Frequently Asked Questions: Individuals with Disabilities

Q: What are the types of positions within Social Security?

A: SSA has a wide variety of positions available. For more information, please "explore our career paths" on our home page.

Q: What is the Ticket to Work program?

A: This is a voluntary employment program for individuals receiving Social Security and/or SSI disability benefits who are interested in working. Participants of this program can receive assistance from a service provider and also use a number of work incentives as they explore work options and still receive disability benefits. For more information, please see the Ticket to Work page.

Q: How does a person with a disability apply for Federal jobs?

A: In addition to going to www.usajobs.gov and researching jobs for which they wish to apply, an individual may also contact agency Selective Placement Coordinators to find out if they qualify for the Schedule A Excepted Service authority. Special programs or authorities exsist for veterans, students, and ticket holders.

Q: As an individual with a severe physical disability, what documentation must I provide when applying for a job?

A: If an individual competes for an appointment through the regular application process just as most non-disabled applicants must do, then no documentation is required beyond what is outlined in the vacancy announcement. Individuals with mental retardation, severe physical disabilities, or psychiatric disabilities may also be eligible for consideration under the Schedule A hiring authority where, if eligible, he or she may be appointed non-competitively. To qualify for employment under the Schedule A hiring authority, a person must have proof of their disability and a certification of job readiness.

Q: Do disabled veterans receive any special consideration when applying for Federal jobs?

A: Yes, disabled veterans may qualify for a non-competitive appointment under the Veterans’ Recruitment Appointment authority. If a veteran has a disability rating of 30 percent or more, he or she may also be eligible for appointment under the 30 Percent Disabled Veterans appointment authority. If a disabled veteran competes for an appointment through the regular application process just as most non-disabled applicants must do, they may receive preference in the hiring process by submitting the service records and disability documentation outlined in the vacancy announcement. For more information, please see the Opportunities for Veterans page.

Q: Can college students apply for positions in Federal service?

A: Yes, there are several student programs such as the Student Temporary Employment Program and the Student Career Experience Program. We also suggest students contact their school’s disability services or career services coordinator for information on the Workforce Recruitment Program for College Students with Disabilities. For more information, please see the Students and Grads page.

Q: Are there any intern programs available for individuals who are not students, veterans, or disabled?

A: Yes, the Federal Career Intern Program is available for exceptional individuals with diverse professional experiences, academic training, and abilities. For more information, please contact your local Personnel Office.

Q: What is a reasonable accommodation and can I qualify for it?

A: A reasonable accommodation is a modification or an adjustment to a job or the work environment that will enable a qualified applicant or employee with a disability to participate in the application process or to perform essential job functions. Reasonable accommodation also includes adjustments to assure that a qualified individual with a disability has equal benefits and privileges of employment enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities.

Q: Is an agency required to provide a reasonable accommodation to an employee?

A: Yes, an individual is entitled to an accommodation if he or she is a qualified individual with a disability, the accommodation is needed to do the essential functions of the position, and the accommodation is reasonable.

Q: Has Social Security successfully employed people with disabilities?

A: Yes, we have successfully employed people with disabilities for many years. See our Success Stories on the Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities page.

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