The fall season brings a lot of change, not just in the weather but also in the job market. During this time, many businesses increase their hiring to handle holiday demand and end-of-year projects. This seasonal trend presents opportunity for those who are considering a return to work, and Social Security’s Ticket to Work (TTW) Program can help. TTW allows eligible beneficiaries to explore employment with protections for their benefits and provides access to services that support their career goals.
When returning to work with a disability, it can be helpful to not only think about the type of job but also about the work environment. Starting out with a part-time schedule, remote position or a role with adjustable hours can make it easier to manage your health while exploring work. Consider searching for jobs that provide balance and support to help you succeed long-term.
Industries With Fall Hiring Needs
The start of the school year, upcoming holiday season and post-summer projects all contribute to increased fall hiring. Understanding these trends can help you gear your job search toward industries that are actively hiring, which can increase your chances of finding a position that fits your skills and schedule.
Some of the top industries:
- Education: During the start of the school year, schools fill teaching aide and substitute positions. These jobs typically have a consistent schedule, along with shorter hours, which can be a good fit if you are balancing work with your disability. Check with local schools or job boards like K12JobSpot for available positions.
- Hospitality and tourism: Hotels, restaurants and event venues tend to add staff in the fall to prepare for increased travel, conferences and holiday events. Jobs in this industry can include customer service, event planning and administrative work. Websites like HCareers and Hospitality Online list job postings and career advice, while Poached Jobs and CoolWorks list restaurant and seasonal opportunities.
- Retail and warehousing: The holiday season brings higher demand for in-store and online shopping, causing retailers and distribution centers to add staff. Some of these roles are temporary, which presents a low-pressure opportunity to update skills and test work capabilities. Jobs range from sales associates and cashiers to warehouse packers and drivers. Search websites like Snagajob and ZipRecruiter, or company career pages like Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Target and Walmart.
- Healthcare: As colder weather sets in and flu season begins, hospitals, clinics and care facilities often need extra staff. Jobs in this field range from nurses and therapists to medical assistants, receptionists and patient service representatives. These positions can provide stability and the opportunity to grow into long-term careers. Search local hospital websites or healthcare job boards like Health eCareers for openings.
- Technology: Fall can be a busy time for IT hiring as companies wrap up projects before the year ends. Roles like software developers, data analysts and tech support are in-demand and have strong opportunities for career growth. Check LinkedIn, Dice or company career pages for openings.
Making the Most of Fall Applications
If you’re returning to work after some time away, you may be wondering how to stand out from other applicants. Showcasing your strengths and using available resources, like the TTW Program, can make your applications stronger and set you apart to employers.
You can start by taking a look at your resume and highlighting transferable skills—like problem-solving, organization or communication—that can be valuable for many different kinds of roles. If you feel like your skills could use a re-fresh, consider taking short courses, completing certifications or volunteering to strengthen your resume and show your desire to grow professionally. Coursera and edX offer online courses and certifications while VolunteerMatch connects people with local and/or remote volunteer opportunities.
Next, look for positions that match your abilities and work preferences. You can filter your searches to flexible, part-time or remote roles, which can ease the transition back to work. You can also search on platforms and employer websites that recruit individuals with disabilities, such as AbilityJobs.com or Hire Disability Solutions.
If you think you may need accommodations at work, consider discussing them with employers and planning ahead. Accommodations are your right under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and can be geared toward your unique situation. Examples include flexible scheduling, screen readers, access to quiet spaces or modified workloads.
In addition, Employment Networks (ENs) provide free services through the Ticket to Work Program. ENs assist with finding job opportunities, strengthening resumes and interview preparation. Having professional guidance during the return-to-work process can make it easier to find a job that supports both health needs and employment goals. You can find personalized help through the Social Security Administration’s Choose Work website.
How The Ticket to Work Program Can Help
For many individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), one of the biggest concerns when returning to work is how employment might affect their benefits. Fortunately, the Ticket to Work Program offers work incentives to ease these concerns:
- Trial Work Period (TWP): Allows individuals to test work abilities for nine non-consecutive months while still receiving full SSDI benefits.
- Extended Period of Eligibility (EPE): A 36-month window during which benefits are still received in months when earnings are below $1,620, or $2,700 for blind individuals.
- Expedited Reinstatement (EXR): Benefits restart without having to file a new application if an individual stops working due to their disability.
- Medicare Continuation: Even if monthly SSDI benefits stop due to work activity, Medicare coverage continues for 93 months after the TWP ends.
Taking advantage of work incentives and support services, like Employment Networks, can reduce stress and provide a clear path back to employment, all while keeping your benefits protected.
A Season For New Beginnings
The fall season brings many opportunities in the job market for people with disabilities. Hiring surges in multiple industries create more job openings and the Ticket to Work Program provides tools to support a smoother transition back to employment. By understanding seasonal hiring trends, using available resources and searching for roles that offer flexibility, job seekers can approach the job market with more confidence.