Time Is Running Out - Extend the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to help more people like Renee get back to work

Ohio Personal Success Story

Renee, Ticket to Work participant

Time Is Running Out

Extend the Work Opportunity Tax Credit to help more people like Renee get back to work

Renee, 62, an Ohio resident, was working as a housekeeper in the Department of Environmental Services at an area hospital when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. As is common for many cancer patients, the treatment had a significant impact on her daily life and she had to stop working. Renee applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits and was approved. ,

She learned about the Ticket to Work program, which provides support and free help to individuals receiving SSDI, when she was contacted by Allsup Employment Services, a Social Security-certified Employment Network.

“There was a lot of stuff I didn’t understand. They helped me out a lot,” she said. “They kept me going and informed, helped me get back on my feet and to get started with the Ticket to Work program.”

Renee said she was hopeful about returning to work and kept in touch with her employer. “I had a positive attitude,” she said. “You have to have a positive attitude about going back to work. Anything you do in life you are going to be afraid, you just got to take that step forward.”

Having support from her Employment Network also made a difference. “They are someone on the outside who can see clearly and help you reach forward. Your mind is on your health, your treatment, and they are helping you along the way, to give you that extra boost.”

Renee is one of tens of thousands of former workers who could see improved opportunity for employment if the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) is extended past the Dec. 31, 2019, deadline and with SSDI recipients added as a target population. The revenue impact of the adding SSDI beneficiaries is estimated at only $8.5 million a year. These steps mean more incentives for employers to hire individuals with disabilities who want to try to work again.

A Success Story from Secure Work Coalition

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