January 2026 Spotlight on
Social Security Newsletter

Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Spotlight on Social Security Newsletter brings exciting news, work incentive information, success stories, and other valuable information for beneficiaries receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), their families, and the professionals who serve them. Our webinar and newsletter series is offered every other month. Stay informed, subscribe to the Spotlight on Social Security newsletter.

In this issue:

January 15, 2026, Webinar – Take Charge of Your Benefits:
2026 Social Security Disability Updates, Tips and Tools

Time: 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. PST
Location: Zoom
Event Information: Join us to learn about the latest updates at Social Security and how they may affect your benefits. This session will cover key changes to both SSI and SSDI benefits. Learn how to manage your benefits, avoid overpayments, and make the most of available resources in the New Year.

Register for the January 15 Webinar Today

Featured Spotlight Article: Key Social Security Changes for 2026

As we welcome the New Year, this edition brings you the latest updates from Social Security, along with tips to help you stay organized and manage your benefits. We wish you a healthy, happy and successful 2026!

Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA)

The Social Security Administration (SSA) announced a 2.8% COLA increase for benefits next year. This means your monthly SSI or SSDI check will increase slightly to help keep up with rising costs. For more information, visit Social Security’s Website for details.

Changes to Social Security Office Appointment Procedures

SSA offices are now appointment-focused, which means most in-person services require a scheduled appointment. Walk-ins are limited to urgent, critical or time sensitive needs. This change is meant to reduce long wait times and make services easier to manage online or by phone. Recent improvements to Social Security’s webpage and automated phone services allow many people to manage their benefits remotely without having to visit an office.

You can schedule appointments by calling the national call center or by contacting your local SSA office. Learn more by watching SSA’s " Conducting Business with Social Security " video.

Options for services:

Online Services

SSA has expanded on-line tools for safe and secure access to online services. Do you want to create a "my Social Security" account:

SSI Updates

The maximum SSI payments in California will increase. The chart below shows the most common SSI maximum payment amounts.

Maximum SSI payment amounts in California for 2026
Category SSI CA Supplement Monthly Payment
Individual $994.00 $239.94 $1,233.94
Individual Living in the Household of Another $662.67 $245.20 $907.87
Blind Individual $994.00 $324.32 $1,318.32
Couple $1,491.00 $607.83 $2,098.83
Blind Couple $1,491.00 $833.35 $2,324.35

  • SSI Rule to Maximize Payments

    Did you know? SSA has a rental rule that may help some SSI recipients receive the maximum SSI payment. If you pay at least $351.33 per month in rent in 2026, which Social Security calls the Presumed Maximum Value, you may be eligible for the full SSI payment.

    This can be especially helpful if you rent from a family member (parent, child or other relative). Consider reviewing your living arrangement and reporting your rent to Social Security. This can make a meaningful difference for individuals and families.

    1. Check if your rent qualifies:

      You pay $351.33 or more per month in rent.

    2. Gather proof:

      Keep copies of your rental agreement, rent receipts, bank statements or statement from your landlord showing how much rent you pay.

    3. Contact Social Security:

      If you receive less than the SSI maximum payment, reach out to your local office to ask for a review of your SSI payment based on your living arrangement.

  • Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE)

    This program allows eligible students under age 22 who are regularly attending school to exclude up to $2,410 per month in 2026 (up to $9,730 per year) from their earned income. This program helps students keep more of their SSI benefits while gaining valuable work experience and completing their education. For details, read the Spotlight on Student Earned Income Exclusion.

SSDI Updates

Earnings Limits Will Increase in 2026

These changes allow SSDI recipients to work and earn more while keeping their benefits, beginning in January 2026. For more details, read the Social Security 2026 Cost of Living Adjustment Fact Sheet.

Trial Work Period (TWP) Earnings Threshold: Individuals on SSDI testing their ability to work during the nine-month TWP will only use a TWP month if their earnings exceed $1,210 per month.

Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA): You can explore work and keep your disability benefits while earning up to $1,690 per month ($2,830 per month for blind individuals). SSA also has many work incentives that can help reduce the income counted when determining SGA.

Medicare Part B Premium Update: The standard Medicare Part B premium will increase to $202.90 per month in 2026, which covers services like doctor visits and outpatient care. Most people have this premium automatically deducted from their SSDI checks. While Part B has a cost, Medicare Part A, which covers hospital stays, is free, and Part D helps with prescription drug costs. If you need help covering Medicare premiums and other costs, find out how Medicare Savings Programs in California may help.

Overpayments

Overpayments occur when Social Security doesn’t have up to date information about your situation, which results in them paying you more than they should. When this happens, they will take back the extra amount by withholding part of your monthly payment, this is called an overpayment. If you’ve been overpaid, you should contact Social Security to understand the cause of the overpayment, discuss repayment options or ask for a waiver if the overpayment was not your fault and you can’t afford to pay it back. For more details, read the Social Security Overpayment Fact Sheet. Key points to know:

Key Differences Between SSI and SSDI Recovery

Feature SSI SSDI
Amount Withheld 10% of monthly payment 50% of monthly payment
Request lower amount Yes - as low as $10/month Yes - as low as $10/month
Administrative waiver Yes Yes

  • SSI Recipients

    • How SSA recovers the overpayment: SSA will withhold 10% of your monthly SSI payment until the overpayment is paid off. Example, if your SSI payment is $1,233.94, they will withhold $123 per month.
    • Request a lower amount: If 10% is too much, you can ask for a lower amount. In some cases, you can pay as little as $10 per month. Call SSA or use the Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate Form.

  • SSDI Recipients

    • How SSA recovers the overpayment: SSA often withholds your full monthly SSDI benefits until the overpayment is paid off. The default amount was adjusted to 50% of your SSDI payment in April 2025. Example: if your SSDI payment is $1,500, they will withhold $750.00.
    • Request a lower amount: You can request a lower amount by setting up a payment plan with Social Security, call or use the Request for Change in Overpayment Recovery Rate Form.

  • Both SSI &SSDI

    • Extended repayment plans: SSA may allow repayment plans for up to 60 months, giving you more flexibility.
    • Administrative Waiver: If the overpayment was not your fault and is $2,000 or less, SSA may approve your waiver quickly over the phone.
    • Waiver: If the overpayment was not your fault and you cannot afford to pay it back or think it is unfair for other reasons complete a Request for Waiver of Overpayment Recovery.
    • Appeal: If you don't agree with the overpayment or the amount you can submit a Request for Reconsideration within 60 days of the notice. This is your chance to share updated information or documentation for Social Security to review.

SSA Resources

For questions or assistance, we encourage you to contact SSA directly.

Resources to Help You Take Charge of Your Benefits

Ticket to Work (TTW)

TTW website offers fact sheets, webinars and a find help tool to help you connect to free employment services or benefits planning.

DOR Social Security Programs and Disability Benefit Planning Services

Tools, support, information, webinars, newsletters and access to recorded videos on our YouTube Channel, to help you move confidently toward your employment goals.

Social Security Red Book

Social Security’s handbook on employment supports, with clear explanations and real-life examples to help people understand the work incentives that help protect benefits.

Disability Benefits 101 Website (DB101)

Interactive tools and information tailored for Californians to navigate work incentives and benefits.

California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CalABLE)

With a CalABLE account, you can save for school, living expenses, or your future while keeping your SSI, Medi-Cal and other public benefits. Money in a CalABLE account doesn’t count toward the SSI $2,000 resource limit, helping protect SSI eligibility.

This Month’s DOR Work Incentive Planning Services (WIP Services) Success Story

Manuel’s Path to Greater Independence

Manuel, a 20-year-old student living with his parents was referred to Becky, a DOR Work Incentive Planner (WIP), by his school district’s employment specialist. While Manuel manages his own SSI benefits, his father provides ongoing support and joined meetings with the help of a Spanish-speaking DOR Rehabilitation Counselor, who provided translation services to keep him informed throughout the process.

During the review of Manuel’s Social Security Benefits Planning Query (BPQY), Becky discovered that his living arrangement had been reported incorrectly, resulting in a lower SSI payment each month. Manuel was also participating in paid work experience while attending school. Becky explained SSI rules and work incentives and recommended that Manuel apply for the Student Earned Income Exclusion (SEIE). SEIE helps students under age 22 exclude up to $2,410 per month (up to $9,730 per year in 2026) from earned income, helping them keep the full SSI payment and Medi-Cal coverage while working.

With help from his school, Manuel gathered his records and submitted them to his local SSA office to request SEIE. Becky also guided Manuel and his father in creating a simple rental agreement, which they provided to SSA as proof of his living arrangement. As a result, Social Security approved both the SEIE and corrected his living arrangement, increasing his monthly SSI payment to the maximum amount and allowing him to keep his full SSI payment while working.

This success story shows how collaboration between the student, family, school staff, Work Incentive Planner and Rehabilitation Counselor can lead to meaningful outcomes. With the right planning and support, people with disabilities can build skills, earn income, and work toward financial independence.

Watch Inspiring Success Stories on Our Spotlight on Social Security YouTube Channel.

Work with a Work Incentive Planner!

Thinking about getting a job but not sure how it will affect your benefits? A WIP can help!

  • Learn the details about how work affects SSI or SSDI.
  • Get the facts about keeping Medi-Cal or Medicare while working.
  • Make informed decisions with confidence.

Talk to your DOR counselor for a referral for DOR Work Incentive Planning Services.

Want to learn more? Watch our Overview of Work Incentive Planning Services video.

If you're not receiving DOR services, contact the Ticket-to-Work Helpline for free benefits planning through a local Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program. Call 1-866-968-7842 (TTY: 1-866-833-2967) or visit the Ticket to Work Find Help Tool.

Interested in Receiving DOR Services?

If you are ready to take the first step in an exciting journey with the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR), contact a local office to request an application. Go to the DOR Website to find the closest office to your home. You will need to provide additional information about yourself to request services.

Subscribe to our monthly Spotlight on Social Security Newsletter, Browse past newsletters online or visit our Spotlight on Social Security YouTube channel for recorded videos.

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