An Administrative Employment Network, or Administrative EN, is a model within Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program where one approved Employment Network serves as the Employment Network of record and partners with other organizations to help deliver services to eligible individuals.

Under this model, ERS manages key administrative, compliance, Ticket assignment, and payment-related responsibilities, while Provider Affiliates may provide employment services, support, referrals, and ongoing engagement with the individuals they serve.

This allows qualified organizations to participate in the Ticket to Work Program without having to become a standalone Employment Network themselves.

A Provider Affiliate is an organization that partners with ERS under the Administrative EN model to support individuals who may be eligible for Ticket to Work services.

Provider Affiliates may include workforce organizations, disability service providers, community-based organizations, benefits planning providers, educational or training entities, vocational service providers, or other organizations that support people with disabilities in preparing for, obtaining, or maintaining employment.

The Provider Affiliate works with ERS to identify eligible individuals, support employment outcomes, provide services when applicable, and help maintain the documentation needed for Ticket to Work participation.

No. One of the key benefits of the Administrative EN model is that your organization does not have to become a standalone Employment Network.

ERS remains the approved Employment Network of record with Social Security. This means ERS manages the core Ticket Program responsibilities, including Ticket assignment, payment submission, program oversight, and compliance-related processes.

Your organization can focus on serving participants and supporting employment outcomes while ERS helps manage the Ticket-specific administrative requirements.

• ERS is responsible for managing the primary administrative and compliance functions associated with Tickets assigned through the partnership.

  This may include verifying Ticket availability, coordinating Ticket assignment, reviewing Individual Work Plans and related documentation, tracking Ticket status, submitting payment requests to SSA/TPM, monitoring program requirements, providing training and technical assistance, and maintaining oversight of Ticket Program compliance.

  ERS also serves as the primary point of accountability for the Tickets assigned under its Employment Network agreement.

  Access to a free online ERS Learning Library

• Ongoing coaching and resources for housing, transportation, and education

Ticket to Work payments are issued by Social Security when specific employment and earnings outcomes are achieved and documented. Under the Administrative EN model, ERS and the Provider Affiliate may share eligible Ticket revenue according to the terms of the partnership agreement.

Revenue sharing is based on actual payments received from SSA/TPM. Payments are not guaranteed and depend on factors such as Ticket assignment, beneficiary earnings, required documentation, SSA payment rules, and approval of payment requests.

The specific revenue share percentage, payment timing, and documentation requirements will be defined in the agreement between ERS and the Provider Affiliate.

No. Ticket payments are outcome-based and are not guaranteed.

SSA issues payments only when the ticketholder meets specific earnings criteria and when the required documentation is submitted and approved. Payment availability may depend on the beneficiary’s work activity, earnings level, benefit type, prior payment history, Ticket status, and other Ticket Program rules.

ERS will manage the payment submission process and provide guidance on documentation needed to support payment requests, but payment approval remains subject to SSA/TPM requirements.

Provider Affiliates must follow applicable Ticket to Work requirements, ERS policies and procedures, privacy and security expectations, and any requirements outlined in the partnership agreement.

This includes protecting personally identifiable information, maintaining appropriate service documentation, supporting accurate communication with participants, following approved outreach and marketing guidelines, and cooperating with ERS on quality review, reporting, and compliance monitoring.

ERS will provide training, technical assistance, and ongoing guidance to help Provider Affiliates understand and meet these expectations.

Organizations may be a good fit if they serve individuals with disabilities, job seekers, Social Security beneficiaries, workforce participants, students or transition-age youth, veterans, or others who may benefit from employment support.

A strong Provider Affiliate is typically an organization that has trusted relationships with the people it serves, a commitment to employment outcomes, the ability to provide or coordinate meaningful supports, and a willingness to follow Ticket Program documentation and compliance requirements.

Organizations do not need to be Ticket to Work experts before partnering with ERS. ERS can provide training and support as part of the partnership.

The first step is an introductory conversation with ERS to learn more about your organization, the individuals you serve, your current employment services, and your goals for participating in the Administrative EN model.

From there, ERS can help determine whether the partnership is a good fit, discuss potential roles and responsibilities, review revenue-sharing options, outline compliance expectations, and identify the next steps toward a formal agreement.

Once an agreement is in place, ERS will provide onboarding, training, referral guidance, and operational support to help begin the partnership.