All employment services are geared toward community-based, integrated employment.  SMCIL does not support sheltered or enclave employment.  Peer support and mentoring are significant aspects of the services participants receive from SMCIL.  In fact, all of our staff members have personal experience with disability and most of us have been on Social Security benefits at some point in our lives. You can take comfort in knowing that we understand the questions and concerns that you may have about returning to work because we have been there.  You will receive support and encouragement from people who have left benefits and successfully returned to the workforce.

If you are in current pay status under the Social Security Administration’s Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) programs and are between the ages of 18 and 64 you are eligible for services through the Ticket to Work program.  SMCIL is an Employment Network with the Ticket to Work Program and has a contract with Social Security to provide services.  This program is strictly voluntary on the part of the consumer/beneficiary.  SMCIL also has the option of whether to accept a consumer’s ticket.

SMCIL considers a number of factors when determining whether to accept a ticket from someone.  Motivation, sincerity and attitude on the part of the ticket holder are a primary factor in this decision.  SMCIL also considers work history, the qualifications that the candidate has for the occupation they are seeking to enter and if the services we offer will meet the needs of the ticket holder.

Completing the online application is the first step toward realizing your goal of returning to work and reducing your dependency on benefits.  Simply answer each question and submit the form. Once we receive your responses in our office, they will be reviewed and evaluated.  A staff person from CES will follow-up with you to discuss your answers and, if appropriate, to continue the process.  If it is determined that you are a good candidate for our program you will be invited to attend a program orientation where we will discuss more about the Ticket to Work, how your benefits are impacted by working and earning income, and share with you more about our program and the services we can offer to you.