TERRE HAUTE —
Megan Riggs was just like many other people in their late 20s: bright, ambitious and full of life. She earned bachelor degrees in forensic science and biology, with a minor in chemistry. Riggs started working and building her career. In her spare time, she pursued her passion, competitive ballroom dancing.
In January of 2008, Riggs had a major depressive episode. Her illness caused her to lose her job, and financial struggles resulted. Riggs qualified for Social Security disability benefits. The monthly payments helped keep her afloat financially, but even then she had the desire to work again.
Knowing she would need help returning to work, she looked to Social Security’s “Ticket to Work” program and other work incentives for support on her path back toward self-sufficiency.
Riggs learned that the Ticket program was free, voluntary and designed specifically for adults who receive disability benefits through Social Security. She decided the program was a good fit for her, as it would help her find a career that could lead to a brighter future.
Once Riggs made her choice to participate in the Ticket to Work program, she decided to work with an Employment Network that provides employment support and guidance. The EN helped Riggs develop a plan to achieve her work goals and offered advice on career building, job placement, training and counseling. “I could try work,” said Riggs. “I knew I wasn’t going to be on my own.”
Using her Ticket, she was able to test her abilities, build her confidence and continue to receive her benefits while working toward becoming self-sufficient. Through Social Security’s work incentives, she maintained her health care coverage, which gave her peace of mind.
Riggs found stable employment. As a result of her hard work, she now works as a document control specialist, earning more money than she received on disability benefits.
The Ticket to Work program helped Riggs achieve a more fulfilling life by helping her regain the satisfaction of work. She now enjoys working, reading, spending time with her cocker spaniels, and has even been able to return to competitive ballroom dancing.
“With Ticket to Work, I’ve received the tools to excel and the help of people to keep me going.”
Thousands of Social Security beneficiaries like Megan Riggs have earned more money, begun careers, learned new skills, and met new people through the Ticket to Work program. If you’re disabled and ready to change your life through work, this program may be the ticket for you, too. To learn more, visit www.socialsecurity.
gov/work.
Business
Social Security: ‘Ticket to Work’ inspires ballroom dancer
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SOCIAL SECURITY: Can’t work because of disability? Let us help
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Upcoming meetings
The Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce is hosting a health care reform seminar for businesses from 2 to 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday at Old National Insurance at 925 Wabash Ave., suite 200.
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Indiana ranked best place to do business in Midwest
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First Farmers rated among top 100 community banks
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Newsmakers: May 12, 2013
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve has recognized John Thompson, president of Thompson Thrift Construction, and Paul Thrift, president of Thompson Thrift Development, as “Patriotic Employers.”
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On the Move: May 12, 2013
Stacey Joseph, a realtor in Terre Haute, has earned the Certified Residential Specialist designation by the Council of Residential Specialists, the largest not-for-profit affiliate of the National Association of Realtors.
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Chamber lauds four with Business Recognition Awards
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ISU students provide detailed grocery analysis
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Construction firm holding grand opening in Marshall on Friday
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AP Source: Subaru to expand Indiana plant
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Transit proposals can prove to be game changers
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On the Move: May 5, 2013
Melissa Schollaert, RDH, HHP, has been added as a counselor of holistic health and nutrition at The Maple Center for Integrative Health.
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ISU set to offer financial planning program in 2014
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Newsmaker: May 5, 2013
Gov. Mike Pence announced the appointment of Jessica Robertson to commissioner of the Indiana Department of Administration, a role she will begin on Wednesday.
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U.S. Postal Service opens village office in Worthington
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How consistent is your business?
There are six areas in which consistency is critical in the majority of companies. Too often, business owners feel as they are “chasing down” rather than “leading it along.” If you can get a high level of consistency with your standards and practices, then your company will benefit.
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Good time to try Spanish online service
Cinco de Mayo is May 5 — a time to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride. Why not join the celebration by visiting Social Security’s Spanish website, where you’ll find a number of useful services and a wealth of information in Spanish.
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First Financial’s net income up 3 percent
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Curtain goes up on new theater owner
The Indiana Theatre in downtown Terre Haute is under new ownership with a new purpose.
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Indiana Theatre SOLD!
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Rob Lundstrom, who owns the Copper Bar and Louise’s, took possession of the historic downtown theatre on April 25. -
Higher education completion rates questioned
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Vectren Corp. awards $2.3 million in grants
Vectren Corp. has announced that it awarded more than $2.3 million in 2012 through the Vectren Foundation and corporate contributions.
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Hard work, good attitude produces success
Like clockwork, Indiana State University graduate Joe Evelo regularly provides monthly updates to the first client he signed up when he started his financial investment career more than 35 years ago.
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On the move: April 28, 2013
Old National Bank has promoted Howard Mills to vice president, mortgage loan originator.
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Newsmakers: April 28, 2013
Lenise Kohlway of Spencer was presented with the WorkOne Achievement Award last week for overcoming several employment barriers and pursuing a better life for herself.
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Ivy Tech offers free business counseling
The Ivy Tech Business and Entrepreneurial Services Center and the Terre Haute chapter of SCORE are offering free, confidential business counseling and low-cost high-impact training workshops to aspiring entrepreneurs and existing small business owners.
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Social Security: Try this word puzzle challenge
In 1938 — only a couple of years after Social Security was signed into law — a depression-era, unemployed architect named Alfred Mosher Butts studied the front page of The New York Times to figure out how often each of the 26 letters was used. The result was a game he called Criss Cross Words, renamed 10 years later as Scrabble. In honor of Scrabble’s 75th anniversary, we’d like to challenge you to a word puzzle.
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