May 2025 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 are offered every other month.

In this issue:

Busting the Biggest Myth About Working While on Disability Benefits

Check out the newest update to the Empowerment Essentials section of the DOR website! Many people think, “If I go to work, I’ll lose my SSI or SSDI cash benefits. But that’s NOT true, working doesn’t automatically stop your benefits. There are programs and work incentives that can help you start working while keeping some or all of your benefits. Don’t let fear stand in the way of your goals, your future is full of possibilities!

Learn the Facts

Upcoming May 15 Webinar – Navigating Social Security Online Tools

This month's webinar:

Title: Navigating Social Security Online Tools
Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. PST
Location: Zoom
Event Information: Discover the latest updates to Social Security’s website and learn how to make the most of online tools. From creating a my Social Security Account to reporting wages, updating personal information, printing a benefits verification letter, changing direct deposit, and even filing an appeal about a decision that was made. No need to stand in line, you can now handle many tasks without visiting an office.

Register for the May 15 Webinar

Featured Spotlight Article – Managing Social Security Benefits Online

Managing your Social Security benefits doesn’t have to mean waiting in line or making a trip to the office. With a free and secure my Social Security account, you can access helpful tools and services anytime. Social Security has expanded its online services to help you take care of your business quickly and easily. Below, you’ll find some of the most popular tools available, along with tips on how to get started.

What is a my Social Security Account?

A my Social Security account is a free and secure online account that lets you access Social Security’s online services and manage your benefits. Some tasks can be started online and may need to be finished in an office. For more information visit: SSA Online Services.

What can you do with a my Social Security account?

How do you create a my Social Security account?

  1. Go to Social Security’s myaccount to get started.

  2. Click on “Create an Account”

  3. Choose a sign-in option – You’ll be redirected to sign in or create an account with Login.gov or ID.me, both trusted credential service providers.

  4. Verify your identity – you must be at least 18 years old and have a:

    • Valid email address
    • Social Security number (SSN)
    • U.S. mailing address (including military addresses, APO/FPO/DPO, AE, AP, or AA)

  5. Set up two-step verification – Choose how you want to receive your security code (email, text, or authentication app).

  6. Create a username and password

Representative Payees can:

  • Use the Representative Payee Portal to manage your beneficiaries account.

  • Wage reporting and direct deposit.

  • Complete annual accounting.

  • Get a receipt for any report you submit.

For more information on signing up for a my Social Security account, contact your local Social Security Office or call 1-800-772-1213, (TTY) 1-800-325-0778 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Learn About Social Security Online Tools - Videos

SSA offers helpful recorded videos on their official YouTube Channel to explain benefits, programs and how to use their online services.

Reporting Wages to Social Security

It’s important to report your income to Social Security every month to make sure your benefits are correct. When you’re working, report your gross wages, that means what you earn before any taxes or deductions are taken out.

You should tell Social Security when you start or stop a job and report your wages every month or whenever your pay changes. Try to report your wages by the 6th of every month. For example, your January wages should be reported by February 6th. Reporting options:

Resources:

Contact your local SSA office to ask about your reporting options. Staying on top of your wage reporting helps avoid problems and keeps your benefits on track!

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

Darius, a 25-year-old with autism, came to DOR with a goal of working in Information Technology (IT). While attending community college, he worked closely with his Rehabilitation Counselor and Business Specialist to build job skills, explore internship opportunities and prepare for employment.

To help Darius feel confident about working while keeping his SSI and Medi-Cal, he was referred to a DOR Work Incentive Planner (WIP). His WIP provided clear, personalized guidance on how his earnings would impact his benefits. They explored different job scenarios together, helping Darius see how he could work, earn money, and keep the support he needs, including Medi-Cal. With this encouragement, Darius felt prepared and excited to take the next step toward independence.

Darius proudly accepted a full-time job with an IT company, earning $20 per hour, and is on track to complete his associate degree. After three months of steady work, his case with DOR was successfully closed. Darius and his father returned to the office to thank the team, sharing how life-changing the experience had been. His story shows how DOR services and WIP Services can empower young adults with disabilities to achieve their career and independence goals.

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

You Too Can Work with a WIP like Darius

  • Curious how a job might impact your SSI or SSDI?
  • Are you ready to go to work?
  • A WIP can help you understand how work affects your benefits, so you can make informed decisions.

Talk to your DOR counselor for a referral for DOR WIP Services.

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 TTW Find Help Tool.

Interested in Receiving DOR Services?

If you are ready to take the first step in an exciting journey with DOR, please click here to get started. You will need to provide additional information about yourself to request services.

Subscribe to our monthly Spotlight on Social Security Newsletter, which focuses on topics related to Social Security Disability Benefits and provides important information that can help you make informed decisions about your future.
Browse past newsletters online.

Feel free to forward this newsletter to friends, family members, coworkers, and service providers.