Being disabled and unable to work and earn an income as you usually would can be very stressful. There’s no question about it. Even though disability benefits can help to relieve that financial burden somewhat, you may still be hopeful that you’ll be able to return to work one day.
If you find yourself in this situation, it’s understandable that you may worry about whether or not you still have the skills you’ll need to return to the workforce. After not working for some time, it’s normal to worry – but the good news is that you may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation services. Let’s take a closer look at what services are offered and who might be eligible.
What is Vocational Rehabilitation?
Essentially, vocational rehabilitation is the process of helping individuals with disabilities attain the skills needed to re-enter the workforce. The goal is ultimately to help prepare someone for a job, with the hope that they will be able to find and maintain employment. Vocational rehabilitation programs are often federally funded but administered by each state.
Some of the services offered by vocational rehabilitation programs might include:
- A personal assessment of your disability to determine if you are eligible and if vocational rehabilitation will be helpful.
- Job counseling, advice, and career referral services
- Transportation to and from the vocational rehabilitation program, if needed
- On-the-job training
- An interpreter (if you are deaf)
- Reader and scribe services (if you are blind)
- Various technology services and devices
- A variety of other services, depending on unique circumstances.
These are just a few services of a variety that may be offered, depending upon your circumstances. If you’re starting your own business, for example, vocational rehabilitation services may even include assistance with conducting market analysis or developing a business plan.
How Do I Know if I Qualify for Vocational Rehabilitation?
As a general rule, if you have a condition that the Social Security Administration has determined is a qualifying medical condition for purposes of receiving either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, you will also qualify for vocational rehabilitation. The main exception to this rule is those who have a condition so severe that they are unlikely to be able to return to work even with vocational rehabilitation. A vocational rehabilitation assessment will be helpful in making that determination.
How Do I Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation?
Even though you will likely qualify for vocational rehabilitation if you receive SSDI or SSI benefits, you will still need to find a local agency that provides those services to complete the application process. Although vocational rehabilitation services are often offered at the state and local level, there are federally run programs as well, depending upon your location. If you’re having trouble locating a local agency, you can either contact your state labor bureau or the Social Security Administration field office near you.
After you receive your application, you should complete it thoroughly and accurately and provide any medical documentation or other information needed to support your request. Typically, after your application is completed, you will meet with a vocational rehabilitation counselor who will help assess your needs and determine what services you might qualify for.
Will Returning to Work Affect the Amount of Benefits I Receive?
Being able to return to work has many advantages, but it is important to understand that it could affect the amount of disability benefits you are eligible to receive. The Social Security Administration does have certain work incentive programs, though, including the Ticket to Work program, which helps ensure that benefits continue while an individual attempts to return to work.
The Ticket to Work program was created to encourage those who receive disability benefits to attempt to return to work. It expands the vocational services available to disabled individuals by providing services from “employment networks,” which collaborate to offer career and vocational resources.
For a time, Ticket to Work also protects the right to disability benefits during vocational rehabilitation. However, if you ultimately return to work full-time for a long enough period, you may no longer qualify for disability benefits. This will depend upon your particular situation, so consulting with an attorney regarding your unique circumstances is always advised. At Liner Legal, we’re here for you.
Call Liner Legal Today
At Liner Legal, we are passionate about helping people who struggle with disabilities seek the benefits and services they need and deserve. Whether it be vocational rehabilitation or some other issue you’re dealing with, we want you to know that we’re here for you, and we’re ready to help. Our knowledgeable and experienced team of disability benefits attorneys understands every aspect of disability benefits law, and we’re ready to put that knowledge to work for you. If you’re ready to get started, there’s no time like today. Give us a call. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
