Committee Asks SSA Commissioner to Revamp Ticket to Work and Other Return‑to‑Work Programs

Republican and Democratic members on the work and welfare and Social Security subcommittees highlighted low participation in SSA’s Ticket to Work program and asked Commissioner Frank Buscagnano for concrete improvements to help beneficiaries return to work when appropriate.

Rep. Darren LaHood noted that of nearly 12.3 million eligible beneficiaries in 2023 only about 311,000, or 2.5%, participated in Ticket to Work. "Evaluations of the program found participants are only slightly more likely to find employment, and program costs exceeded the savings in disability benefits to the SSA," LaHood told the panel. He said the committee’s principle is to “promote the dignity of work” and urged modernization of outdated demonstrations.

Buscagnano told lawmakers SSA has discussed the program internally and pledged to work with the committee on legislative or administrative changes that might improve outcomes: "We have you have a commitment from us to work on this with you," he said.

Members characterized return-to-work policies as a balance between protecting beneficiaries and removing government-imposed barriers to employment. Several members asked the commissioner to explore how program design and outreach could increase participation among eligible beneficiaries.

Ending: The commissioner agreed to follow up with the subcommittee and staff to identify potential administrative fixes and legislative ideas to modernize return-to-work incentives and improve outcomes for beneficiaries who want to rejoin the workforce.