May 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:

Register Today for Upcoming Virtual Webinars

May 21, 2026

PASS 101: How to Apply and Make a Social Security PASS Work for You

Time: 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. PST
Event Information: Ready to take control of your work goals? Join Social Security PASS (Plan to Achieve Self-Support) experts for a practical, easy-to-follow session on completing your PASS application. A PASS is a written plan that lets you save to pay for the items or services you need to reach your employment goals. In this webinar, you’ll:

  • Discover how to maximize your SSI payment.
  • Learn how PASS helps you pay for what you need.
  • Walk through the application step by step.
  • Get tips to submit your plan with confidence.
  • See how PASS supports your long-term work goals.

Register Today for the May 21 PASS 101 Webinar

May 13, 2026

CalABLE Qualified Disability Expenses

Time: 2:00 P.M. – 3:30 P.M. PST
Event Information: Get a simple breakdown of Qualified Disability Expenses, with real examples and tips for making the most of your CalABLE account. In this webinar, we will explore: - CalABLE basics - Definition of a Qualified Disability Expense - Steps for withdrawing funds - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Join us to learn, ask questions, and feel more confident using your CalABLE account. The webinar will conclude with a Q&A session to give participants an opportunity to ask additional questions.

Register Today for the May 13 CalABLE Webinar

May 27, 2026

Social Security Ticket to Work: Support on Your Employment Journey

Time: 12:00 P.M – 1:30 P.M. PST
Event Information: Join this Social Security Ticket to Work - Work Incentive Webinar Event (WISE) to explore how employment can fit into your future. Learn how the Ticket to Work program can support you on your path to employment. Find out about free services, work incentives and how to connect with supports to help you explore work.

Register for the Ticket To Work Webinar

Featured Article: Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS)

What is a PASS Plan?

A PASS is a Social Security program that lets you save money and/or income to pay for things you need to reach a work goal, like school, training, tools, uniforms, childcare or starting a business. The money is not counted against your SSI, so you keep more of your SSI payment while you work toward independence. Some SSDI recipients may also qualify if they’re eligible for SSI.

The purpose of a PASS is to help you prepare for work, earn more income, and reduce your need for benefits as you build self-sufficiency.

How does a PASS work?

To participate, you create a written plan that explains your work goal and the expenses needed to get there. Once a PASS is approved, you can save your income or resources to cover the expenses needed to reach your work goal. Anything you save in a PASS won’t count as a resource for SSI and it won’t be counted against your monthly SSI payment. That means you can save for your goal and still get SSI to help with daily living expenses.

How do you set up a PASS?

Before applying, take some time to map out your work goal, the steps you’ll take, and how long it will take. Make a list of the items or services you’ll need, including their costs. This will help you figure out how much money to save in your PASS. If your goal is to start a business, you’ll also need to include a business plan. To apply for a PASS, fill out a PASS Application For (SSA-545-BK) and submit it to Social Security.

Have questions or to submit your application locate a PASS Cadre near you.

Turn Your Goal into a Plan

A PASS Application has 10 parts. When you fill it out, be clear and include as many details as possible. Below is a quick look at what each section covers. Your PASS must be written, reasonable, and achievable.

Part A - Your Work Goal:

This is where you name a specific job title, what you expect to have when you reach your work goal. Explain what you want to do, expected earnings and why this career is a good fit for you.

Part B – Medical/Vocational/Educational Background:

Share your disability-related information and limitations along with your past work and school history. Be honest and clear, don’t overstate the limits, you still need to show you can do the job.

Part C – Your Plan:

List the step-by-step milestones you plan to complete, along with when you’ll complete them. This includes how you will obtain your job. Social Security looks for "SMART" steps:

  • Specific – What exactly will you be doing to reach your goal
  • Measurable – When will each milestone be completed
  • Achievable – Does your plan include
  • Realistic – Do your action steps make sense given your work goal
  • Timely – Set a timeframe for achieving your goal

Part D – Your Expenses:

List the items or services you’ll need to reach your work goal, things like tools, tuition, books, a computer, assistive technology, transportation, a tutor, or uniforms. Be specific about where you’ll buy each item, how often you’ll need it, and include documentation showing the cost. Explain how this item will help you reach your goal.

Part E – Funding Your PASS:

  • Receiving SSI and Working – include your full amount of SSI before any deductions.
  • Receiving both SSI and SSDI – include both benefits amounts.
  • Receiving SSDI only and have applied for SSI, include both amounts.

Part F – Current Living Expenses:

List your monthly bills, rent, food, utilities, etc. Be honest, Social Security wants to be sure your PASS Plan still leaves you enough to live on.

Part G – Other Contacts:

List who helped you prepare your plan, such as your counselor or Work Incentive Planner at the Department of Rehabilitation, a Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) project through Ticket to Work, a family member or a job coach. To find a WIPA near you, use the Ticket to Work "Find Help" tool.

Part H – Remarks:

Use this section if you need more room to finish an answer or to attach documents, like class schedules, receipts, or auto repair estimates. It’s simply a place to add anything that didn’t fit elsewhere.

Part I – Agreement, Review and Sign:

Look over each section carefully, add your contact information, and sign the form. If you have a representative payee, they must also sign and date it. This is a contract, so make sure you understand your responsibilities before submitting.

Part J – Receipt:

A Social Security Worker fills this out when they receive your plan. If you are not working with a PASS Cadre the representative should also give you the phone number to your PASS Cadre.

Quick Tips

  • Answer every question, if one doesn’t apply, write "N/A".
  • Be specific, incomplete or vague answers can lead to delays or a denial.
  • Make your plan realistic, use timelines and steps you can reasonably follow.
  • Do your homework:, research costs and gather documentation for items, services, and key living expenses.
  • Choose a strong work goal, your goal should aim for independence or reduced dependency on SSI.
  • Plan to open a separate bank account for your PASS funds, it’s easier to track and document.

Check out these additional resources:

Work Incentive Planning (WIP) Services Success Story

Dawn’s journey is a powerful reminder that with the right support, new beginnings are always possible. After years of struggling with mental health, addiction, and financial instability, she discovered a passion for cooking while volunteering in a facility’s kitchen. When she was offered a part time job, Dawn was excited but terrified of losing her SSI and Medi Cal. With guidance from her Work Incentive Planner (WIP), she learned how SSI work incentives protect her benefits while she works and that knowledge gave her the confidence to move forward.

Her WIP helped her connect with a Social Security PASS Cadre and to use a PASS Plan to cover essential expenses like transportation, auto repairs, work clothing, private mental health co pays, and car insurance. This support allowed her to focus on her job and wellbeing. Today, Dawn is working 30 hours a week, earning more, feeling valued, and living independently. Her DOR case closed successfully, and she proudly shares that, for the first time in a long time, she feels truly successful.

Watch Inspiring Success Stories from DOR Consumers

Resources to Help Plan Your Transition to Work

Explore tools and resources to support your transition to work and financial independence.

DOR Benefits to Independence 101

Explore our free, self-paced course to master the connection between work and Social Security benefits. DOR Benefits to Independence 101. This powerful new resource, featured on the DOR Social Security Programs website, is packed with short educational videos, resource guides, practical tips, and interactive activities to help you:

  • Clear up common fears about going to work while receiving benefits.
  • Understand your benefits and how they interact with employment.
  • Avoid common pitfalls like overpayments or loss of coverage.
  • Discover programs and supports that make working possible without sacrificing essential benefits.
#

DOR Work Incentive Planning

Thinking about getting a job but not sure how it will affect your benefits? A Work Incentive Planner (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.

Ticket to Work (TTW)

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

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

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.

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

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