Allsup Employment Services Supports HIRE Act To Reduce Barriers, Support Employers With Hiring Goals
Proposed legislation would encourage employers to hire through expanded federal tax incentives, supporting Ticket to Work Program participants
Belleville, Illinois — Jan. 29, 2026 —Allsup Employment Services (AES), a Social Security-authorized Employment Network (EN), highlights the potential impact of the recently proposed Helping Individuals Rejoin Employment (HIRE) Act. The bipartisan legislation would expand the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) to include individuals receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) as a participating group for employer tax incentives. At a time when employers face persistent labor shortages and individuals with disabilities continue to experience lower labor force participation when compared to those without disabilities, the proposal could benefit both job seekers and businesses.
The bill, introduced by U.S. Representatives French Hill (Republican, Arkansas), Mike Carey (Republican, Ohio), Sharice Davids (Democrat, Kansas), Debbie Dingell (Democrat, Michigan) and Nicole Malliotakis (Republican, New York), would extend WOTC for five years and expand eligibility to include SSDI beneficiaries. Under WOTC, employers receive a tax credit for hiring qualified individuals who have historically experienced barriers to employment.
“When the Ticket to Work Program was created to help SSDI beneficiaries return to work and move toward financial independence, one critical element was overlooked: engaging employers,” said Jim Allsup, founder and CEO of AES. “The HIRE Act helps close that gap by bringing businesses into the process and encouraging them to hire former workers seeking a path back to self-sufficiency.”
The legislation aligns with the goals of the Ticket to Work Program, a free and voluntary initiative that is overseen by the Social Security Administration. The Ticket program provides employment support for adults ages 18 through 64 who receive SSDI and want to return to work. AES, as an Employment Network, offers services such as career counseling, job placement assistance and ongoing support to help individuals pursue their employment goals.
“The HIRE Act would help employers feel more confident about hiring workers who participate in the Ticket to Work Program by making a financial incentive available where one did not formally exist,” said Diane Winiarski, senior director at AES. “This type of policy could complement the work we do every day with individuals who want to pursue meaningful employment. It also offers encouragement to employers with reservations about hiring individuals who have experienced medical setbacks during their careers.”
Expanding WOTC to include SSDI recipients could address persistent hiring concerns. While the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits employment discrimination, many employers are unfamiliar with inclusive hiring practices or have questions about training and retention costs. WOTC can help offset these perceived challenges. Research consistently shows that employees with disabilities demonstrate strong retention and performance, further strengthening the case for inclusive hiring, Winiarski said.
The Ticket to Work Program supports individuals who want to explore employment without immediately losing their SSDI benefits or healthcare coverage. Participants can access services and guidance as they gradually increase their work activity. By drawing attention to the HIRE Act, AES emphasizes the value of policies that support both job seekers with disabilities and employers striving to build more inclusive workplaces.
Learn more about returning to work with free services from Allsup Employment Services and the Ticket to Work Program by calling (866) 540-5105 or visit AllsupEmploymentServices.com.
ABOUT ALLSUP EMPLOYMENT SERVICES
Allsup Employment Services, LLC, a subsidiary of Allsup LLC, is a Social Security Administration-authorized Employment Network, providing free services to beneficiaries through the Ticket to Work Program. Allsup Employment Services professionals deliver resources and services nationwide to help Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) recipients take full advantage of the incentives and support that are available to them when they return to work, including protecting their SSDI benefits and cessation of Continuing Disability Reviews. Learn more at AllsupEmploymentServices.com or @AllsupESWork.