In 1999, former President Clinton signed legislation creating within the Social Security Administration the Ticket-to-Work and Self Sufficiency program. This program provides Social Security beneficiaries with disabilities more choices for receiving employment services. This legislation was designed to help eliminate the barriers that disability beneficiaries encounter when attempting to return to work. As of July 1, South Oaks Hospital in Amityville, became the very first program approved in New York State to be designated a provider of services to these beneficiaries. South Oaks Hospital has been named an "Employment Network," and will be working to help facilitate a successful return to work for many Social Security beneficiaries.

The Social Security Administration will be providing beneficiaries with a ticket that they may use to obtain employment services from South Oaks Hospital. The program was put in place to help the many individuals with disabilities that have the interest and motivation to return to the world of work, minimizing their need for long term financial benefits. For more information about the program at South Oaks Hospital, call their Employment Program at 631-264-4000, extension 5052.