Every day millions of Americans, including those with disabilities, look for jobs. Many search for their first job. Others need to find a new job due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. So, this is a smart time to prepare for a job. That means thinking through your budget, determining how much you need to earn, and considering whether work might have an impact on any public benefits you currently receive. On this page, you will find answers to important questions and additional resources to help you get ready for your new job.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Preparing for a job can include opening a bank or ABLE account, understanding the importance of good credit, learning your credit score, and developing a budget.
- Some employers take a person’s credit score into consideration during their hiring process. You can be prepared by learning more about credit scores and how a credit score is calculated.
- When preparing for a job, understanding how to negotiate your pay is a skill you can use to make sure the amount you will earn is in line with your skills and experience, your career goals, and your household budget.
- If you receive SSI or SSDI, the Social Security Administration (SSA) has special rules called “work incentives” that may allow you to work and receive some or all of your monthly payments while maintaining your Medicare or Medicaid benefits. Reviewing What is a Work Incentive? may help you better understand the Work Incentives offered by the SSA.
- SSA also provides free benefits guidance and return to work services for people with disabilities who receive SSI or SSDI through their Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 or 1-866-833-2967 (TTY) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET or visit the Ticket to Work Website.
- Every state offers a range of employment services through local workforce partners you can turn to when looking for a job.
- Workforce partners in each state also offer additional resources for jobseekers with disabilities.
Resources
In Collaboration With
The LEAD WIOA Policy Department Center is led by National Disability Institute. It is fully funded as the WIOA Policy Development Center by the Office of Disability Employment Policy, U.S. Department of Labor, Grant number: OD-38977-22-75-4-11.