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Arizona Freedom to Work
Steve Jeton, Work Incentives Specialist
Voice/TDD: 520-624-6452 or 1-800-342-1853

What is the Ticket to Work [7MB Flash download] download Flash Player

AZ Freedom to Work is a statewide program that offers individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) an explanation of their benefits, how those benefits will be impacted by earnings, how to use Social Security Work Incentives, and an explanation of Ticket to Work.

Some Interesting Facts About Going To Work

• Most people can go to work and remain eligible for their Medicare & AHCCCS (Arizona's Medicaid program-Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System)
• Not everyone will lose their cash benefit when going back to work or can keep some or all of it for a while after starting work (this needs to be determined on a case-by-case basis
• Social Security will take into consideration some out of pocket costs you have that are related to your disability-these costs can counter-act your earnings & help you remain eligible for cash payments
• Social Security will allow you to set aside money for a work-related goal in a Plan for Achieving Self Support (PASS)-money in a PASS will not be counted as income
• Individuals who are afraid of having to re-apply for benefits after working full time can use Expedited Reinstatement to get their benefits reinstated without having to go through the application process again
• There are special provisions for individuals who are blind and for students.

Are You Thinking About Returning To Work?

Everyone's situation is unique and a Work Incentives Specialist can help you figure out how to accomplish your goal. Even if you aren't sure about working now it doesn't hurt to do some planning.

Arizona Freedom to Work does not offer jobs or job training but can refer you to agencies in the area that do.

A Work Incentives Specialist can help you use and monitor your Work Incentives.

Are You Already Working?

You may be eligible for some Work Incentives-contact a Work Incentives Specialist to find out!

Information For Service Providers

Arizona Freedom to Work is available to come and talk to your group about Social Security & Employment. Call to schedule your training or workshop today!

Contact Information
Work Incentives Specialist
1023 North Tyndall Avenue
Tucson, Arizona 85719
520-624-6452 v/tty 800-342-1853 toll free v/tty
Outside of Tucson call: 1-866-304-WORK (9675)

Helpful Links

Maximus (Ticket to Work Program Manager) The official Ticket to Work Web-site. You can find information on Employment Networks in your area and other important Ticket to Work information.

Ticket to Work Information Sessions: Sessions are held at DIRECT Center for Independence every month. They are presented by a Work Incentives Specialist who can provide you with an overview of the “Ticket” and help you understand how your benefits can be impacted by work earnings. For session dates and additional information select the following link Ticket to Work Information Sessions [PDF 131K]

Plan for Achieving Self-Support (PASS) This site has good information on PASS Plans. Search their site for approved PASS Plans, download the PASS application form, and explore what others have done in PASS Plans.

Social Security Website This is the official Social Security Web-site. All of Social Security's regulations can be found at this web-site as well as all Work Incentive and Ticket to Work information. For a brief explanation of the Ticket to Work, please click on this link to view a message by the Social Security Administration. [7MB Flash download]

Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) You can download an AHCCCS application form at this site and apply for the Arizona Freedom to Work AHCCCS Buy-In. The Buy-In allows individuals who are disabled and working to "buy in" to AHCCCS for a premium that is based on "countable income". (A Work Incentives Specialist can help you understand this program, too.)