March 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:

Upcoming Webinars

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Introducing Benefits to Independence 101

A free, self-paced online course, designed to help you understand how work and Social Security benefits fit together and how to use that knowledge to reach your employment goals. This powerful new resource, featured on the DOR 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.

Join one of three live webinars for an overview of the program and learn how this tool can support your employment goals. Choose the session that works best for you and register today.

Register for the March 2 Session from 9:00 A.M – 10:00 A.M.

Register for the March 4 Session from 11:00 AM – 12:00 P.M.

Register for the March 6 Session 2:00 P.M. – 3:00 P.M.

March 19, 2026

Building Financial Confidence

Time: 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. PST

Event Information: Join the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) and the California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CalABLE) for a financial empowerment workshop that provides simple, practical tips on budgeting, saving, money management and setting financial goals.

Register for the March 19 Spotlight on Social Security Webinar

Featured Article: Build Financial Confidence

Ready to feel more confident about your finances? With a few simple steps and the right tools, you can take control and start building for the future. Take the first step toward financial confidence today with these practical tips and tools.

Start with a Budget

A budget is simply a plan for your money. It helps you keep track of what you earn and what you spend each month, so you can find ways to save and reach your goals.

1. Why should I have a budget?

  • Helps you take control of your money.

  • Helps you save money.

  • Helps reduce stress by making you feel more in control of your money.

2. Know your income

Start by listing all sources of money you receive, such as your benefits, paychecks and child support. Understanding your total income is the first step toward control.

3. Track your spending

Every dollar counts. Understanding your spending habits is key to financial confidence.

4. Create your budget

Now that you know your income and spending, it's time to build a budget. Use a worksheet to pull everything together.

5. Set Clear Financial Goals

Decide what matters most to you and turn it into a SMART goal (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound), so you can track your progress and stay on target.

Understand Social Security Rules

Knowing the rules helps you avoid surprises like overpayments and make smart decisions about saving and spending.

SSI

  • Know the resource limit. SSI has a $2,000 limit ($3,000 for an SSI couple) which means there is a limit to how much money and assets you can have and still qualify for SSI benefits.

  • Resources include cash, bank accounts, retirement accounts, stocks and bonds, and a second vehicle or property.

  • Resources do not include your home, one vehicle, personal belongings and up to $100,000 in a CalABLE account.

  • Report wages and other income monthly.

  • Work Incentives are available to help you keep benefits while working.

SSDI

  • No resource limit. Does not have a savings or asset limit, you can build savings without affecting eligibility.

  • SSDI focuses on your earnings from work to determine eligibility.

  • Report wages from work monthly.

  • Work incentives let you return to work without losing benefits right away.

Saving Option: California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CalABLE)

CalABLE accounts let you save for the future without losing public benefits, including SSI, Medi-Cal, CalFresh and housing, giving you more freedom and security. Visit the CalABLE website (Spanish) to learn more.

  • Tax-advantaged savings and investment plan for individuals whose disability began before age 46.

  • Save up to $20,000 per year, and up to $100,000 without impacting benefits.

Fraud and Scam Prevention

Never share personal information with unknown callers or provide sensitive information over email or social media. Learn more with DFPI's Tips for Fraud and Scam Prevention (Spanish).

  • Beware of unknown callers and emails.

  • Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text message.

  • Scammers usually will urge you to act fast or threaten you.

  • Social Security, "How to Spot a Scam" video

Where Can I Find More Information

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This newsletter provides general information and is not financial advice. For guidance specific to your situation, please consult a qualified professional.

Filing Taxes and the Earned Income Tax Credit

Tax season is here! The IRS deadline to file taxes is April 15, 2026. If you receive SSI or SSDI, you may think you don't need to file, but filing can help you get money back through credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).

What is the Earned Income Tax Credit

The EITC is a tax benefit for low-to-moderate-income workers and families. It can reduce the amount of tax you owe or increase your refund, even if you don't owe any taxes.

Key Facts About EITC

  • The EITC is designed to help working individuals and families keep more of their income.

  • Filing a tax return is the only way to claim this credit.

How Much Can You Get in 2026?

  • For the 2025 tax year, the maximum EITC is $8,231 for families with three or more qualifying children.

  • The credit amount depends on your income, filing status, and number of qualifying children.

Check Your Eligibility

Documents You Need

  • Social Security numbers and birth dates for you, spouse, and dependents

  • Photo ID(s)

  • Income forms (W-2, 1099, SSA 1099)

  • Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit

  • Last year's tax return (if available)

  • Documents for other types of income received

  • Health insurance forms and other income documents

Free Help with Taxes

If you need help finding local tax preparation or other resources, call United Way 2-1-1 for local assistance.

Do I Owe Taxes: SSI vs SSDI

SSI

  • SSI is never taxed.

  • You don't need to file taxes for SSI alone.

  • If you work, you may qualify for a tax refund or tax credits like EITC.

  • Self-employment earnings of $400 or more in net earnings must file.

  • Filing requirements depend on your age, filing status and income other than SSI.

SSI filing requirements by age and filing status for 2025
Filing Status 2025 Under Age 65 65 or Older
Single $15,750 $17,750
Head of Household $23,625 $25,625
Married Filing Jointly $31,500 $33,100

SSDI

SSDI is not automatically taxed. What matters is your total combined income. A portion of SSDI is taxable if half of your SSDI plus other income is more than $25,000 (individual) or $32,000 (married filing jointly). To determine if SSDI may be taxable, fill out "Figuring Your Taxable Benefits" Worksheet, IRS Publication 915.

To figure out if SSDI is taxable, add up:

  • Half of your SSDI benefits

  • Any wages if you are working

  • Other income (interest, investment, spouse's income, etc.)

  • Compare to IRS Guideline

Example: David gets $16,000 SSDI and earns $18,000 wages from a part-time job. No other income. He files as a single person.

- Half of SSDI: $16,000 ÷ 2 = $8,000
- Add other income: $8,000 in SSDI + $18,000 wages = $26,000
- Compare to IRS Guideline: $26,000 is greater than the $25,000 guideline so part of SSDI may be taxable.

Where Can I Find More Information

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If you're unsure whether you need to file taxes or if you qualify for EITC, speak with a free IRS VITA tax preparer or a tax advisor.

Planning Your Transition to Work and Financial Independence

Explore our free, self-paced course to master the connection between work and Social Security benefits. DOR Benefits to Independence 101

Work with a Work Incentive Planner!

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.

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

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

Hear from other DOR consumers: Watch Inspiring Success Stories

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 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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