Up To $967 in SSI Payments: Check How the Ticket to Work Program Supports You!

In 2025, the SSI amount has risen to $967 per month thanks to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). More importantly, a government initiative known as the Ticket to Work can be an excellent pathway to achieving your financial independence.

Many individuals mistakenly believe that their disability benefits will cease as soon as they begin working. However, the reality is much more favorable. The Ticket to Work program offers individuals the chance to gain self-sufficiency while receiving complete protection and support.

Up To $967 in SSI Payments

Feature	Details
Maximum SSI Payment (2025)	$967/month for individuals (SSA.gov)
Eligibility	Ages 18–64 receiving SSI or SSDI
Ticket to Work Cost	Free and voluntary program
Main Benefits	Job support, career planning, trial work period, protection from medical reviews
Program Website	choosework.ssa.gov

The aim of this program is not to consider your disability as a limitation but to create a foundation for a new beginning.

What is Ticket to Work?

Ticket to Work is a program run by the Social Security Administration (SSA), which helps people ages 18 to 64 receiving SSI or SSDI return to work or start a new career. It is absolutely free and joining is completely at your discretion.

When you participate in it, you are given a “ticket” to use with any Employment Network (EN) or State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agency. These entities help you by:

– Creating a Career Plan
– Learning Job Skills
– Training or studying
– Finding a Job
– Providing support during the job

These services are designed to help you become self-sufficient and move in new directions without fear.

A true story:

Jasmine, a 32-year-old woman who was living on SSI because of ongoing sickness. She had always hoped to become a graphic designer, but she feared that if she began a job, she would lose the benefits. But with Ticket to Work, she became an EN participant, learned skills and secured a telework job. Now she is even owning a small business.

How much can I receive from SSI in 2025?

Because of the COLA in 2025, SSI benefits rise to $967 per month (for singles) and $1,451 per month (for couples). In some states, state governments pay extra in addition to this federal amount, which can make your total income even higher.

These payments help for your basic needs like rent, food, electricity, etc.. And with the help of Ticket to Work, you can work and keep this amount.

How ​​do I maintain SSI while working?

Biggest question – “Will SSI stop if I work?”
The answer is – no, not immediately. The Ticket to Work program allays this fear.

1. Trial Work Period (TWP)
During this time, you can work for 9 months and no matter how much you earn, your SSI will not stop. This is an opportunity to check your hard work.

2. Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE)
For the next 36 months after TWP if your income remains below Social Security’s set threshold, you will continue to receive SSI again.

These limits in 2025 are (SGA):

$1,590 per month (for non-blind people)
$2,590 per month (for blind individuals)

3. Protection from Medical Review
Those who actively participate in Ticket to Work receive relief from Social Security’s medical review (CDR).

4. Free Job Related Services
You get help with all of these:

Career Counseling
Getting a resume
sending to training program
On the Job Support and Facilities
Financial Planning and Advice

How ​​do I join Ticket to Work?

Step 1: Verify Eligibility
– Age: Between 18 to 64 years
– Receiving SSI or SSDI
– Motivation to work or study

Step 2: Visit the official website [choosework.ssa.gov](https://choosework.ssa.gov)

Step 3: Select Service Provider
– Employment Networks (ENs)
– State Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) Agencies
– Workforce ENs etc

Step 4: Make an Individual Work Plan (IWP)
The EN or VR agency will prepare an individual plan for you containing objectives, time frames, and support requirements.

Step 5: Start working and report income to SSA monthly.

Some tips for success

– Start Slowly – Start Part-Time
– Stay Constantly in Contact – Connect with your EN/VR
– Understand earning impact – Take Benefits counseling
– Keep records – Handle income and job information
-Try Work From Home– There are many work from home options available

FAQs