November 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:

November Webinar

Title: Overview of Housing Support and the Family Self-Sufficiency Program
Date: Thursday, November 21, 2024
Time: 10:00 A.M. - 11:30 A.M. PST
Location: Zoom
Event Information: Affordable housing is vital for individuals with disabilities to live, find jobs and thrive in their communities. We’ll explain how income from work affects public housing and introduce the Family Self-Sufficiency Program. Learn about the differences in housing programs across California counties and the importance of connecting with your local Public Housing Agency (PHA).

Don't miss out: Register for the November 21st 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

Finding affordable housing can be a challenge, especially for those receiving SSI or SSDI. PHAs across California offer various programs to help low-income individuals, including those with disabilities, access housing. This newsletter provides an overview of the types of housing programs available through PHAs and where to find more information about your local housing authority.

  1. What are Public Housing Authorities?

    PHAs are local government agencies that manage affordable housing programs for low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. Each PHA operates within a specific city or county and works under federal guidelines from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These agencies oversee different types of programs that help eligible individuals find housing that fits their budget.

  2. Housing Programs Available for SSI/SSDI Recipients

    • Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)

      The Housing Choice Voucher Program, commonly known as Section 8, helps low-income individuals, including those on SSI and SSDI, afford safe and suitable housing in the private market. With a Section 8 voucher, you generally pay 30% of your income toward rent, or other personalized amount based on income and the voucher covers the rest. You can use this voucher to rent an apartment, house, or other housing that meets the program’s requirements.

    • Public Housing

      Public housing is owned and managed by PHAs and offers affordable rental options. Rent is typically based on your income, and the units are often located in apartment complexes or housing communities. This program provides a stable living option for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities.

    • Project-Based Vouchers

      Similar to Section 8, the Project-Based Voucher program attaches housing assistance to specific properties. You apply for a unit in a specific building, and if you are eligible, you receive rental assistance while living there.

    • Section 811 Voucher

      This program is specifically for non-elderly persons with disabilities, helping them secure affordable housing in specific units through vouchers that work much like Section 8.

  3. How to Connect with Your Local PHA

    Every city or county in California has its own PHA, which you can contact to learn about housing assistance programs.

    To find your local housing authority: Visit HUD’s PHA directory - search for your local PHA by city, county, or zip code.

    Contact your local PHA: Once you’ve identified your PHA, reach out to them directly to inquire about program availability, waiting lists, eligibility requirements or help with completing an application.

  4. Tips for Applying

    Be patient – Many of these programs have long waiting lists, especially in areas where housing is limited. It’s a good idea to apply to multiple programs and stay informed about your application status.

    Gather documents – When applying for housing assistance, you’ll likely need to provide proof of income, a copy of your Social Security award letter, tax returns, names and addresses of your current and previous landlords and other important documents.

    Keep your contact information updated - respond promptly to communications from your PHA.

    Understand income limits – Ensure your household income falls within the HUD guidelines for your area.

    Consider a housing counselor – Seek assistance from a HUD approved housing counselor if you need assistance.

    Know your rights – As an SSI or SSDI recipient, you may qualify for priority placement on housing waiting lists if you are considered homeless, at risk of homelessness, or if your disability severely impacts your ability to find housing. Be sure to ask your PHA if you qualify for priority status.

Additional Resources

Navigating housing options as an SSI or SSDI recipient can be complicated, but PHAs and various housing programs are available to help you find affordable housing. Take the first step by contacting your local PHA and exploring the options that best suit your needs. With patience and the right information, you can find stable and affordable housing in California.

If you have questions or need assistance with the application process, don’t hesitate to reach out to your local PHA or a housing counselor.

Snapshot of Recent SSI Rule Changes Effective September 30, 2024

The Social Security Administration (SSA) introduced new rules to help people qualify for SSI, receive the full benefit amount and make reporting easier. These changes may increase SSI payments for some recipients but does not raise the maximum SSI payment amount. If you currently receive less than the California maximum of $1,182.94 or $2,022.83 for a couple, these changes may help you get the full SSI payment. SSA Commissioner Martin O'Malley says these updates make "SSI fairer and more accessible, especially for families and those living with others on SSI". SSA 9/20/2024 Message (bring a copy of this message to your SSA office if requesting an update to your benefits)

  1. Rule: Expanded Definition of Public Assistance Household

    • Update: The new rule expands the definition of a public-assistance household. Social Security now counts households receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or those where only some members receive public assistance as "public assistance households." This update will help more people qualify for SSI, potentially increase current payments, and make reporting requirements simpler.
    • Action: If at least one other person in your household receives SNAP or other public assistance, you may now be considered part of a public assistance household. This could positively affect your SSI eligibility and payment amount. Contact Social Security to confirm if you qualify under the new rule.

  2. Rule: National Expansion of SSI Rental Subsidy

    • Update: This policy extends a previous rule from seven states to the entire U.S., allowing SSI recipients to rent at a discount (such as renting from family at a reduced rate) without negatively impacting SSI eligibility or the monthly payment.
    • Action: If you rent at a discount and the landlord is a family member (parent, child, or spouse), your rent arrangement may no longer affect your SSI benefits. If you are paying a minimum amount of $334.33 in 2024, SSA will no longer reduce your SSI payment. This amount will go up to $342.33 in 2025 and is based on a "Presumed Maximum Value" defined by SSA.
      • This change could increase your SSI payment.
      • Collect proof of rent (rental agreement, rent receipts, statement from a landlord).
      • Contact the local SSA Office to request an increase in benefits due to your living arrangement.

  3. Rule: Excluding Food as Income

    • Update: Traditionally, others paying for your food and shelter would be considered "In-Kind Support and Maintenance" (ISM) income, reducing your monthly SSI benefits. Food provided by someone else will no longer count as income and won’t reduce SSI payments.
    • Action: If someone else provides you with food, you no longer need to report it as part of your support. Let Social Security know that your SSI has been reduced in the past and check if you qualify under this updated rule for an adjustment to your SSI payment. This may positively affect your payment amount.

For more information on these updates, read the SSA announcement or visit the Social Security Matters Blog. To locate an SSA office visit the Office Locator or contact the SSA Call Center at 1-800-772-1213

Spotlight on Work Incentive Planning Services at DOR

If you receive SSI or SSDI benefits, figuring out how working might affect them can feel overwhelming. That’s where the DOR Work Incentive Planning Services come in. A certified DOR Work Incentive Planner (WIP) is available to give you personalized support to help you start working with confidence.

Your WIP can show you how:

  • Work incentives can boost your income while keeping essential benefits.
  • Moving into employment can be easier with a clear understanding of what to expect.
  • To calculate future income and prepare for financial changes.
  • To report wages to ensure you’re prepared to manage your income without stress

Additionally, your WIP will create a personalized Benefits Summary and Analysis and a Work Incentive Plan just for you. This plan gives you a detailed look at your benefits, available work incentives, and resources to help you manage your benefits long term.

Even after your DOR case closes, your WIP can connect you with other service providers for ongoing support.

How to Connect with a WIP?

  • Are you ready to start working?

    Meeting with a WIP can help you understand how working may impact your Social Security benefits. Your WIP will give you clear, accurate information tailored to your situation.

  • DOR Consumers

    If you’re already working with the DOR, talk to your DOR counselor to see if you’re eligible for Work Incentive Planning Services.

  • Not Receiving DOR Services

    If you’re not currently receiving DOR services, the Ticket-to-Work (TTW) Helpline can connect you with a local Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program for free benefits planning. Helpline: 1-866-968-7842, TTY: 1-866-833-2967 or visit TTW online at choosework.ssa.gov/findhelp

Interested in Receiving DOR Services?

If you are ready to take the first step in 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 our monthly Spotlight on Social Security Newsletter, which focuses on topics related to Social Security Disability Benefits and provides important information that can help you make informed decisions about your future.

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