Advocations

12/17/2025

Dreaming of Being Your Own Boss? Let’s Make It Real. 💼✨

Think self-employment is off the table because you receive SSI or SSDI? Think again.

We know the system can feel rigid, but the Ticket to Work program isn’t just for traditional 9-to-5 jobs. As the image says, "Your Ticket is a Tool, Not a Trap." It can actually be your backstage pass to launching your own venture.

Here is the reality check on how to move from "dreaming" to "doing."

🔹 Communication is Critical - If you want to launch a business, you have to be transparent. Loop in your Employment Network (EN) from day one. Navigating self-employment income reporting with Social Security is different than standard wages—you need a partner who knows the ropes so you don't face scary surprises later.

🔹 Find the Right "Vibe" - Not all Employment Networks support self-employment. Many shy away from it because it’s complex. You need to find a team that vibes with your vision and isn't afraid of the extra paperwork. (Hint: We love a challenge).

🔹 Already Started - Dabbled in freelance work? Done gig economy jobs? If you have a 1099, you’ve already dipped your toes in entrepreneurial waters. You have the grit—now you just need the strategy.

Ready to build your empire without losing your peace of mind?

We work different. The A-Team is here to help you navigate the "oh-nos" and the unknowns of starting a business.

👇 Drop a comment or send us a message to chat with a Career Coach today.

Dreaming of Being Your Own Boss? Let’s Make It Real.

12/16/2025

Let’s be honest: Is there anything scarier than seeing a thick envelope from Social Security in your mailbox? ✉️😟

We call it the "Income Scaries." It’s that nagging fear that if you try to work, you’ll lose your safety net.

We are here to tell you: Don't panic.

There is a huge myth that earning a paycheck means losing your benefits dollar-for-dollar. That is simply not true. The system is designed so that you have more total money in your pocket when you work—and the new 2026 guidelines make that math even better.

In our new blog post, we break it down:
✅ The "Secret Math" of SSI (it’s better than you think).
✅ How the 2026 cost-of-living changes help you.
✅ Why you can hold a job and keep your medical benefits.

Read the full article and try our income calculator here: 👉 https://advocations.io/post/what-are-earnings

Green gradient ADVO square logo for Advocations

12/11/2025

The hardest part of going back to work isn't the job itself.

It’s the fear of the "benefits cliff."

The paperwork is scary. The rules are confusing. And the thought of accidentally messing up your safety net is paralyzing.

We get it. That’s why you don't have to do it alone.

As your Career Coaches, the A-Team is here to navigate the scary legal and medical complexities with you. We handle the "oh-nos" and the unknowns so you can focus on what matters: building your career.

Tired of the limitations? Ready to take control?

Let's talk!

12/04/2025

Does the idea of "new Social Security rules" for 2026 make your stomach drop? We get it. The paperwork is heavy, and the fear of messing up your benefits is real.

But here is some good news from the A-Team:

Starting January 1, 2026, the earnings threshold for the Trial Work Period (TWP) is going UP.

💰 2025 Limit: $1,160 💰 2026 Limit: $1,210

What does this actually mean? It means you have a little more breathing room. You can earn up to $1,210 in a month before it counts as one of your nine "trial" months.

Returning to work shouldn't feel like walking a tightrope without a net. The system is built to let you try, and we are here to help you navigate the unknowns.

We broke down exactly how these new numbers work (and how to report them safely) in our latest guide.

👇 Get the full details here: https://advocations.io/post/twp-guide

Know someone who is worried about returning to work? Share this post to let them know the safety net is stronger than they think.

If you receive SSDI—January 1st usually brings a little bit of anxiety about government math.

07/19/2024

Why we LOVE Tuesdays at Advocations 👊🏻 Thanks for the shoutout Metrolina Association For The Blind… looking for a job? Show up!

Job Search Support Group for People With Disabilities

As we continue our focus this month on accessibility in Charlotte, let's not forget about employment! Advocations, Charlotte Works, and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library present "Stronger Together" weekly job search support meetings. Practice self-care and smart strategies in choosing and securing your next job. Share your journey at all stages of career development.

10 a.m. Tuesdays at the Charlotte Independence Regional Library, 6000 Conference Drive

Advocations provides services to support individuals with disabilities and help businesses make jobs more accessible.

03/16/2023

If you receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI), you probably have a lot of questions about how work will affect your benefits. Join on March 22 at 3 p.m. ET as they answer some of your questions and tell you how you can get started with Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program! choosework.ssa.gov/wise

Attend a free Work Incentive Seminar Event (WISE) online webinar to learn about the Ticket to Work program or Work Incentives.

10/12/2022

October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month! Today we want to celebrate Corbin Whittington, an Advocations client who has achieved great success through the Ticket to Work program.

Interested in getting back to work? Advocations can help! We've got a great team that can provide benefits counseling, assist with job development, and more.

10/06/2022

One of the questions we get asked the most is how working impacts medical benefits. Join for this month's WISE Webinar on October 16th at 3pm ET to get the answers you need! Register here: https://choosework.ssa.gov/wise

09/29/2022

You've been selected for an interview! Are you prepared? Learn how to showcase your skills and talents with Advocations on Tuesday, October 4th at 3pm. Register today:
https://form.jotform.com/222624663609156

09/16/2022

If you receive Social Security disability benefits (SSDI/SSI), you probably have a lot of questions about how work will affect your benefits. Join on September 28 at 3 p.m. ET as they answer some of your questions and tell you how you can get started with Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program!

choosework.ssa.gov/wise

09/07/2022

TODAY at 2pm ET we'll be offering a free webinar to help you make a great first impression with your cover letter! If you're applying to jobs but not hearing back, this may be exactly what you need. Register now: https://form.jotform.com/222335642806151