the answers to these questions.

"I must go forward where I have never been instead of backwards where I have."

We understand it can be hard to think about employment when you receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income (SSDI/SSI). That first step toward looking for a job could feel complicated, or it could turn out better than you think.

There are so many benefits to work besides earning a paycheck. You can meet new friends, learn new skills and increase your feeling of productivity. As Pooh said, "It isn't much good having anything exciting if you can't share it with somebody."

Employment can even have a positive effect on your health. According to Mental Health America, "Working at something that is meaningful to you can bring you a sense of purpose that will anchor you. Meaningful activity expands your sense of self-worth by adding to your skills and helping you accomplish your personal goals and feel good about yourself. Meaningful activity, which includes school, volunteer work, part-time work and full-time employment, also enables you to meet new people and make friends."

"So perhaps the best thing to do is to stop writing introductions and get on with the book."

Are you ready to see if work is right for you? Here are 6 things you can do to get started.

1. Read our Frequently Asked Questions about the Ticket Program.
2. Contact the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
3. Sign up for a free Work Incentive Seminar Event Webinar to learn more about the Ticket Program and other Work Incentives.
4. View success stories of beneficiaries who have used the Ticket Program to improve their lives and achieve financial independence.
5. Learn more about Social Security Work Incentives available to you.
6. Opt in to receive information via text about the Ticket Program by texting the word "TICKET" to 1-571-489-5292. You can opt out at any time.

We hope we gave you a new way to think about your job search. What is your favorite advice from Winnie the Pooh?

¹ All Winnie the Pooh quotes and graphics come from the original works of A.A. Milne, which entered the public domain in 2022.

It was a new year and Rebecca was in remission from cancer. She says she felt like a walking miracle. As she recovered her strength, she looked forward to connecting with a wider circle of people and felt ready to return to the workforce. Formerly a teacher, she wanted to try out a new field of work.

At the same time, Rebecca was uncertain about whether she could sustain work and where to begin. Not knowing if or when the cancer would come back contributed to feelings of insecurity and a reluctance to jeopardize her Social Security Disability Insurance and Medicare benefits.

Social Security's Ticket to Work Program: Here to Help

While exploring her options, Rebecca received information in the mail about Social Security's Ticket to Work (Ticket) Program. This free and voluntary program supports career development for people with disabilities who are ready for employment. Adults ages 18 through 64 who receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI) qualify.

Through the Ticket Program, service providers known as Employment Networks (EN) and State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agencies offer a range of free support services to help people prepare for, find or maintain employment. Some service providers specialize in working with specific populations; others offer certain types of services, including benefits counseling, career planning and more. The program is set up to help people progress toward financial independence through work.

Setting Goals for a New Role

Together, Rebecca and her EN developed an Individual Work Plan (IWP), a detailed roadmap that identified her employment goals along with the activities that would help her achieve them. They worked together to update her resume, find and assess job leads, and sharpen her interview skills.

Rebecca accepted a new job at the American Kennel Club (AKC), inspecting kennels around the country to make sure each is compliant with AKC rules and regulations. She loves her job and appreciates the sense of stability it has restored.

Find Your New Career!

You may not believe you can start in a new field, but for many, this is a great option. Beginning a new career allows you to meet more people, learn new skills and enhance those you already have. Head over to our Find a Job page to get some  ideas about the types of jobs that are out there.

Navigating a new career path can be hard, but we're here to help. To learn more, visit choosework.ssa.gov or call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Ask a representative to send you a list of service providers or find providers on your own with the Ticket Program Find Help tool.
You can also learn more by registering for a free, online Work Incentives Seminar Event webinar. Or, text TICKET to 1-571-489-5292 to receive Ticket Program texts. Standard messaging rates may apply, and you can opt out at any time.