July 2026 Spotlight on
Social Security Newsletter

What if you could see how a job might affect your benefits before you start working?

Understanding disability benefits can be confusing, especially when you’re trying to make sense of how work, income and health coverage all connect. CA DB101 is a free online tool that helps you explore different work and earnings scenarios to see how they may affect SSI, SSDI, Medi-Cal, or Medicare benefits so you can plan with confidence. The World Institute on Disability (WID) created the CA DB101 website and has spent decades helping people with disabilities live more independently in their communities.

What CA DB101 Offers

Whether you’re looking for your first job, returning to work, going from school to work, or thinking about increasing your earnings, CA DB101 can help you make informed decisions and see how employment can be part of your future. No confusing formulas, just easy-to-understand guidance. You will find:

Information: Learn about benefits programs, work incentives and rules around work. Get answers to frequently asked questions.

Estimators: Get results tailored just for you that helps you plan and set goals for work. They show you what to expect before you make any changes.

Experts: Find answers to your questions and connect to community resources.

Get Started

SSI and Work

• Receiving SSI does not mean you cannot work.
• Learn how earning money affects your monthly SSI payment.
• Find out how SSI rules and work incentives protect your benefits.
• Learn how working can increase your total monthly income.

SSDI and Work

• Getting SSDI does not mean you have to stop working forever.
• Understand how work incentives can help you return to work safely.
• See how Social Security reviews your work activity to determine ongoing eligibility.

Medi-Cal

• Many people can keep Medi-Cal even after they start working.
• Explore programs that help you work and still get free or low-cost coverage.
• Understand how Medi-Cal works with SSI, SSDI, or job-based insurance.

Medicare

• Learn about SSDI protections that help you keep coverage while you try work.
• Learn about programs that help you keep Medicare long-term while working
• Explore programs that help cover Medicare premiums and options for healthcare coverage.

Youth and Parents

• Learn how school, work and benefits connect as you move toward adulthood.
• See what changes when you turn 18.
• Understand how to manage benefits and tell Social Security about changes.

Planning Tools

CA DB101 includes easy-to-use calculators and estimators that allow you to enter information specific to your situation and explore possible outcomes. Give them a try!

Benefits & Work Estimator: Shows how different earnings could change your SSI, SSDI, Childhood Disability Benefits (CDB), Medi-Cal, Medicare and overall monthly income.

School and Work Estimator: It’s designed for youth with disabilities ages 14-18 to show how school and work is possible, and what changes to expect when you turn 18.

Medi-Cal for the Working Disabled Estimator: A Medi-Cal program that lets people with disabilities who work stay eligible by using higher income limits, designed to support employment.

Along with CA DB101, try out other tools that make Social Security rules easier to understand. They can help you make sense of your benefits, explain work incentives that support your move toward employment and financial independence, and help you plan ahead with more confidence and peace of mind.

DOR Benefits to Independence 101

Take advantage of our free, self-paced course to master the connection between work and benefits. DOR Benefits to Independence 101 includes short videos, guides, practical tips, and interactive activities to help you:

• Clear up common fears about working while on benefits.
• Understand your benefits and how they may change when working.
• Avoid common pitfalls like overpayments or loss of coverage.
• Discover programs that help you work without losing essential benefits.

DOR Work Incentive Planning Services

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

• Learn how working is possible!
• 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, videos, webinars and a "find help tool" to connect you to free employment services or benefits planning. If you're not receiving DOR services, contact the TTW Helpline to get connected to services. Call 1-866-968-7842 (TTY: 1-866-833-2967) or visit the Ticket to Work Find Help Tool.

• Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA)
• Employment Networks (ENs)

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.

We’re excited to highlight the success of an SSDI beneficiary whose journey highlights the power of persistence, informed decision making, and coordinated support. Marcus connected with DOR’s Blind Field Services in June 2017 and was ready for work when the COVID-19 pandemic delayed his plans. Rather than losing momentum, Marcus stayed determined and open to new opportunities, immersing himself in training at the Orientation Center for the Blind (OCB) to keep building his skills and progress.

As part of his vocational rehabilitation services, the DOR team connected Marcus with Becky, a WIP, to help him explore how Social Security Work Incentives could support his goals for employment and greater independence. He learned about special rules for statutory blindness, like having a higher earnings limit, as well as protections like the Trial Work Period, Extended Period of Eligibility, and continued Medicare coverage. This knowledge laid the groundwork for pursuing new opportunities with confidence.

During a routine benefits review, Becky noticed that Marcus’ Social Security record no longer listed statutory blindness, even though earlier documentation had. Working together, they submitted updated medical information requesting that Social Security reevaluate his blindness designation. Once statutory blindness was confirmed, he qualified for the higher earnings limit for blind workers, opening the door to greater financial stability.

With a clear roadmap showing how work would affect his benefits and a new understanding of the SSDI rules for blind workers, Marcus felt ready to move beyond the limits of relying only on SSDI. He began work in October 2023 and in April 2026 was honored as the national Employee of the Year, traveling to Wisconsin to accept the award and share his appreciation in person.

Marcus’ accomplishments are powerful examples of resilience and the extraordinary impact of coordinated support. With the help of Social Security work incentives and guidance from his DOR team, he moved forward with confidence. His story reminds us that when determination meets opportunity, incredible things can happen.

• Watch Inspiring Success Stories from DOR Consumers