October 2024 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 that serve them.

In this issue:

October Webinar

Title: Protecting Your Social Security: Safeguarding Your Benefits and Identity
Date: Thursday, October 17, 2024
Time: 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. PST
Location: Zoom
Event Information: Learn the importance of securing your Social Security information. Discover best practices for using online tools. Social Security will show you what steps to take if you suspect fraud. Learn what Social Security is doing to protect your information.

Don't miss out: Register for the September 17th Webinar

Have questions about this webinar? Submit your questions here.

Register for future webinars or explore archived recordings.

Featured Spotlight Article – Protecting your Social Security: Safeguarding Your Benefits and Identity

How to Protect Your Social Security Number

Your Social Security Number (SSN) is one of your most valuable pieces of personal information. Scammers are always looking for ways to get your SSN. Protecting your personal information, including your SSN, is crucial to safeguard yourself from potential fraud.

Do not trust any messages, whether by phone, email, or text, that tell you to pay money to resolve a problem. Social Security Administration (SSA) will not call you to ask you your SSN or to demand that you pay a fee to keep receiving your benefits. If you receive such a call, consider it a scam. SSA usually communicates by mail about sensitive matters.

Here are some important tips on how to protect yourself.

  1. Guard Your SSN

    • Don’t carry your Social Security card: Keep it in a safe place at home. Only bring it with you to an appointment if it is absolutely necessary.
    • Be careful when sharing your SSN: Don’t give it out unless you are sure it’s necessary, like for tax forms or certain job applications. Always ask why it’s needed.

  2. Monitor Your Social Security Benefits

    • Regularly check your Social Security information to make sure everything is correct.
    • Create a "my Social Security" account on the official SSA website, (ssa.gov myaccount). This lets you see your earnings history, benefits information, report wages and spot any unusual activity.

  3. Beware of Unknown Callers

    • Social Security will never call you unexpectedly asking for your SSN. Scammers often pretend to be from government agencies. If you receive such a call or email, hang up and do not provide any information. You can verify any communication by contacting Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213.
    • Social Security will never threaten you or frighten you. If you experience this, hang up immediately.

  4. Be Wary of Suspicious Emails or Messages

    • Never send your SSN in an email or text message.
    • Never click on a link in an unexpected email or text message. Always type in the web address yourself.
    • Scams often involve fake emails asking you to confirm your SSN or other personal information to trick you. These emails look official, always be cautious and verify the sender before providing sensitive information.

  5. Safeguard Your Devices

    • Keep your computer and phone secure. Use strong, unique passwords for your online accounts. Always log out of financial or personal accounts when finished, especially on shared or public computers.
    • Use multi-factor authentication where available. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring not just your password but a secondary verification step, like a code sent to your phone.

  6. What To Do If Your SSN Is Stolen or Misused

    • Contact the Social Security Administration Right Away: They can help you take steps to protect your benefits.
    • Report the fraud: File a report with Federal Trade Commission (FTC) at identitytheft.gov. The FTC can help you create a recovery plan and provide resources to protect your identity going forward.
    • Place a fraud alert on your credit report: A fraud alert will notify potential creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening a new account. Credit Bureau Contact Information through the Federal Trade Commission

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

Protecting your personal information is a crucial step in safeguarding your financial and personal well-being. Stay vigilant, use these protective measures, and always be cautious when sharing your SSN or other sensitive information. Remember, the less often you share your SSN, the safer you are!

For more tips on protecting your identity, visit:

This newsletter is intended to provide general information. If you suspect fraudulent activity or a scam, please contact your local Social Security office directly or call 1-800-772-1213.

Resources to Report Your Wages to Social Security

When receiving SSI or SSDI, it’s important to report certain information to Social Security to avoid issues with your benefits. You should let them know when you start or stop working, report your wages every month or anytime you have changes. For SSI, your wages from work should be reported by the 6th of every month. For example, wages from January should be reported by February 6th. For SSDI, wages should be reported by the 10th of the month. You can report in person, by phone, fax, or online using the my Social Security account. SSI recipients can use the SSI Mobile Wage Reporting App on a smart phone. Please contact your local SSA office to see what options are available to you.

SSA Resources

Helpful Links

This Month’s DOR Work Incentive Planning Services Success Story

Milton’s Success with SSI Work Incentives

Milton relocated to California in 2014 after a traumatic injury left him with quadriparesis and paralysis. Despite these challenges, he was determined to pursue a career in Human Services and become financially independent. With support from DOR, Milton successfully completed his degree and began an internship at a local company.

Concerned about how employment might affect his SSI benefits, especially his Medi-Cal coverage, Milton worked with Corina, a DOR Work Incentive Planner (WIP). Together, they explored available work incentives to support his transition to work, reviewed wage reporting options, and discussed the advantages of opening an CalABLE account. With Corina’s personalized benefits counseling, he understood how work would impact his benefits and discovered that there were supports available to help him achieve his career goals.

In April 2024, Milton was offered a permanent position from his internship, boosting his monthly income from $1,100 to over $3,100 per month. Excited about his new role, he was confident knowing he could keep his Medi-Cal coverage under the SSI 1619b provision and proud of his financial independence. Milton's story reflects the power of determination and the impact of DOR services, including benefits planning. With the right support, he has achieved both his career and personal goals, and his journey serves as inspiration for others working toward self-sufficiency.

You Too Can Work with a WIP Like Milton!

  • Are you ready to go to work?
  • Meeting with a WIP is a great way to get the facts about how work will affect your Social Security Benefits.

Talk to your DOR counselor to see if you are eligible for DOR WIP Services.

If you are not receiving DOR services, contact the Ticket-to-Work Helpline for assistance. They can help you locate a local Work Incentive Planning and Assistance Program, where you can receive free benefits planning. Helpline:1-866-968-7842, for TTY 1-866-833-2967 or online at choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp.

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.

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