Ticket to Work: When You Disagree with Your Employment Network
An Employment Network (EN) works with you to create a plan to find work. Your EN may be a private organization, or the Office of Rehabilitation Services (ORS). If you have a disagreement with your EN:
- You have the right to use your EN’s grievance process to complain.
- Your EN must have a grievance process that the Social Security Administration approved.
- The EN must give you a copy of the grievance process.
- Your EN must tell you about Disability Rights Rhode Island (DRRI) and how we can help you in this process.
If you have signed your Individual Work Plan (IWP), you can use the grievance process. Read the grievance process from your EN. That will tell you how to begin this process. If you do not have a copy, ask your EN for one immediately.
There may be a deadline to file a complaint. You should file as soon as possible so you do not miss the deadline.
What if I am not happy with the EN’s answer?
If you are not happy with the result of the grievance process, you can work with the Project Manager (PM) in the Ticket to Work program. You can ask the PM to review the EN’s decision. The EN may also ask the PM to review the decision. You (or your representative) and the EN will each write about your reasons for the disagreement.
The Project Manager will ask your EN for more information, including:
- A description of your original disagreement with the EN.
- The EN’s proposed solutions, or its answer to your grievance.
- Your reasons for not agreeing with the proposed solutions.
The PM then has 20 workdays to recommend a solution. The PM must explain their solution. You will get this information in writing.
What if I am still not happy with the outcome?
If you disagree with the PM’s decision, you have the right to ask the Social Security Administration (SSA) to review your concerns. After you get the PM’s decision, you must write to the PM within 15 workdays to ask for a review. You must ask for a review in writing. The EN can also request a review within 15 days.
The PM then has 10 workdays to give the request to SSA. The PM must include:
- A copy of your IWP.
- The information and evidence related to the disagreement, and its conclusions and recommendations.
SSA will then decide on a solution or solutions to the disagreement. The decision of the Social Security Administration is final, so there can be no further appeals. If you or the EN is unwilling to accept the decision of the Social Security Administration, you both have the right to stop working together.
May I have someone assist me or represent me in this process?
Yes. You may have a legal representative at any point in this process. Your legal representation can be an attorney or an individual of your choosing.
For more information contact DRRI at 401-831-3150 or info@drri.org. (Please do not include any personal information such as your Social Security number if you choose to contact us by e-mail.)
You may also contact:
Office of Rehabilitation Services
401-421-7005 (Voice)
711 (Relay)
401-462-7791 (Spanish)
http://www.ors.ri.gov
Social Security Administration
1-800-772-1213 (Voice)
1-800-325-0778 (TTY)
Local Social Security Administration Offices
Providence – 1-877-325-0778
Newport – 1-866-253-5607
Pawtucket – 1-866-931-7079
Warwick – 1-866-964-2038
Woonsocket – 1-877-229-3542
https://www.ssa.gov/agency/contact
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