Play Video to see what comes next!
1.) Your ERS Career Development Specialist
This person you are already familiar with, and should have completed the following with you:
- Explained the Program
- Created Individual Work Plan
- Sent you a Single Sign-On Invitation
- Uploaded your initial resume (If you had one.)
- Sent your Program enrollment Docu-sign
If you have not completed any of the above steps please reach out to us immediately, so we can support you.
2a.) Your ERS Benefits Specialist
Upon enrollment, your ERS Benefits Specialist will be notified immediately. They will reach out to introduce themselves, explain their role in your journey, and most importantly, discuss how working may affect your benefits.
Here’s what to expect:
- They will verify your profile and contact information.
- They will send you a Consent to Release form, which allows them to request your Benefits Planning Query (BPQY) from Social Security.
- IMPORTANT: Sign and return this form to ERS as soon as possible to avoid delays.
2b.) Your One-On-One Benefits Planning Session:
Once your Benefits Specialist receives your BPQY from Social Security, they will reach back out to you to schedule this important meeting.
Your BPQY or “Benefits Planning Query,” this is a complete snapshot of your earning statement, which will ultimately be our “road map” in this journey. This meeting between you and your Benefits Specialist takes place to examine your personal situation and more clearly outline your work incentives. This is where the more you let them know, the more they can help!
Note: You may request your own BPQY from your local Social Security Office if you would like to get the process started. Directions are provided below.
3.) Your ERS Career Coach
Whether you’re currently employed or just beginning your search, your relationship with your Career Coach is a partnership, and they can assist you with many things. They are here to offer additional support and guidance well before and long after your first day on the job. Below are some things they will help you with:
Currently Employed?
- Wage Reporting
- Upskills
- Trial Work Level – Explained
- SGA – Explained
- Timely Progress
- CareerCircle Account
- Resume Development
Still looking for a job?
- Skills & Interest Assessments
- Job Search
- Interview Prep
- Timely Progress
- CareerCircle Account
- Resume Development
Important: Once you connect with your Career Coach it is mandatory to stay in contact at least once a month!
Some additional things you can do to get started:
Request your BPQY form from SSA on your own:
SSA will provide BPQYs free of charge if you are working with a third party while planning a successful return to work, work for the first time, or planning to stay employed. If you would like to get this request started early …
Simply request: “An earning statement for my 3rd party employment network.”
You and your representative payee can request the BPQY by calling 1-800-772-1213 from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday or by going to your local SSA office.
People who are deaf or hard of hearing may call the toll-free TTY/TDD number, 1-800-325-0778.
Download the ERS Mobile App
Available on both Apple Store and Google Play, we’re with you every step! Take advantage of the tools designed exclusively for you. It’s like having your entire team right in your pocket. Download it today.
Explore www.EmployReward.com
We put ourselves at the center of your career success and have a full team creating tools and processes that drive it! Explore the TicketHolder dashboard on our website and see what’s in store for you.
Review our Wage Reporting Options:
Whether you are currently working or are looking to, wage reporting is of vital importance and is REQUIRED by both SSA and ERS! Please begin getting familiar with all our tools.
Report Wages to ERS
Now that you’ve partnered with us, you are required to report your earnings and any changes in your employment in a timely manner to ERS as well. By sending in your paystubs, ERS can then provide guidance and support to help you stay on track and achieve your timely progress goals.
Report Wages to SSA
It’s important to report your wages to the Social Security Administration (SSA) to avoid overpayments and ensure your benefits are paid correctly:
Reporting will aid in preventing Social Security from sending you more than you’re eligible to receive. If you are overpaid, you’ll need to pay the difference back to Social Security, so it is important to make yourself familiar with this process and discuss your situation with our Benefits Specialists on your upcoming calls.
