Ticket to Work Success Story

Rob McClain Lost 300lbs, Gained a Kidney, and Recovered Stability

Our You Can Work blog series continues to highlight the achievements of adults with disabilities who found their path to a better future with help from Social Security’s Ticket to Work program. The latest success story features Rob McClain, an energetic entrepreneur who cared for neighbors in his hometown as an employer, as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician (EMT). When renal failure made it necessary for Rob to shut down his business and quit work, he wondered whether his time was up. Rob underwent gastric bypass surgery to improve his chances of having a successful kidney transplant. He was approved to receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and prepared for the long road of medical challenges that lay ahead.

While in the hospital, Rob earned a bachelor’s degree online and received a heroic gift from his friend Pam Nelson. Pam donated a kidney for his transplant and the surgery was a success! When he felt ready to return to the workforce, Rob sought help from Wisconsin’s state VR agency (VR). He learned he was eligible to receive free employment support services through Social Security’s Ticket to Work program. These services can help Social Security beneficiaries age 18-64 prepare for, find and retain employment. VR agencies and providers known as employment networks (ENs) offer this help to job seekers with disabilities like Rob.

Rob was glad when he found a job with Wisconsin’s Department of Transportation (DOT), but was concerned about losing his benefits. To learn how work would affect his SSDI and Medicare, Rob consulted a benefits counselor at an EN called Employment Resources, Inc. (ERI). He was relieved when his benefits counselor told him about rules called Work Incentives that would allow him to focus on readjusting to the workforce without fear of losing his benefits.

“I love my job,” he says. “The people I work with are like family and I get to interact with the community again. When I was sick I had to give up a lot. The [Ticket] program helped me transition back to stability, and it feels great to have choices again.”

With the right support, Rob found his path to a better future. Find yours. Visit the website for more inspiring stories and learn how Social Security’s Ticket to Work program can help you.To learn more, call the Ticket to Work Help Line at 1-866-968-7842 (V); 866-833-2967 (TTY), or visit www.socialsecurity.gov/work