June 2023 Spotlight on
Social Security Newsletter

The Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) Spotlight on Social Security Newsletter brings you exciting news, work incentives information, success stories, and other valuable information for beneficiaries receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and their families and the professionals serving them.

In this issue:

Upcoming Webinars on Social Security Benefits, Work Incentives and Much More

The DOR is offering a series of webinars where industry experts will address assorted topics relevant to SSDI and SSI beneficiaries. These webinars are designed to equip you with the tools, resources, and knowledge helpful for you to become successfully employed.

Here’s what’s coming up next month:

Title: Plan to Achieve Self Support Webinar
Date: Thursday, July 20, 2023
Time: 10:00 – 11:30 am PST
Cost: Free of charge
Description: Social Security’s Plan to Achieve Self Support (PASS) program helps individuals on SSI, or those who would otherwise be eligible for SSI if not for excess income, save for expenses that would help them achieve their employment goals and get support to pay for basic living expenses.

In this webinar, you will learn all about the PASS program directly from one of Social Security’s PASS Specialists.

Presenter: Patrick Mattis, PASS Specialist (Social Security Administration)

Register for the July 20th Webinar

Don’t miss out! Go to our Webinar Calendar to register for more upcoming webinars!

New and Improved DOR Social Security Programs and Disability Benefits Planning Services Webpage!

As part of our commitment to empowering our consumers, the DOR has developed a more comprehensive webpage that explains the many programs, services, and resources available to aid you on your journey toward successful employment. The new webpage provides resources to help you manage your Social Security benefits and understand complex Social Security rules and requirements.

Discover our new webpage at www.dor.ca.gov/home/ssa.

Managing Benefits Online with a My Social Security Account

What is a My Social Security Account?

My Social Security (MySSA) is a free and secure online gateway to access Social Security’s online services. Whether or not you currently receive Social Security benefits, you can create a MySSA account to access your Social Security information and manage your current or future benefits.

What can you do with a MySSA account?

If you currently receive a Social Security benefit, you can:

If you currently do not receive Social Security benefits, you can:

  • View your retirement benefit estimates.
  • View possible spouse’s benefits.
  • Request a replacement Social Security card.
  • Check the status of your application or appeal.
  • Get your Social Security Statement to view future benefits estimates, verify your earnings, and view the estimated Social Security and Medicare taxes you’ve paid.

If you are a Representative Payee, you can:

  • Use the Representative Payee Portal to conduct your own business or manage direct deposits, wage reporting, and annual reporting for your beneficiaries.
  • Complete and submit Representative Payee Accounting Reports.
  • See the status of any completed Representative Payee Accounting Report.
  • Receive a receipt for any report you submit.

How do you create a MySSA account?

  1. Go to www.ssa.gov/myaccount and select the "Create an Account" button.

  2. To create an account, 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)

For more information on signing up for a MySSA account, contact your local Social Security Office (https://www.ssa.gov/locator/) or call (800) 772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Work Incentive Planning Services at DOR

A credentialed DOR Work Incentive Planner (WIP) can provide a wide range of services and information. Your WIP can:

  • Explain how you can use work incentives to transition to successful employment!
  • Explain how you can use benefits management tools to understand and calculate your future income.
  • Prepare a comprehensive Benefit Summary and Analysis and Work Incentive Plan, which will explain your benefits, available work incentives and useful resources for your individual situation and career goals.
  • Show you how to use valuable wage reporting tools and resources to help you comply with Social Security Administration rules.
  • Connect you to service providers who can provide continued support after your DOR case is closed.

Sound Interesting?

Talk to your DOR counselor to see if you are eligible for DOR Work Incentive Planning (WIP) Services. We also offer specialized WIP Services for students!

For more information or answers to your questions, contact the DOR Social Security Programs Unit Help Line at ttwinfo@dor.ca.gov or toll free at (866) 449-2730.

Additional Resources

Not currently Receiving DOR Services?

If you are ready to start 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 the New Spotlight on Social Security Newsletter

Get your free subscription to this new Newsletter that focuses on topics related to Social Security Disability Benefits. The Newsletter will keep you up to date with the latest developments in Social Security benefits and related programs and provide you with important information that may help you make informed decisions about your benefits and work.