April 16, 2013
Our You Can Work blog series continues to highlight the achievements of adults with disabilities who found their path to a better future with help from Social Security’s Ticket to Work program. The latest success story features Rob McClain, an energetic entrepreneur who cared for neighbors in his hometown as an employer, as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT). When renal failure made it necessary for Rob to shut down his business and quit work, he wondered whether his time was up. Rob underwent gastric bypass surgery to improve his chances of having a successful kidney transplant. He was approved to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and prepared for the long road of medical challenges that lay ahead.
While in the hospital, Rob earned a bachelor’s degree online and received a heroic gift from his friend Pam Nelson. Pam donated a kidney for his transplant and the surgery was a success! When he felt ready to return to the workforce, Rob sought help from Wisconsin’s state VR agency (VR). He learned he was eligible to receive free employment support services through Social Security’s Ticket to Work program. These services can help Social Security beneficiaries age 18-64 prepare for, find and retain employment. VR agencies and providers known as employment networks (ENs) offer this help to job seekers with disabilities like Rob.
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April 12, 2013
On March 29, 2013, at 12 p.m. EDT we talked about the Ticket to Work program with @Disability.gov. Prior to the event, we collected the most frequently asked questions from our , Twitter followers and emails about the program, including questions about eligibility, impact to benefits and the services provided. We also answered questions about the program during the event.
For everyone who joined the #DEChat discussion, including Disability.gov, we would like to say thank you!
During the #DEChat, we shared a number of resources related to the Ticket program. We’ve listed all the resources below but also included other resources that weren’t brought up during the chat but we think are important.
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April 11, 2013
Everyone in America should have the chance to live a healthy life, regardless of who they are and where they live. Success in the work place has a lot to do with your health, and equal access to services, resources, and information helps improve the lives of individuals and the communities in which they live, work and play. The April observance of National Minority Health Month focuses on the disparities experienced among racial and ethnic groups. It’s important to recognize that people with disabilities, the largest minority group in the U.S., also experience significant health disparities.
According to a health equality report issued by the U.S. Health and Human Services’ Department of Minority Health, “persons with disabilities disproportionately and inequitably experience [disease] and [death] associated with unmet health care needs in every sphere. Minorities with disabilities are doubly burdened by their minority status.”
People with disabilities may experience greater obstacles to quality health care, suitable health care accommodations and medical equipment, cultural understanding, reliable transportation, and quality education and employment. These factors contribute to the difference in health and health care that people with disabilities may receive.
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April 8, 2013
The Ticket to Work program is committed to helping you and other people with disabilities improve their financial literacy and progress on the path to financial independence. Financial literacy can be defined as the ability to use knowledge and skills to manage financial resources effectively for a lifetime of financial well-being. Financial literacy is more than just balancing a checkbook, comparing prices in a store or having a job or income. It also includes skills like long-term planning for the future, and the skills to create and keep solid financial habits every day. Today, we want to share information with you to determine how debt may be affecting your financial wellness and what you can do about it.
While you may be managing your debt, if it seems like you aren’t making progress in reducing it or the debt just doesn’t seem to go away, you may be carrying too much debt. Below are signs that you may have too much debt:
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Spending 20 percent or more of your paycheck to pay off car loans, credit cards, or other debt
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Borrowing to pay off other debts
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Unaware of how much money you owe
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Making only minimum payments on each bill
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Missing payments, or paying bills late every month
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Creditors are calling you
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Being refused extended credit or additional credit
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Borrowing from retirement accounts or use credit cards to pay other monthly bills
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Writing postdated checks
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April 3, 2013
April is National Financial Literacy Month! The purpose of this month is to educate people about financial literacy and to provide the knowledge and tools to improve individuals’ financial wellness. The Ticket to Work program is committed to helping you and other people with disabilities progress on the path to financial independence.
This month, we will host activities and share information that can help you manage your money and become and stay financially independent including:
WISE Webinar: Financial Independence Series. The Ticket to Work program will host a two-part webinar series.
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Part One – April 10 – The first webinar of the Financial Independence series will provide an overview of Ticket to Work and Work Incentives, guidance on setting SMART goals, and tips on budgeting, banking and building and maintaining healthy credit. Experts Terri Uttermohlen and Djuna Mitchell from Social Security will serve as presenters for this event.
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Part Two– April 24 – The second webinar will include a recap of part one, as well as information on the Earned Income Tax Credit, Individual Development Accounts, health care and advice on how to avoid overpayments.
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April 3, 2013
Join us April 10 and 24 for a free two-part WISE webinar: Ticket to Work: Support for People with Disabilities on Their Journey to Financial Independence. 
Part 1: Wednesday, April 10, 2013, 3:00 PM, EDT
Part 2: Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 3:00 PM, EDT
These webinars are an opportunity for individuals who have previously participated in a Ticket to Work and Work Incentives webinar to learn more about the path to financial independence.
This WISE webinars will present tips, tools, and resources that help you:
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Learn how to save what you earn
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Understand what tax credits may apply to you
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Gain basic financial knowledge such as budgeting and expense tracking
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April 1, 2013
National Public Health Week (NPHW), April 1–7, is dedicated to teaching people to learn more about how public health reduces threats to health through educational programs, policies, services, and research.
What is public health?
Public health affects each and every one of us. While your doctor takes care of your personal health, public health agencies and organizations aim to treat, or maintain, the health of a community. Seatbelt laws, vaccinations, tobacco control, and fluoride in our drinking water are just a few public health achievements. Public health issues are debated every day in the news. Some current public health issues being openly discussed include the restriction of trans-fats, sodium and sugars in our foods. Public health providers work to prevent health problems before they occur.
How does it affect you?
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March 26, 2013
For 25 years, the American Diabetes Association has declared a day of action for people to learn about their risk for developing type 2 diabetes, a growing condition in the United States. On March, 26, 2013, the public is urged to take the Diabetes Risk Test, and to share the test with others. The test also provides tips for prevention, and encourages those at high risk to talk with their health care provider.
Staying healthy while you are working or looking for work is important. Take a few minutes on Tuesday, March 26 to learn about your risk for diabetes. Diabetes can be manageable with medicine and lifestyle changes with the help of your healthcare provider. If you are unable to take the test on the 26th, the Diabetes Risk Test is available year-round! To get a free Diabetes Risk Test, visit stopdiabetes.com or call 1-800-DIABETES (1-800-342-2383).
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