Programs That Support Work

Next Steps

Get Help Finding a Job

The Ticket to Work Program can connect you with employment-related services, such as training, transportation, and vocational rehabilitation. If you are 18-64 years old and get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you automatically qualify for Ticket services. To get started, contact a Ticket to Work Employment Network (EN) or the Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS).

An Illinois workNet Center can help with your job search or career planning. To find one near you, use either the Illinois workNet Service Finder tool or the more specialized Disability Services Locator tool.

The Illinois Division of Rehabilitation Services (DRS) can help you prepare for and find work. And if you are blind or visually impaired, deaf or hard of hearing, or Hispanic or Latino with disabilities, you can get specialized DRS support services. To apply for any DRS services (including specialized support):

Ticket to Work

Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program helps people with disabilities who get Social Security benefits re-enter the workforce and become more independent. The Ticket to Work Program offers free access to employment-related services, such as training, transportation, and vocational rehabilitation. You can call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY).

Get Help with Your Benefits

A trained benefits expert can help you understand your benefits programs. Exactly who you need to contact depends on your situation and the benefits you get.

View DB101's full list of experts who can help you understand different benefits.

Online Resources for Work

Illinois IPS offers information to people with lived experience of mental illness, their family and friends, service providers, advocates, and employers about productive and satisfying work for people with disabilities.

The Illinois Department of Employment Services lets you search for training programs provided by the Illinois Career Information System.

The Apprenticeship Illinois program helps students and youth get structured on-the-job training with job-related classes.

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership offers digital tools for improving your job search in high-growth and high-demand industries.

You can get help applying to work for the State of Illinois through its Disabled Workers Programs.

Learn more