Belleville, Illinois, Sept. 02, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Allsup Employment Services (AES), a Social Security-authorized Employment Network (EN), is encouraging Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries who are considering employment to begin preparing now for the fall hiring season, as employers continue to post millions of open jobs. Through Social Security’s free and voluntary Ticket to Work Program, AES helps eligible beneficiaries explore employment resources that may be available.
The August report of Job Openings and Labor Turnover Survey from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) listed 7.4 million job openings. Employers made 5.3 million hires during the month of June. Job openings increased in transportation, warehousing, and utilities, industries that often experience seasonal fluctuations in hiring.
With Labor Day approaching, the national observance of America’s workforce provides a timely opportunity for SSDI beneficiaries who are considering employment to prepare for fall hiring by updating their résumés, identifying career goals and learning how Social Security’s work incentives may support their return to work.
“Job seekers would benefit from using the weeks before fall hiring accelerates to clarify their goals, update their résumés and identify roles that may fit their current abilities,” said Diane Winiarski, senior director of AES. “Preparation can also include understanding how employment and earnings may affect Social Security benefits. A vocational expert can help individuals make informed decisions before they accept a position.”
The Ticket to Work Program connects eligible individuals ages 18 through 64 who receive SSDI or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits with employment support from authorized service providers. According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), services may include career counseling, vocational rehabilitation, employment training and job placement assistance.
Steps To Help You Prepare For Fall Hiring
Assess your current work capacity. Consider stamina, concentration, mobility, treatment schedules and other factors that may affect the type of work or schedule that is manageable. A realistic starting point can help support job retention.
Set a specific employment goal. Identify preferred job duties, work environments, schedules and earnings goals. Focus on positions that use your existing experience and transferable skills.
Update your résumé. Use clear descriptions of skills and accomplishments. Employment gaps do not require disclosure of a medical condition. A vocational expert can help job seekers present their experience in a direct and professional way.
Prepare for interviews. Practice explaining your qualifications, career goals and interest in the position. Consider attending job fairs or hiring events to practice introducing yourself to employers, answering interview questions, and building confidence. These experiences can also help you gain familiarity with workplace expectations and routines. Job applicants generally are not required to disclose a disability during an interview. Applicants may choose to discuss an accommodation when it becomes relevant to the hiring process or job duties.
Review accommodation needs. Possible workplace accommodations may include schedule adjustments, assistive technology, modified equipment or changes to how certain tasks are completed. Free, independent guidance on options is available through the Job Accommodation Network. Accommodation needs vary by person and position.
Learn how work may affect benefits. Social Security’s work incentives are designed to support eligible beneficiaries as they test their ability to work. For example, the Trial Work Period allows SSDI beneficiaries to test their ability to work for up to nine months while continuing to receive full SSDI benefits, provided they report their work activity and continue to meet Social Security requirements.
Create a reporting system. Keep copies of pay statements, work schedules and communications with SSA. Accurate and timely earnings reporting can help reduce the risk of benefit payment errors.
Free Support That Continues After Hiring
Through the Ticket to Work Program, AES vocational experts provide eligible SSDI beneficiaries with individualized employment support at no cost. Services include career planning, résumé development, interview preparation, job-search assistance, guidance on SSA forms and earnings reporting, and help understanding how work and earnings may affect Social Security benefits.
“Accepting a job is one step in a longer employment transition,” Winiarski said. “AES helps participants prepare for work, understand program requirements and address concerns that may arise after employment begins. Continued support from AES can be especially valuable when someone is returning after an extended time away from the workforce.”
Individuals receiving SSDI benefits who are considering work can learn more about Allsup Employment Services in this video, request a call online or call (866) 540-5105 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central time Monday through Friday.
ABOUT ALLSUP EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Allsup Employment Services (AES), a subsidiary of Allsup, provides free nationwide assistance to Social Security disability beneficiaries returning to work through Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program. AES is a Social Security-authorized Employment Network (EN) whose professionals help beneficiaries protect their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits while they attempt a return to work. Learn more at AllsupEmploymentServices.com
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Rebecca Ray Allsup (618) 236-5065 r.ray@allsup.com Laura Sala Allsup (618) 409-7079 l.sala@allsup.com
