1. Discuss the purpose of a Benefits Orientation with the client.
2. Complete the SSA 3288 Consent for Release of Information/Earnings (VR) and the SSA 3288 Consent for Release of Information/General (VR) if not completed during the Employment Discussion.
3. Enter or verify that the Social Security information in the QE2 record is accurate.

   • Household income screen

4. Send/Fax the two SSA 3288 consents to SSA requesting a Benefits Planning Query (BPQY).
5. Refer and schedule a Benefit Orientation for the client upon receipt of the Benefits Planning Query (BPQY). The Benefit Orientation should be a face-to-face meeting with the client. When a face-to-face meeting is not practical then a telephone conversation with the client is acceptable.
6. Discuss the following information with the client during the Benefits Orientation

   • Description of the type of Social Security benefits the client receives.
   • Amount of unearned income the client receives from these benefits.
   • Number of Trial Work Period [TWP] months the client has used to date and the number of months available.
   • Start and end date for the Extended Period of Eligibility [EPE] if applicable.
   • Next Continuing Disability Review [CDR] date.
   • Types of assistance the client receives and amounts received. [i.e. TANF, food stamps, HUD, energy assistance, etc.]
   • A general statement about how earning at the Federal Benefit Rate [FBR], Substantial Gainful Activity [SGA] rate, or a rate the client finds helpful in understanding how work would affect his/her benefits. This provides a frame of reference in the plan development process for the client to make informed decisions about a job goal and hours to work.
   • The Ticket To Work program, including rights and benefits related to the assignment of the ticket, so the client can make an informed decision.

7. Document the above information in a task entry entitled Benefits Orientation.
8. Place copies of the SSA 3288 Consent for Release of Information/Earnings (VR), and the SSA 3288 Consent for Release of Information/General (VR), in Section 2 of the case file.
9. SSI and/or SSDI recipients considering a self-employment goal should be referred to Easter Seals for a Benefits Analysis.

All applicants for services who receive SSI or SSDI on the basis of his/her disability shall be provided a Benefits Orientation as a part of the career planning process. This information is extremely important for the client to have prior to developing their IPE.

Benefits Orientation is a general overview of the client's benefit package along with an explanation of the work incentives and the Ticket to Work program.

The purpose of the Ticket program is to offer the support the client needs to increase his/her ability to work or, if already working, to increase earnings, as well as the chance to become and stay self- supporting to the extent possible.

When receiving employment support from a State VR agency or EN, the client is agreeing to make a steady effort to achieve these aims.

All adult Social Security Disability Insurance beneficiaries and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries receiving disability payments who are ages 18 – 64 are eligible to participate in the Ticket to Work Program.

When a client's ticket is In-Use with Nebraska VR and making progress as defined by SSA, the client in most cases is exempt from a Continuing Disability Review (CDR).

When receiving services from the State VR agency, the clients ticket is considered In-Use once the IPE is written. When the State VR agency closes the case, the ticket is no longer In-Use with VR and the client can continue receiving employment support by assigning his/her Ticket to an Employment Network under the Ticket to Work program.

The client's Ticket status is indicated in his/her QE2 case under the Basic Info: Maximus Feedback Screen.

The client can get further information about the ticket program by visiting www.choosework.net. For questions, the client can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1.866.968.7842/866.833.2967 (TTY/TDD) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST or send an e-mail support@chooseworkttw.net.