Many people still don’t know about SSDI or that they are eligible to apply for and receive it… [+] As long as you pay into the program and meet the Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria, you will be eligible to receive disability benefits. Even more people don’t know that TTW is part of the SSDI program and can be a huge benefit when your health improves and you’re able to return to work.
Andrey Popov
Living with a disability, whether it’s a serious illness from childhood, a recently diagnosed illness, or a serious injury, can dramatically change your life. Everything from medical treatments and therapies to managing everyday household and work responsibilities can seem insurmountable.
Fortunately, federal and state governments have enacted groundbreaking laws over the years to protect and support people with disabilities. But what are these laws and how do they benefit people with disabilities? How well do people with disabilities, their families and caregivers know about and understand these laws?
It is useful to familiarize yourself with these important laws that were enacted to protect millions of people with serious illnesses and disabilities. One of the most essential programs for people with disabilities is the combined Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Ticket to Work Program (TTW) benefits, which is a powerful initiative for people with disabilities who want to return to work.
SSDI and Ticket to Work: Important Combined Benefits
Many people still don’t know about SSDI or that if they enroll in the program and meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) criteria, they can apply for and be eligible to receive disability benefits. Even more people don’t know that TTW is part of the SSDI program and can be a huge benefit when their health improves and they’re able to return to work.
The TTW program, which allows SSDI recipients to return to work when medically able, was enacted into law in 1999. For nearly 25 years, the program has provided valuable incentives and services to help people return to work or choose self-employment.
Combined SSDI and TTW benefits provide the following benefits to people with disabilities:
· Free assistance for returning to work from Social Security Recognized Employment Networks (EN).
· Ensure Medicare coverage remains viable for a long time.
· Help achieve financial stability and independence, which is the ultimate goal of the TTW program.
Historic Federal Law Protects People with Disabilities
One of the oldest laws, the Fair Housing Act, was passed under President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. An extension of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, the act broadly prohibits all discrimination in the sale, rental or financing of housing on the basis of disability, race, religion, sex or any other protected class.
Strong legislation was passed in 1973 that directly appealed to people with disabilities. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states that an employer or organization that receives financial assistance from any government agency or department may not deny an individual with a disability equal access to its programs or benefits. For example, it is illegal for colleges and universities, which typically receive funding from the federal government, to discriminate on the basis of disability.
In 1975, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act (renamed the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) in 1990) was passed to provide protection from discrimination for children up to age 21 who qualify for special education and related services. Disabilities for children who qualify for such services include autism spectrum disorder, cerebral palsy, and visual and hearing impairments.
In my work, the most important law we use to support people with disabilities is the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Passed in 1990, this far-reaching law protects people with disabilities from all forms of discrimination in everyday life, from voting rights to employment, parking spaces, and public transportation. The ADA requires employers to make reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities in the workplace. This can include flexible work schedules, assistive technology, and special equipment. In 2008, important amendments to the ADA were passed that strengthened and expanded the definition of disability, making it easier for people with disabilities to formally prove that they have a disability.
Individuals with disabilities received more protections and benefits with the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) in 2010. The ACA was a major regulatory overhaul and expansion of health insurance, ensuring that Americans with disabilities have access to accessible, quality, and affordable health care.
Consult your state laws for information about disability rights
Federal law provides comprehensive protections for the rights of people with disabilities, but state and local governments can also enact and enforce laws that complement these federal laws. However, each state has its own perspective and approach to providing equal rights, opportunities, and protections to people with disabilities. The best way to understand your state’s laws is to consult state government websites and other online sources of policy, initiatives, and resources, such as Bloomberg Law and Accessibility.com.
Facing the challenges of living with a disability or chronic illness can be overwhelming. To provide greater clarity, there are numerous national programs, resources, and advocacy organizations that explain the rights of people with disabilities under long-established federal and state laws. It is critical that people know why these historic laws exist – to protect the rights of Americans with disabilities. As more people understand the details and value of these key laws and programs, more people with disabilities will benefit from increased awareness.