Statement of Larry C. Bryant, South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, West Columbia, South Carolina

Based on the hearing that took place on March 18, 2004 regarding the Social Security Administration's (SSA’s) Management of the Ticket to Work Program, it is evident that the concerns regarding the Ticket to Work program continue to escalate.  The South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation  Department believes that the  successful services that the state vocational rehabilitation departments are providing to social security beneficiaries are being over looked due to the unresolved issued that have resulted from the 1999 Ticket to Work and Self-sufficiency legislation.   Therefore, we feel that it is necessary to provide written documentation regarding the positive services to social security beneficiaries that take place in South Carolina.     

Since the program’s inception in 1999, the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department has actively supported the program.  Our agency has invested a significant number of resources to train our staff regarding the ticket program and the impact that this program has on social security beneficiaries who desire to obtain independence through employment.  Not only do we feel that our staff members should be educated about the ticket program, we feel strongly that our clients should have a full understanding of the program and work incentives that go along with it.  Therefore, we request that ALL of our applicants and existing clients in the VR program who are receiving SSI and/or SSDI meet with a Benefit Specialist to discuss these issues.  We encourage this regardless of ticket “assignability.”   

Our agency is especially proud of the relationship that we have developed with our local Social Security offices.  During the roll out phase of the ticket program in our state, we invited Social Security staff to attend and present at our ticket to work training sessions.  Currently, we are working closely with the Work Incentive Coordinator in our state to provide additional ticket training in our 22 local offices located through the state.  We feel that this relationship with SSA exemplifies the importance that South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department places on providing services to the social security beneficiaries of South Carolina.

We are also in the process of fostering a positive working relationship with the Employment Networks that serve South Carolina.  We feel that it is necessary to develop an Employment Network (EN)/Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) agreement that caters to the needs of the client not to the needs of “reimbursement.”  It is our intention to provide the best services to social security beneficiaries as possible.  Therefore, as we establish agreements with Employment Networks, not only will they outline an agreed method of payment, but most importantly shared service provisions.   We do not agree with a “take it our leave it, one size fits all” attitude toward EN/VR agreements.  Service provision is our number one priority.  The reimbursement that we receive is to supplement our services to social security beneficiary, not to supplant these services.  Again, our client’s needs and employment objectives drive the services provided to them.  We encourage input from employment networks and other agencies regarding service provision for our clients.  I will say, however, that the negative attitude displayed by other entities regarding Vocational Rehabilitation and Ticket to Work activities has been discouraging.

As the Ticket to Work program continues to evolve, we feel that it is imperative to continue obtaining input from all parties who have been affected by this legislation. Resolutions to the issues surrounding the ticket program need to occur quickly in order to maintain the highest quality of service to social security beneficiaries.