Welcome to the Ticket to Work Program
The Ticket to Work program offers Social Security beneficiaries a free and voluntary pathway to employment. This program aims to help you secure a good job, develop a career, and achieve financial independence, all while maintaining your Medicare or Medicaid benefits.
If you receive Social Security benefits due to a disability and are aged 18 to 64, you likely already qualify for this program. By joining the Ticket to Work program, you can explore job opportunities, gain valuable guidance on available work incentives, and receive ongoing support on your journey toward financial independence.
Whether you’re considering entering the workforce or are already employed and striving for self-sufficiency, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Learn more about how we can help you achieve your goals and become a part of your success story.
What is Ticket To Work
This video introduces the Ticket to Work Program, including who is eligible, what the Ticket Program can offer you, and how to get more information. Find out if the Ticket Program is right for you!
About Us
Advance to Work is a National Employment Network for the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work program.
Raymundo F. Patino
Raymundo F. Patino is the visionary Founder and Program Coordinator of Advance To Work, a nationally recognized Employment Network approved by Social Security Administration. A certified Community Partner Work Incentive Counselor through Virginia Commonwealth University, Raymundo brings deep expertise and strategic insight to the field of disability employment services.
He began his career as an Employment Specialist in 2015, supporting Social Security beneficiaries through the Ticket to Work program, with personalized guidance and benefits planning. In 2018, Raymundo founded Advance To Work to expand that impact—building a mission-driven organization rooted in compliance, accessibility, and client empowerment.
Under his leadership, Advance To Work has helped hundreds of individuals pursue financial independence through meaningful employment. The organization has proudly been a member of the National Employment Network Association (NENA) since its inception, continuously advancing best practices in workforce development and disability inclusion.
Linda Patino
With over 28 years of dedicated service, Linda excels in assisting individuals with returning to work and pursuing career advancement opportunities. Her journey with the Social Security Administration’s Ticket to Work Program began in 2003, and since then, she has successfully helped numerous individuals achieve their goals of re-entering the workforce.
In 2010, Linda became a certified Community Partner Work Incentives Counselor, diligently updating her training annually to provide expert guidance on benefits and work incentives. Her commitment to continuous learning ensures that she remains at the forefront of her field.
Throughout her tenure, Linda has actively participated in various committees and established robust partnerships with American Job Centers, State Vocational Rehabilitation agencies, employers, and educational institutions. These collaborations have significantly enhanced services and opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
During her 28 years with the Tulare County Office of Education, Linda has managed several key programs, including the Ticket to Work Program, WIOA Youth Services, and the CalWORKS Return to Work Program. Her expertise spans providing services to individuals of all ages and building a vast knowledge of resources to support those she serves.
Monica Walls
Monica joined Advance To Work in February 2023 as an Employment Specialist, bringing over 18 years of hands-on experience supporting adults with special needs. Her deep understanding of the day-to-day challenges faced by individuals with disabilities fuels her compassionate and client-centered approach.
Monica is a Certified Community Partner Work Incentives Coordinator (CPWIC), trained through Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU). This credential reflects her commitment to helping Social Security beneficiaries navigate work incentives and pursue meaningful employment. She actively expands her knowledge of available services and supports, ensuring each client receives tailored guidance that empowers progress toward self-sufficiency.
Known for her empathy, persistence, and practical insight, Monica is a trusted advocate and resource for those she serves. Her work embodies Advance To Work’s mission: to uplift individuals through opportunity, encouragement, and expert support.
Benny Rivera
Benny Rivera is a longtime Tulare County resident and dedicated advocate for inclusive employment. She joined Advance to Work in 2025, continuing her mission to empower individuals with disabilities through dignity, opportunity, and expert guidance.
With over 26 years at Tulare County Office of Education, Benny supported thousands of youth—providing resume coaching, job search assistance, and securing hundreds of meaningful work placements. Her strong relationships with local employers helped open doors for families across the region. Known for her adaptability and team spirit, she consistently embraced new challenges with grace.
Certified as a Community Work Incentives Counselor since 2018, Benny expanded her expertise through Ticket program services and transitioned in 2020 to focus on youth with disabilities. Fluent in English and Spanish, she builds trust across diverse communities and helps clients navigate interviews, benefits, and workplace transitions with clarity and compassion.
Services
Pre-Employment Services
- Job Seeking Skills
- Career Counseling
- Job Search
- Resume Writing
- Job Development
- Interview Skills
- Referral to Community Resources
Post Employment Services
- On-going Work Incentives and Benefit Counseling
- Long Term Case Management
- Community Resources
- Peer Support If Need It
- Advice On Career Advancement Opportunities
- Provide Information On Job Accommodations
- Wage Reporting
Success Stories
Hear the real stories from actual Social Security beneficiaries of how they took advantage of the free employment services provided by the Ticket to Work program to put themselves on the path to a better self-supporting future.
Vilmarie remembers the day that Multiple Sclerosis (MS) came into her life with no warning and no indication of leaving. The energetic 26-year-old worked in retail and spent a lot of time on her feet. So when she experienced sudden fatigue, numbness and discomfort in her legs one morning, she thought she just needed some rest. But the strange feelings came back. Blurred vision and vertigo were added to the litany of unpredictable….
Interest Form
For Information On Services, Please Complete This Interest Form And We Will Contact You As Soon As Possible.
Web Links:
Advance To Work (866) 570-9201 P.O. Box 7175 Visalia, CA 93290
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