November 2025 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 are offered every other month.

In this issue:

Upcoming November 20th Spotlight on Social Security Webinar

Join us for a panel discussion with representatives from California Independent Living Centers (ILCs)! ILCs are community-based organizations that support people with disabilities in achieving their independent living goals. Whether it’s building daily living skills, exploring careers, preparing for employment, learning about assistive technology, understanding public benefits, or connecting with community resources, ILCs are here to help you thrive.

Grounded in the Independent Living Philosophy of "Nothing About Us, Without Us," ILCs provide a person-centered approach that is both unique and invaluable. Don’t miss this chance to discover one of California’s best kept secrets!

Title: Get Connected: How Independent Living Centers (ILCs) Support People with Disabilities
Date: Thursday, November 20, 2025
Time: 10:00 A.M. – 11:30 A.M. PST
Location: Zoom

Register for the November 20th Webinar Today

Have a question about this webinar? Submit your questions here.

Register for future webinars or explore archived recordings.

Featured Spotlight Article - Independent Living Centers: What to Know

Independent living means putting the person first, not the disability. It’s a way of thinking that focuses on equal opportunities and full participation in the community. Your local Independent Living Center is a place to find information, connection, and encouragement, all focused on helping you live the life you choose.

What is an Independent Living Center (ILC)

Independent Living Centers (ILCs) are nonprofit, community-based organizations led by people with disabilities. They offer free services and support to help people with any type of disability live more independently at home, at work, and in their communities.

How Independent Living Centers Can Help You

Whether you want to find accessible housing, learn new skills, or connect with others who understand your experiences, your local ILC is here to help. Here are some of the ways ILCs can support you:

  • Information and Referral: Learn about local resources, programs and services.

  • Advocacy: Get help standing up for your rights or improving access in your community.

  • Independent Living Skills Training: Build skills in budgeting, using public transportation, assistive technology and communication.

  • Peer Counseling: Connect with mentors who share similar life experiences.

  • Transition Support: Help for people returning to community living or planning for life after high school.

  • Personal Assistance Services: Guidance on hiring and managing personal care assistants.

  • Housing Assistance: Support finding affordable, accessible housing options.

  • Assistive Technology: Training and help accessing tools and devices that promote independence.

Services and Leadership Opportunities for Youth with Disabilities

Young people with disabilities in California have many opportunities to build leadership skills, learn self-advocacy, and prepare for independent living. These programs are designed to help students transition confidently into adulthood, education, and work.

Connect with an ILC Near You

Independent Living is based on self-determination, the belief that people with disabilities know what’s best for their own lives. If you have a disability and want to live more independently, your local ILC can help.

To learn more or find an ILC near you, visit: California Independent Living Centers
Contact: 1-916-558-5775 or TTY: 1-916-558-5778 or email at: ILinfo@dor.ca.gov

Your Social Security Benefits Are Safe During A Government Shutdown

2026 Cost of Living Adjustment

Social Security announced a 2.8% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2026. This increase helps SSI and SSDI benefits keep pace with inflation and rising costs. Monthly payments will automatically increase, and you do not need to apply or take any action to receive the COLA. Visit Social Security’s blog for details. Individuals who create an online my Social Security account can access their personal COLA up to three weeks earlier than by mail if they sign up for digital notices by November 19.

Government Shutdown

When the federal government shuts down, some offices and programs pause operations until federal funding is restored. However, essential programs like SSI, SSDI, Medicare, and Medicaid (Medi-Cal) continue with no change in payment dates or coverage.

These programs are funded separately from most government operations, so there are no changes to your benefit payments or coverage during a shutdown. For official updates, visit: Social Security Government Shutdown or contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or TTY at 1-800-325-0778. Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Need to Schedule an Appointment with Social Security

If local SSA offices close or reduce hours, most services are available online through a “my Social Security” account. With your account, you can:

Stay Connected with Social Security Online

If local SSA offices close or reduce hours, most services are available online through a “my Social Security” account. With your account, you can:

  • Print a benefit verification letter
  • Report wages
  • Request a replacement Medicare or Social Security card
  • Check your earnings record and benefit estimates
  • Apply for retirement or disability benefits
  • Manage direct deposit and update your address
  • SSA What Can You Do Online Fact Sheet

Sign in or create an account: https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount

Watch the "my Social Security": What to know Before You Sign Up video

Resources to Help You Take Charge of Your Benefits

Ticket to Work (TTW)

TTW website offers fact sheets, webinars and a find help tool to help you connect to free employment services or benefits planning.

SSA 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.

Disability Benefits 101

Interactive tools and information tailored for Californians to navigate work incentives and benefit.

California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CalABLE)

With a CalABLE account, you can save for school, living expenses, or your future while keeping your SSI, Medi-Cal and other public benefits. Money in a CalABLE account doesn’t count toward the SSI $2,000 resource limit, helping protect SSI eligibility.

DOR Social Security Programs and Disability Benefit Planning Services

Tools, support, information, webinars, newsletters and access to recorded videos on our YouTube Channel, to help you move confidently toward your employment goals.

This Month’s DOR Work Incentive Planning Services (WIP Services) Success Story

When Vernon, a wheelchair user, first met with a Work Incentive Planner (WIP), he was nervous about working. He thought getting a job would mean losing his SSDI and Medicare. With support from his Work Incentive Planner (WIP), he learned about Social Security work incentives, special rules that help people try working while keeping important benefits.

Through personalized guidance, Vernon discovered how to use programs that fit his situation. He learned about the Trial Work Period, which lets people test their ability to work without affecting SSDI benefits, and the Extended Period of Eligibility, which provides a safety net to see if work is sustainable. His WIP also helped him understand how Impairment-Related Work Expenses (IRWEs) could reduce countable income and how Expedited Reinstatement (EXR) allows benefits to restart quickly if his health or job changes.

Vernon says learning about work incentives changed his outlook. "I used to think working meant losing everything," he said. "Now I know I can work, save, and still have support if I need it."

Vernon’s story shows that with personalized guidance from a Work Incentive Planner, you can find the supports that fit your needs, build confidence, and move toward financial independence through work.

Watch Inspiring Success Stories on Our Spotlight on Social Security YouTube Channel.

You Too Can Work with a Work Incentive Planner!

Thinking about getting a job but not sure how it will affect your benefits? A 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.

Talk to your DOR counselor for a referral for DOR WIP Services.

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 TTW Find Help Tool.

Interested in Receiving DOR Services?

If you are ready to take the first step in an exciting journey with DOR, contact a local office to request an application, please visit Contact Us to find the closest office to your home. You will need to provide additional information about yourself to request services.

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