Financial Security
SWCI Programs
We will help you find a job
Whether you are looking for your first job or getting a new one, SWCI can help. Our Employment Specialists work closely with adults and transition age youth to assess your interests and skills, and then find/get/keep a job in your community. Many supports can be provided either in person or on-line.
The Employment program is funded by contracts with the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), the Social Security Administration, and other funding.
Southwest Center for Independence is an authorized provider of Social Security’s Ticket to Work Program.
SWCI Programs
Everything you need to know about ticket to work
Ticket to Work is a FREE and voluntary long-term program that can help people who are receiving Social Security benefits return to work and become financially independent. The program can provide services for people who want to work their way off of Social Security income.
Eligibility
Age 18-64
Currently receiving SSI and/or SSDI
Working or actively seeking employment
Goal of not needing Social Security income
Services
Assistance with income reporting
Responding to paperwork from SSA
Career advancement
Accommodation Requests
SW Employment
Benefits Coaching
Our certified Benefits Counselor can help you understand how returning to work may affect all of your benefits including: food assistance (SNAP), housing assistance, Medicare and Medicaid, SSI and/or SSDI.
SWCI Programs
Pre-Employment Transition Services
For youth aged 15 – 21 who are enrolled in secondary or post-secondary education and eligible for IEP or 504 Plan
Pre-employment Support Details
- Job Exploration Counseling
- Work-based experiences, which may include
- in-school or after-school opportunities,
- experiences outside of the traditional school setting, and/or
- internships.
- Counseling on opportunities for enrollment in comprehensive transition or postsecondary educational programs
- Workplace readiness training to develop social skills and independent living
- Instruction in self-advocacy
Other Pre-Employment Support
- DVR intakes and service navigation
- Classes around job and social skills
- Job exploration and interests counseling
- Career planning
- Resumes and cover letters
- Job applications
- Job search assistance
- Mock interviews
- Volunteer opportunities
- Enrollment in postsecondary educational programs
- Starting your own business
On-the-Job Supports
- On-the-job coaching and training
- Self-advocacy training and negotiations
- Problem solving at the workplace with your coworkers and supervisor
- Reasonable accommodation requests
- Assistance navigating Social Security and medical benefits when you return to work
- Assistance with income reporting
- Career advancement
- Responding to paperwork from SSA
SWCI HOUSING PROGRAM
Housing Vouchers
Our Housing Voucher Waiting List is CLOSED.
Our Housing Voucher Administrator coordinates a variety of Housing Vouchers through a contract with the Colorado Division of Housing. These vouchers are exclusively for people with disabilities. Tenants pay 30% of their monthly income towards rent, and the remainder is paid by the state. The participant is free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program, instead of the specifically assigned subsidized units in housing projects. Housing can include single-family homes, townhouses and apartments. More information on vouchers can be found on the Colorado Department of Local Affairs website.
If you are an existing Voucher holder with SWCI and have issues specifically related to your Voucher, please call Hilary Erickson at 970-903-5974.
If you would like assistance with general housing issues, please contact an Independent Living Specialist at 970-259-1672.
SWCI Quick Links
Explore Southwest Center for Independence
Donate to Southwest Center for Independence
Invest with SWCI to create a world where people with disabilities are valued friends and neighbors who participate in their communities!