Information for Employment Networks (ENs)
An EN has the unique opportunity to get paid for helping Social Security beneficiaries achieve their work goals.

What is an EN?
How does the Ticket Program work?
How to become an EN
Where to learn about the EN payment structure
Information for VR State Agencies
Information for Employers

What is an EN?
An EN in an organizational entity (State or local, public or private) that enters into a contract with SSA with the intention of coordinating and delivering employment services, VR services, and/or other support services under the Ticket to Work Program. These services are provided by the EN to SSA beneficiaries who have assigned their Tickets to the EN which has accepted the Ticket.

An EN may be either a single entity or a partnership of organizations combining their resources into a single entity. An EN may provide services necessary to prepare and place beneficiaries in employment, either directly or be entering into contracts with other providers of such services. You can become an EN by completing the EN RFQ.

How does the Ticket Program work?
Under the Ticket to Work program, SSA may issue a Ticket to an eligible beneficiary, who in turn may "assign" that Ticket to any EN of the beneficiary's choice that is serving under the Ticket Program and is willing to accept the "assignment." ENs may select the beneficiaries with whom they will work/accept assignment of Tickets. An EN can grow their bottom line with the payments from these successful outcomes. (The best part about the payments is that SSA permits discretionary flexible utilization of revenue when you help beneficiaries obtain and retain employment.)

How to become an EN
Please visit the Employment Network Request for Quotations (EN RFQ) to learn about the process for completing and submitting an EN contract proposal.  This section also explains the duties of an EN contractor and the requirements that must be met to be awarded an EN contract. 

SSA staff is available to answer any questions you may have about becoming an EN contractor and submitting a contract proposal. Training is available on how to make the program work for you. Please direct your questions to the Employment Networks Contract Team as follows:

Contact:

Email ENcontracts@ssa.gov

Toll Free # 866-584-5180

Toll Free TDD 866-584-5181

Fax 410-597-0429

Where to learn about the EN payment structure
Follow these links to learn more about EN Payment Systems and amounts or visit the Employment Network Payment Activity Report for latest statistical information and dollar amounts SSA paid to ENs.

Information for VR State Agencies
SSA pays State Vocational Rehabilitation Agencies for the cost of the services they furnish to people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments based on disability or blindness if certain conditions are met. The services must result in the individual’s return to work for at least nine continuous months at a substantial earnings level, which is referred to as substantial gainful activity. For more information about the earnings levels visit our web site at: http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/sga.html.

State VR Agencies are the only programs authorized by law and automatically approved to provide services to beneficiaries under the Ticket to Work Program without becoming an EN. Visit the VR Reimbursement Claims Processing page for latest statistical information and dollar amounts SSA has paid to State VR agencies for services. The handbook for VR providers who wish to participate in SSA's reimbursement program can be found at: VR Provider Handbook. The transmittal document can be found in VR Provider Handbook Transmittal.

The Office of Employment Support Program's Provider Operations Team is available to provide training to personnel from State vocational rehabilitation (VR) agencies on Social Security's cost reimbursement payment request program. Please visit: www.ssa.gov/work/vocrehabtraining.html

Information for Employers

There are many ways employers can become involved in Ticket to Work. They can also obtain information about the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) for Employers Hiring Certain Qualified Social Security Beneficiaries. In addition, the Employer Assistance & Recruitment Networks EARN are designed to assist employers with recruitment and informational resources that will connect them to Employment Service Providers, including ENs, who have access to job-ready candidates in their community.

Below are some additional links with helpful information for employers:

Do's and Don’ts of Hiring Persons with Disabilities

Department of Labor's information on hiring people with Disabilities

Information on Federal Employment of People with Disabilities

Employer Resources for Hiring People with Disabilities

Mental Illness:  Myths and Facts