Making the Ticket to Work Program Work:
Recommendations for Next Steps
Health & Disability Advocates
John Coburn
March 23, 2005
23% of ENs in Region V responded; majority from Phase I and II States
Conclusions: Need for more benefits planning in the
community and peer supports; Payment structure is inadequate to
draw providers into the EN system
HDA Employment Network Survey
March 23, 2005
Midwest Employment & Training
Partnership Purpose
Create a multi-state policy forum for ENs to create proactive policy solutions for challenges with Ticket to Work implementation;
Facilitate relationship building and information sharing of promising practices; and
Training for ENs on Relevant Workforce Issues
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendation # 1
The Midwest ETP (“Partnership”) wholly supports the AOI Advisory Group’s Recommendation to fund ENs through an up-front payment system and payment for partial self-sufficiency.
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendation #1 Logic Removes disincentive to serving SSI
beneficiaries Encourages ENs to assist individuals in
building work history that will lead to self-sufficiency; and
Removes disincentive to serving individuals who utilize important work incentives (such as IRWEs)
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendation #2
State VR agencies must be allowed to seek cost reimbursement for services WITHOUT requiring the assignment of the individual’s ticket to that state VR Agency.
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendation #2 Logic Create an equal playing field between state VR
and private Ens; Create an attractive payment system for private
ENs –put it on equal par with the standard contracting rate with state VR;
More creative partnerships can be formed by state VR and private ENs to better serve beneficiaries;
Current system places 95% of ticket users outside the Ticket payment system’s goal of long-term self-sufficiency.
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendation #3
The Ticket to Work Panel and/or SSA should commission a study of employment and self-sufficiency outcomes for ticket users assigning their tickets to a state VR agency.
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendation #3 Logic
Such a study will provide SSA and Congress with data to determine if the Ticket to Work Program, as currently implemented, will reach its goal of doubling the number of individuals leaving the SSA roles.
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendation #4:
SSA must prioritize the development of a new system for collecting employment income and work incentive information. Such a system should implemented immediately.
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendation #4 Logic Reduction in overpayments will remove a
significant barrier for beneficiaries to work. Reduction in overpayments will improve
Ticket claims administration. Current system completely undermines the
goals of the Ticket to Work Program.
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendations #5:
SSA should assign each local office Work Incentive Liaison with maintenance of a ticket participant’s work activity. Upon assignment of the ticket, an EN should receive a WIL contact for each participant.
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendations #5 Logic EN, Maximus and the SSA local office can partner to
assume smooth transition from benefits and timely payment of EN claims.
ENs are assigned an identified SSA staff person who can assist in resolving benefits-related issues to support the individual’s employment.
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendation #6:
SSA should be required to make payments on EN claims within 30 days of receiving proper documentation.
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendation #6 Logic
Eliminates payment delays. Creates incentive for WIL and EN to work
together to assure timely reporting of employment income.
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendation #7:
Training and technical assistance to ENs should be provided regionally (locally when possible) through existing SSA systems.
March 23, 2005
Midwest ETP Policy Recommendations
Recommendation #7 Logic
Local access to training & TA will assure maximum participation.
Facilitates stronger relationships with of BPAO/PABSS.
March 23, 2005
Ticket to Work: What is Happening Now?
Draft Regulations submitted to OMB and pulled back for further analysis
Marketing Plan Re-Application of BPAO Projects and
Project Manager Formation of National EN Association
March 23, 2005
Chicago Ticket to Work Pilot Project
Proposed Payment System: $2000 upon placement in competitive
employment $2000 upon placement in competitive
employment for 6 months $1000 upon placement in competitive
employment for one year. Ticket payment system will continue
payments for continued placement thereafter
March 23, 2005
Chicago Ticket to Work Pilot Project
Goals: Employment and self-sufficiency for 24
beneficiaries. Demonstrate successful partnership of state
VR agency with private ENs. Encourage meaningful partnerships between
traditional vocational rehabilitation service providers and other employment service providers.
March 23, 2005
Chicago Ticket to Work Pilot Project
Goals: Increase active ENs in Chicago. Demonstrate enhanced payment system
(similar to the proposed system recommended by the AOI Advisory Group, the EN Summit, and the METP.
Encourage SSA to adopt a new payment system or demonstrate other pilot payment systems throughout the country.
March 23, 2005
Chicago Ticket to Work Pilot Project
Thresholds
Community Assistance Program
Charles A. Hayes Family Investment Center
At Least Four Job Placements To Date
March 23, 2005
For More Information
Health & Disability AdvocatesContact Info: John Coburn
[email protected] Ph. 312-223-9600
THANK YOU!