Social Security launched a new program in Ohio designed to help people with disabilities go to work.

Social Security disability and Supplemental Security Income disability beneficiaries in Ohio will receive a ticket in the mail as a part of the Ticket to Work program that may be used to obtain vocational rehabilitation, job training and other support services.

The program, which is a part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 signed by former President Bill Clinton, extends health care to recipients for up to eight and a half years.

The ticket program began in 13 states in February 2002. Ohio is one of the last states to have this program implemented.

The political implications of this program are significant, said Bruce Growick, associate professor of rehabilitation services.

“It’s the very first time that the federal government will be paying for health care while the person is working,” he said.

Going back to work and getting health care is difficult for people with pre-existing conditions, Growick said.

Over the next several months, about 339,000 Social Security and SSI beneficiaries with disabilities will receive a ticket. Individuals may take their ticket to any of the employment service providers who offer services in Ohio.

Theses service providers, called Employment Networks, work with the ticket holder to design an individual employment plan outlining the services to be provided to assist the beneficiary in reaching their employment goal.

Vince Bennett and James Gilchris received the first tickets during the celebration for the beginning of the program.

“We don’t need another handout,” Bennett said. “Another bowl of soup won’t help.”

Bennett suffers from brain damage and medical complications resulting from being shot while working as a U.S. Marshal in park services.

“I was shot three separate times,” Bennett said. “After the third time I was forced into retirement.”

Following his retirement Bennett spent some time homeless.

Bennett said a program like Tickets to Work will help people like him who want to get back into the workforce.

Another important aspect to the program is the expedited reinstatement of benefits for those who have not been able to take advantage of the program, said James Martin, the Chicago regional commissioner for Social Security Administration.

“Participants of the program have assurances that if they aren’t successful, they can go immediately back on disability,” Martin said. “We have removed the fear of a prolonged application process.”

The opportunity for choice is another important aspect to the program, Martin said. Participants can choose from different Employment Networks.

“The Ticket Program is voluntary for both sides,” Growick said. “Ticket holders do not have to participate and can continue to receive benefits. Employment Networks may choose not work with ticket holders as well.”

An Employment Network may not have the right training for some ticket holders, Growick said. The Employment Network may also want to limit the number of people they serve, in order to be a more effective agency.