How to Get Employment Services Funding

About Funding: State Agencies
In order to receive services from a state agency you must meet their eligibility guidelines. Each agency has different eligibility criteria. To learn more, contact individual agencies and request to speak with an intake specialist. Be aware that even if you are found to be eligible, it does not guarantee that you will get immediate services because this will depend on whether there is adequate funding for the agency to provide these services. If you qualify for services, and the agency does have adequate resources, the agency will either provide the needed service or pay another organization to do so. Keep in mind that services at a private community organization have to be paid for through a state agency or you will have to pay on your own.

About Funding: Social Security
If you receive Social Security, (SSDI or SSI) you may also have received a "Ticket to Work" in the mail from from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The Ticket to Work Program allows beneficiaries to obtain the services they need to help them go to work. You can assign this "Ticket" document to an "employment network," which are private organizations or public agencies that have agreed to work with SSA to provide services under this program.  You may continue to receive your benefits while you participate in this program; and you may be exempt from a continuing disability review during such a period. For further information, see http://www.ssa.gov/work/Ticket/ticket_info.html

Another method to fund job training and vocational programs if you receive SSDI is through a PASS Plan. For further information, consult the Social Security Administration’s PASS Cadre at 1-800-297-4291.

About Funding: Grants & Demonstrations
Occasionally, private organizations, such as community rehabilitation providers, One-Stop Centers, and advocacy groups may receive grants, which might be beneficial to individuals with disabilities seeking employment. Check press releases, news stories or public notices at your local library or online.

	MassHealth/CommonHealth is a comprehensive health insurance program that provides benefits for disabled children, working and non-working adults who have disabilities. Learn more about the eligibility and application process; view a presentation on the Ticket to Work MassHealth and CommonHealth programs.
	Massachusetts Medicaid Infrastructure and Comprehensive Employment Opportunities Grant (MI-CEO). For additional information and resources visit one of the other three grant websites: Policy Makers and Advocates- www.mi-ceo.org/ Direct Service Providers- www.MassWorks.org/ Employers- www.ForEmployers.com/

This grant is funded by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CFDA #93-768) and administered by UMASS Medical School, Center for Health Policy and Research; UMASS Boston, Institute for Community Inclusion; and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services. For more information visit: www.MI-CEO.org

The information contained herein is intended, in its entirety, to serve only as a guideline. While we strive to show the most accurate representation of the various benefits within this website, we take no responsibility for any implied or misconstrued interpretation of the information contained herein.