Social Security / SSI
Disclaimer: These materials are based on the law at the time we write them. We try to update our materials; however, laws are regularly changing. If you want to make sure the law has not changed, contact us or another legal source.
Food Money for SSI Recipients!
In 2019, people who get SSI can get more money every month for food! Read below for more information!
Office of Payee Review & Beneficiary Assistance (OPRABA)
OPRABA was created by the Strengthening Protections for Social Security Beneficiaries Act of 2018, a bi-partisan bill that was signed into law on April 13, 2018. OPRABA staff are employees of Disability Rights California, not SSA.
Work Incentives Planning & Assistance (WIPA)
The Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program is a free service that helps Social Security beneficiaries who receive benefits based on a disability make informed choices about their employment goals. This program is for individuals currently employed, self-employed, or who are seeking employment or selfemployment.
Consumer Information about the Social Security Administration Representative Payee Program
This pub tells you about representative payees. Representative payees help you budget and spend your Social Security payments. The pub tells you what they do. The pub tells you who decides you need one. It tells you what to do if they are misusing your money.
A Desktop Guide to Social Security and SSI Work Incentives 2016
This pub talks about how you can get Social Security or Supplemental Security money while working at the same time. The pub gives you directions on what steps you can take.
Employment Supports/Work Incentive Programs - Monthly Wage Reporting and Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
This publication explains how to report your wages when you get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and why reporting your wages is necessary to avoid losing your SSI when you work.
Employment Supports/Work Incentive Programs Under Title II -SSDI
Social Security has special rules known as “work incentives.” You can use them to help you go to work without suddenly losing your benefits. This pub tells you about “work incentives” when you get SSDI.
Employment Supports/Work Incentive Programs Under Title XVI –SSI
Social Security has special rules known as “work incentives.” You can use them to help go to work without suddenly losing your benefits. This pub tells you about “work incentives” when you get SSI.
Independent Contractor or Self-Employed: Reporting Earned Income to Social Security
This pub tells you when you have to report your self-employment or independent contractor earnings to Social Security. It tells you about “work incentives” so you can work and not lose your benefits. It has forms you can use to report your earnings. It tells you how to get help if you have questions about reporting your work.
My Responsibilities as the Organizational Representative Payee: A Best Practices Guide
This pub is for representative payees of people getting Social Security benefits. It talks about the duty to act in the best interest of the person. A payee has to manage and keep track of the person’s money, and advocate for them.
Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security – PABSS
Purpose of the PABSS Program
The purpose of the PABSS program is to provide SSI and SSDI beneficiary’s information and advice about obtaining vocational rehabilitation and other employment services.
The PABSS program is also required to provide advocacy and other services that a beneficiary needs to secure or regain gainful employment.
Public Benefits for People with Disabilities
This pub tells you about “public benefits” for people with disabilities. The pub tells you about Social Security, Medi-Cal, and Medi-Cal for children. It also tells you about IHSS, general assistance, food stamps, and CalWORKs. It tells you what to do if you need help getting them.
Self-employment Fact Sheet
This pub tells you about self-employment or having a business. It tells you why this is a good option, and how you can still keep your Social Security. It tells you what kind of businesses you can have. It tells you where to get help if you want to have a business.
Social Security Rules for Deeming Income from Parents to a Child with a Disability to Determine Whether a Child is Eligible for SSI, and if so the Amount
This pub tells you about “deeming” rules. This means part of a parent’s income and resources count against their child in deciding SSI eligibility and benefit amount. This pub helps you figure out how SSI counts your income. It gives examples. It tells you how to report your income.
Spousal Deeming in the SSI Program
This pub tells you about “deeming” rules between spouses (wives and husbands). This means part of your spouse’s income and resources count against you in deciding your SSI eligibility and benefit amount. This pub helps you figure out how SSI counts your income. It gives examples.
SSI Applicants and Recipients: Learn About In-Kind Support and Maintenance (ISM)
In-kind Support and Maintenance (ISM) is when someone else pays for or gives you food or shelter. If someone gives you a non-cash item, that you can sell or trade for food or shelter—that is ISM, too. ISM is important because Social Security considers it when figuring your benefit amount. This pub tells you the rules that apply to ISM. It gives examples and tells you where to get help.
SSI Overpayments
This pub tells you about SSI overpayments. An overpayment happens when Social Security sends you more than they should have. This pub tells you what causes the overpayment. It explains who is responsible to pay them back. It tells you what to do if you are overpaid.
The Ticket to Work and Self-Sufficiency Program – "The Ticket"
The Ticket to Work program is part of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentive Improvement Act of 1999. The program’s goal is to increase the number of providers who can help you if you are on SSI or SSDI get services so you can find work. This pub tells you about the program. It tells you where to get more information.
Transition-Age Youth and Social Security – Age 18 Re-Determination
This pub tells you about SSI rules when you turn age 18. If you had SSI before age 18, you have to have your eligibility for SSI decided again. SSI rules are different for people over the age of 18. This pub also tells you where to get help.