Below are answers to EARN users’ most frequently asked questions about finding a provider, writing resumes and understanding the Ticket to Work program. If you have a question that is not addressed below, please contact us at: 1-866-327-6669 (M-F, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM, EST) or earn@earnworks.com. We will typically respond within 24 hours of receiving a message or email. Visit the General FAQ for more information about EARN or visit the Employer FAQ or Provider FAQ to find out more about disability employment from their points of view.
Signing up with EARN
Using EARN
- How can EARN help me?
- Can you assist me with my resume?
- Can I submit my resume to EARN or search job postings?
- Will EARN help me with my job placement?
- Can you connect me with a service provider in my area?
- What is the Ticket to Work program? Or can you give me some information on the Ticket program?
- What resources are available to help me find a job?
- Should I disclose my disability when applying for or interviewing for a job?
Signing up with EARN
Can I sign up with EARN?
EARN supports you by providing you access to EARNWorks Job Source, where you can post your resume and search and apply for jobs online, and by working with employment service providers on your behalf. If you are currently affiliated with a service provider who is not an EARN member, encourage them to sign up so we can better support your employment efforts. If you are not and would like to be, see Can you connect me with an employment service provider in my area? to find out how.
Using EARN
How can EARN help me?
EARN is a liaison for employers who want to hire persons with disabilities, jobseekers with disabilities and employment service providers that provide job placement and training for jobseekers with disabilities.
You can be linked to EARN’s services directly through EARNWorks Job Source. In addition, if you work with a service provider who is an EARN member, EARN and your service provider will work together to find employment opportunities for you. If your service provider is not a member, encourage them to sign up with EARN to better assist you in your job search.
You can also access our Tools section for valuable information on how to advance your job search, including help on finding a service provider, guidelines for writing a resume and a listing of organizations that can serve you.
Can you assist me with my resume?
EARN provides you with fact sheets in our Tools section to assist you with resume writing and formatting, as well as interviewing techniques. EARN also recommends you contact your service provider for further assistance.
Can I submit my resume to EARN or search job postings?
Yes. You can search jobs, post resumes, apply for positions and receive job email alerts through EARNWorks Job Source.
Will EARN help me with my job placement?
EARN is a liaison for employers who want to hire persons with disabilities, jobseekers with disabilities and employment service providers that provide job placement and training for jobseekers with disabilities.
We do not offer job counseling services for individuals, but we can direct you to a service provider who will.
Can you connect me with an employment service provider in my area?
To connect with a local employment service provider, please contact an EARN Employment Specialist to locate the nearest one. You can also search for a service provider by visiting the organizations below:
- America’s Service Locator will help you locate your nearest Career One-Stop Center
- The National Organization on Disability has compiled a useful tool to locate Disability & Emergency Preparedness Resources around the nation.
What is the Ticket to Work program? Or can you give me some information on the Ticket program?
The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program (Ticket Program) is an employment program for people with disabilities who are interested in employment. The program is part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 – legislation designed to remove many of the barriers that previously influenced people’s decisions about going to work because of the concerns over losing health care coverage. The goal of the Ticket Program is to increase opportunities for Social Security disability beneficiaries to obtain employment and vocational rehabilitation (VR) and other support services from public and private providers, employers and other organizations.
Under the Ticket Program, the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides disability beneficiaries with a Ticket which allows them to obtain the services and jobs they need from a universe of organizations known as Employment Networks (ENs).
MAXIMUS, a private company, has been contracted by the SSA to administer oversight and process support necessary to sustain ongoing Ticket Program Operations.
Please contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 if you are interested in receiving a ticket. If you have lost your ticket or would like more information, please contact MAXIMUS directly at 1-866-968-7842 or visit the Ticket to Work website.
What resources are available to help me find a job?
You can find jobs at EARNWorks Job Source. You can also find jobs through employment service providers. Often, service providers can be one of your best resources in finding a job (see Can you connect me with an employment service provider in my area? for how to find one). They are experienced in placing jobseekers and will work with you to prepare for and find employment. EARN’s Tools section also provides you with various resources and links to assist in your employment efforts.
Should I disclose my disability when applying for or interviewing for a job?
We suggest you follow the same guidance about disability disclosure when applying to our job postings as you would for any other competitive job. Although the decision is up to you, you should be prepared to explain any gaps in your work history. For more detailed information, visit our Disclosing a Disability section under Tools. There you will find assistance for making your decision and suggestions on how and when to disclose a disability.
