Benefits to Independence 101 - Module 1

Session 1 - Social Security Disability Benefits Myth #1: If I go to work, I’ll lose my cash benefits.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the truth about working and benefits – Learn why getting a job does not automatically mean losing your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) cash benefits.

• Recognize key work incentives – Identify the programs and safety nets, like Trial Work Periods and Earned Income Exclusions, that allow you to work while keeping some or all of your benefits.

• Know your reporting responsibilities – Understand how and when to report earnings to Social Security to avoid overpayments and keep your benefits accurate.

• Access available support services – Learn how to connect with resources such as Work Incentive Planners, the Ticket to Work program, and Disability Benefits 101 to guide your employment journey.

• Build confidence toward financial independence – Gain the tools and information to make informed decisions about work, reduce fear of losing benefits, and take steps toward greater independence.

Go to Session 1

---

Session 2 - Social Security Disability Benefits Myth #2: If I go to work, I’ll lose my health benefits.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the myth that working automatically causes you to lose your Medicare or Medi-Cal health benefits and learn why this is not true.

• Identify key programs and work incentives from Social Security, the Department of Rehabilitation, and other organizations that help you keep health coverage while working.

• Learn about Medicare and Medi-Cal employment supports, including how Trial Work Periods, Extended Medicare coverage, Section 1619(b), and the 250% Working Disabled Program protect benefits.

• Know where to get help and reliable information—such as Work Incentive Planners, Disability Benefits 101, and Disability Rights California—for personalized guidance on benefits and work.

• Build confidence to pursue employment while keeping essential health coverage, using available supports to balance work and benefits successfully.

Go to Session 2

---

Session 3 - Social Security Disability Benefits Myth #3: If I go to work and must stop working because of my disability, I won’t be able to get back on benefits.

Learning Objectives:

• Know that you can get your benefits back if you try working but have to stop because of your disability

• Learn about Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) and how it helps you restart your benefits without starting over with a new application

• Understand the steps to follow if you need to get your benefits back after working

• Explore available supports and programs – Recognize the role of the California Department of Rehabilitation, the Ticket to Work Program, Work Incentive Planning and Assistance projects, Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security, and the Disability Benefits 101 website in helping you work while protecting your benefits.

• Gain confidence to try working – Feel prepared to pursue employment knowing there are protections in place if things do not work out.

Go to Session 3

---

Session 4 - Understanding Your Disability Benefits: What You Receive and Why It Matters.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the two main disability benefit programs – Learn what Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) are, how they work, and who qualifies for each.

• Identify eligibility requirements – Be able to recognize the financial, medical, and work history criteria for SSI and SSDI.

• Know the health coverage options – Understand how SSI connects to Medi-Cal and how SSDI connects to Medicare, including differences in timing and coverage.

• Recognize when someone can receive both benefits – Learn what "concurrent benefits" are and how they can provide dual medical coverage.

Go to Session 4

---

What's Next After Module 1?

When you finish Session 4, your next step depends on the type of Social Security benefits you receive.

Next Steps

You have completed Module 1. Please select the link below that matches your type of Social Security benefits:

Module 2 – Session 5 Click here to go to Module 2 - Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Module 3 – Session 13 Click here to go to Module 3 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

---