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Customer Resources

A NYESS customer is anyone, of any ability, who needs employment-related support. You can work, we can help!
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Customer Resources

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Ticket to Work

Ticket-to-Work (TTW) is a free program that helps Social Security Administration (SSA) beneficiaries get work and achieve financial independence. Individuals aged 18-64 who receive SSDI and/or SSI may qualify. Ready to work? Get started today.

NYESS Locator Map

Through the NYESS collaborative network you can get free employment services and benefits advisement. Use our interactive map to find a provider in your area.

Find an agency near you

Work Incentives

Work incentives are Social Security Administration (SSA) policies that let you test going to work without putting your benefits at risk. They are available based on SSA benefit type.

The SSA manages two Disability Benefit Programs:

  1. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program - for individuals who have worked and paid into the SSA insurance program
  2. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program - for individuals who have limited income and limited resources. 
     

SSDI Work Incentives:

  • Impairment-Related Work Expenses
  • Trial Work Period
  • Extended Period of Eligibility
  • Expedited Reinstatement


SSI Work Incentives:

  • Impairment-Related Work Expenses
  • Blind Work Expense
  • Student Earned Income Exclusion
  • Subsidy/Special Condition


Visit the Social Security Administration's Work Incentives page for more information.

If you have SSI benefits, use the YTIOnline SSI Benefits Calculator to learn how your benefits may change.

Other Benefits

Section 301

Section 301 of the Social Security Act is a rule that allows you (if you are between the ages of 18-21) to continue receiving SSI/SSDI even if you are no longer considered disabled by SSA. To be eligible for continued SSI or SSDI benefits under Section 301, you must be active in one the following programs:

  • A Vocational Rehabilitation Program
  • The Ticket-to-Work program
  • Another qualifying rehabilitation program
  • An SSA approved PASS Plan
  • An Individualized Education Plan
     

Use the Section 301 Template Letter to communicate with your local SSA Field Office about potential Section 301 eligibility.

The SSA Red Book is your go-to source for all information regarding SSA benefits, related health insurance, and how income will affect your benefits.

 

Earned Income Tax Credit

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) helps low to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. When you file taxes you can claim the credit, which can reduce the tax you owe or may give you a larger refund.

 

Medicaid Programs

Want to work and keep your Medicaid? There are two programs you should explore – 1619(b) and MBI-WPD.

Which Medicaid program is right for me?

1619(b)
This program allows you to earn up to $52,286 in wages annually but requires that you have less than $2,000 in resources. This is an automatic process.

Medicaid Buy-In for People with Disabilities (MBI-WPD)
This program allows you to earn up to $75,385 in wages annually but requires that you have less than $31,175 in resources. You will have to apply for this program.

New York State Public Benefits

Do you qualify for public benefits? This screening tool from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance provides a quick and easy way to find out if you might be able to receive:

  • Help with buying food
  • Public Assistance (PA)
  • Special tax credits
  • Home Energy Assistance
  • Various Health Insurance programs for individuals, families, children, and sole proprietors
  • WIC - Women, Infants and Children
     

Public Benefit screening

Department of Labor Resources

The New York State Department of Labor has websites to help you explore careers, look for jobs, and create job seeker profiles. These resources connect job seekers with jobs that fit their unique skills.

Virtual Career Center is a platform that allows users to create or upload a resume, browse and apply for jobs, and explore training opportunities. 

CareerZone is a career exploration tool, designed for individuals who have little to no work history and need a place to start. 

JobZone is a similar tool but geared towards job seekers with a work history. 

For help on getting the most of these powerful resources, visit the DOL Career Development page.

If you are looking for employment, access the Department of Labor’s New York State Job Bank to find open positions near you.

 

Department of Labor Career Centers

NYESS helps SSA beneficiaries obtain work through employment services provided by the New York State Department of Labor, Career Centers and participating community agencies.

Career Center services include:

  • Resume writing Support
  • Interview Skills
  • Labor Market Information
  • Identifying Employment and Training Opportunities
  • Benefits Advisement
     

Want to know how working will impact your SSA benefits? We have Disability Resource Coordinators (in Upstate NY) and Program Managers (In NYC) who can help you better understand your benefits. They can also help you get your first job, a new job, or a better job.

Find the Career Center in your area to connect with a Disability Resource Coordinator or Program Manager.