Success Stories

It's been 6 years since Larry shared his original Ticket to Work success story. Work has given Larry a source of comfort, achievement, stability, and a more engaged life in his community. As Larry and his family reflect on his path to work, they express gratitude for the growth he's experienced. Find out where Larry is now and how work has enriched his life.

Matt began receiving SSDI when hearing loss interfered with consistent employment, but he was eager to have a fulfilling career and become financially independent. Thanks to the Ticket program, Matt had people in his corner who helped him work towards finding fulfilling employment. Find out how Matt received the help he needed to succeed at work.

Stepping Stones stories celebrate the progress that individuals have made as they pursue the path to financial independence through work. In Chris' story, learn how benefits counseling and Social Security Work Incentives helped Chris, who has quadriplegia, start working with confidence.

It took several years and a combination of strategies and treatments for Shirley to manage her narcolepsy and depression. Once she did, though, she knew she wanted to return to work, and Ticket to Work helped her reach her goals.

After being issued a medical retirement from the U.S. Air Force, Angel was unsure of his options for employment as he focused on recovering his health from injuries and cancer. A job offer from a federal contractor and support and services from the Ticket to Work program gave him the confidence he needed to return to work.

After Brenda was diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, she spent nearly a decade learning how to manage the symptoms of her mental illness. Once she found the right combination of treatments and strategies for her, Brenda felt she was ready to work. Learn how Social Security's Ticket to Work program helped her find the path to employment.

After experiencing cancer as a teen and needing her leg amputated, 15-year-old Laura was unsure about how she'd succeed returning to school and pursuing her goals. Through a combination of her family, a mentor, alternative learning school, and supports from Social Security's Ticket to Work program, Laura found the resources and services she needed to succeed.

Walter had wanted to work on the campus of Cornell University after first seeing it as a kid, but he was also unsure how his developmental disability would affect his employment opportunities. Find out how Walter’s Ticket to Work service provider helped him learn skills he needed to succeed.

When Peter was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease, he balanced his work schedule and medical treatments. But after a while, Peter had to leave work and focus on his health full time. Find out how the Ticket to Work program helped Peter find a path back to employment when he was ready.

Read the latest Ticket to Work story to meet Amy, who has a developmental disability that affects her language, learning and social interactions. Find out how working with her State VR agency, an EN and Project SEARCH has helped Amy find the support and training she needed to find a job and succeed in the workplace.