TRANSPORTATION SAFETY TIPS Protect Your Children During Their Commute
Kids on the Road Whether your child is biking, walking, or even skateboarding, it’s vital that they know and follow the rules of the road. All children should practice road safety behavior, such as riding on the right side of the road, wearing helmets, stopping at stop signs, and watching out for cars. Internalizing these habits will help them stay aware of their surroundings when traveling to and from school. Sharing the Road When school starts, the roads become even more cluttered than usual. On top of people heading to work, there are large buses making frequent stops, parents rushing to drop their kids off, and young kids biking or walking to school. With the added tension on the road, it’s important to be alert and move cautiously. Slowing down in school zones or around young pedestrians will keep you vigilant and could potentially save lives.
With the school year fast approaching, families are in preparation mode. Parents are busy buying new clothes and school supplies and thinking about the best way to get their kids safely to school. Keeping your child safe on their commute starts with knowing the transportation method that works best for you and the rules that accompany that method. Taking the School Bus According to the United States Department of Transportation, the school bus is the safest means of transportation to and from school. Buses are built to withstand a hit and distribute the damage throughout the vehicle, keeping its passengers safe and sound. Knowing basic bus safety will help kids be mindful when taking the bus. Before the school year starts, take your children to the bus stop and show them where they should stand when the bus approaches — a minimum of three large steps or 6 feet from the street. Tell your kids about the importance of sitting still and not standing in the bus while it’s in motion. As Brian discussed on this month’s cover, Ticket to Work is a great program for those looking to become more independent and test their ability to return to work while continuing to receive disability benefits from the Social Security Administration. Here are some frequently asked questions about the program to help you understand if it’s the right fit for you! Who Can Qualify? Anyone aged 18–64 who receives Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and/or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and has a desire to work can apply for a Ticket to Work. The program is voluntary and completely free. How Are Benefits Affected? You will continue to receive your benefits until you begin earning wages or self-employment income above the applicable earnings limit for the Supplemental Security Income or Social Security Disability Insurance program. In addition, Social Security cannot perform a medical “Continuing Disability Review” to determine whether you continue to have a disability while you are participating in the Ticket Program and progressing toward your employment goal. Your medical benefits through Medicare will remain for at least 93 months after you start work. In the event your disability proves too prohibitive and your income drops or you stop work entirely, the SSA will put you on a fast track to restoring your benefits. Who Can Help Me Find a Job? The Social Security Administration (SSA) has established partnerships with service providers, in the form of state-operated vocational rehabilitation agencies and employment networks, to provide support to those
Teach your kids to be prepared and safe on the road to ensure that they have a healthy and safe school year.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Is Ticket to Work Right for You?
applying for and enrolled in the Ticket to Work Program. These service providers, like The Choice Group (www.thechoicegroup.com) in Richmond, can provide you with free, direct support when it comes to seeking employment, accommodating your work and disability needs, and seeking educational and job training opportunities. Does the Program Have Requirements? Ticket to Work is a two-way street. In return for the support and suspended medical reviews, the SSA asks that you make progress toward being gainfully employed. The measurement of this progress is determined by a mix of your long-term employment goals and timelines set by the SSA. What if I Don’t Meet These Timelines? If you fall behind on your employment plan, the SSA will no longer postpone your medical reviews. However, so long as you are still receiving SSDI/SSI benefits, you can continue to receive the support and resources available through the Ticket to Work program, regardless of whether or not you are deemed to be progressing. What if I Start Making Progress Again? If at any point you feel you are advancing toward meeting the SSA’s timetable again, you can call the Ticket to Work Help Line. If the SSA determines you still qualify for the Ticket to Work program and are making discernible progress, they will once again suspend medical reviews. For more answers to frequently asked questions, visit choosework. ssa.gov/about/faqs/index.html. The Work Readiness Quiz will also help you think through some of the factors about pursuing work that you need to consider (app.keysurvey.com/f/578048/3b05/).
2 | GilletteLawGroup.com
Made with FlippingBook - professional solution for displaying marketing and sales documents online