What is an
Employment Network?
An Employment Network (EN) is an entity that enters into an agreement with the Social Security Administration (Social Security) to either provide or coordinate the delivery of services to individuals with SSDI benefits. ENs are part of the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Ticket to Work program. Able Ready Employment Network is a SSA approved EN.
Employment Networks Help with Career Planning
Career planning helps beneficiaries identify their employment goals and map a pathway toward meaningful, long-term work. It’s tailored to their specific abilities, limitations, interests, and educational background.
What Able Ready EN can do to help:
- Conduct intake assessments to understand skills, limitations, past work history, and interests.
- Develop an Individual Work Plan (IWP) with measurable short- and long-term employment goals.
- Recommend training programs, certifications, or education if needed to meet career goals.
- Support transition planning for youth moving from special education/IDEA services to adult employment.
Why It Matters: Career planning builds confidence, reduces fear of losing benefits, and aligns job pursuits with a realistic long-term goal.
Employment Networks Help with Job Leads & Placements
ENs provide access to a network of employers, assist with applications, and help place beneficiaries in competitive, integrated work environments.
What Able Ready EN can do to help:
- Offer job search coaching, including resume writing and interview preparation.
- Provide curated job leads based on the IWP and participant’s preferences.
- Connect beneficiaries with inclusive employers who understand the value of hiring workers with disabilities.
- Help navigate online job boards, vocational rehab resources, and local/state job fairs.
Why It Matters: Many beneficiaries have gaps in employment or no recent work history. Personalized job placement support increases success and reduces time to first paycheck.
Employment Networks Help with Ongoing Employment Support
Once a beneficiary is employed, ENs continue to offer support to ensure they can maintain employment, progress in their career, and manage their benefits properly.
What Able Ready EN can do to help:
- Regular follow-ups to monitor satisfaction and address issues on the job.
- Conflict resolution or accommodation support if workplace problems arise.
- Assist with advancing in the workplace, including wage increases, full-time transitions, or promotions.
- Re-engagement support if the beneficiary loses their job or needs to re-enter the workforce.
Why It Matters: Sustainable employment—not just job placement—is the goal. Continuous support helps prevent job loss and encourages advancement.
Employment Networks Help Benefits Counseling
Benefits counseling educates beneficiaries on how working affects their SSDI/SSI and other public benefits (e.g., Medicaid, Medicare, SNAP, housing assistance).
What Able Ready EN can do to help:
- Provide Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) or refer to certified benefits counselors.
- Clarify SSDI Trial Work Period (TWP), Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE), and Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) thresholds.
- Explain SSI’s income exclusion rules and how earnings reduce benefits gradually (not dollar-for-dollar).
- Address fears about losing healthcare coverage, especially for those on Medicaid/Medicare.
Why It Matters: Most beneficiaries are afraid to lose cash or medical benefits by working. Counseling empowers them to make informed, confident decisions about employment.
