What California residents need to know about Social Security

Social Security in California works the same way it does everywhere else in the United States — the federal government runs the program, sets the benefit amounts, and processes claims through the Social Security Administration (SSA). California does not run its own Social Security system or add state-level Social Security benefits. However, California does run separate state programs that can supplement federal Social Security income, and the state has specific rules about how Social Security income affects other benefits you might receive.

If you live in California and receive Social Security, you will deal with the federal SSA for your benefit itself. But if you also receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or other state assistance, California's rules about how much you can earn and still keep those benefits will matter to you. The state also has a higher cost of living than most states, which affects how far your Social Security check goes and whether you may have access to for additional help.

Key Takeaways

  • Social Security is a federal program; California does not issue Social Security benefits, but the state does run programs that can add money to your federal benefit.
  • If you receive SSI in California, the state adds a small amount to your federal SSI check each month, and you must report any work income to keep receiving it.
  • California's Medi-Cal program covers health insurance for people on Social Security with low income, and the income limits are higher than in many other states.
  • You must apply for Social Security through the federal SSA, either online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office.
  • If you live in California and work while receiving Social Security before full retirement age, the earnings limit and how it affects your benefit are set by federal rules, not state rules.

How to apply for Social Security in California

You apply for Social Security through the federal Social Security Administration, not through any California state office. You have three ways to start: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or by walking into a local Social Security office. The online application is usually the fastest route if you are applying for retirement benefits and have all your documents ready.

You will need your birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and a photo ID. If you are applying based on someone else's work record (as a spouse or survivor), you will also need proof of that relationship — a marriage certificate, divorce decree, or death certificate depending on your situation. Social Security will ask for your work history, so having your last few W-2 forms or tax returns on hand speeds things up.

Processing time varies. Retirement benefit claims typically take three to five months from the date you submit everything. Disability claims take longer — often four to six months or more — because Social Security has to review medical evidence. You can check the status of your application online through your my Social Security account at ssa.gov, or by calling the same phone number.

California's state supplement to SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program for people who are aged, blind, or disabled and have very low income and resources. If you receive federal SSI and live in California, the state adds money to your check each month. This is called SSI/SSP — SSI plus State Supplementary Payment.

The state supplement amount changes each year. As of 2024, the maximum state supplement for an individual living independently is around $70 per month, though the exact amount depends on your living situation and whether you have other income. If you live in a group home or with family who help pay for food and shelter, the amount is lower. You do not apply separately for the state supplement — if you receive federal SSI, California automatically adds it to your payment.

The catch is that California counts income the same way the federal SSI program does. If you work, you must report your earnings to Social Security. The first $65 per month of work income is not counted, and then half of what you earn above that is not counted either. But any income above those thresholds reduces your SSI check dollar-for-dollar. If your total income (including the state supplement) goes above the SSI limit, you lose both the federal and state portions.

Medi-Cal coverage for Social Security recipients

If you receive Social Security and have low income, you may be able to get health insurance through Medi-Cal, California's Medicaid program. The income limits for Medi-Cal are higher than the SSI income limits, which means some people who do not may have access to for SSI can still get Medi-Cal.

For 2024, a single person can have a monthly income of up to around $1,500 and still may have access to for Medi-Cal, though this amount changes yearly and depends on whether you are also receiving SSI. If you receive SSI, you are automatically enrolled in Medi-Cal — you do not have to apply separately. If you receive only Social Security retirement or disability benefits and do not receive SSI, you can apply for Medi-Cal through the California Department of Social Services.

You can apply online through the CalHEALP website, by mail, or in person at your county social services office. Processing usually takes 30 to 45 days. Medi-Cal covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription drugs, and mental health services. There are no premiums for most people, though some may have small copays for certain services.

How Social Security income affects other California benefits

If you receive Social Security and also get CalFresh (food assistance), the way California counts your Social Security income matters. CalFresh counts your gross Social Security benefit — the full amount before Medicare premiums are taken out — as income. However, CalFresh allows a standard deduction that reduces your countable income, so not all of your Social Security is counted against your benefit.

For housing assistance through California's programs, the rules vary by program and by county. Some local housing authorities count Social Security as income and reduce your subsidy if your income rises. Others have income limits that are high enough that most Social Security recipients do not hit them. You will need to check with your specific housing program or local housing authority to understand how your benefit affects your housing assistance.

If you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and work, you can use the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) program to set aside income and resources for work-related goals without losing your benefits. This is a federal program, but you work with Social Security to set it up. PASS lets you exclude money you are saving for education, equipment, or business startup costs from the income and resource limits that would otherwise end your SSDI.

Reporting changes to Social Security in California

You must report certain changes to Social Security, whether you live in California or anywhere else. The main ones are: you start or stop working, your income changes, you move, you get married or divorced, or a family member dies. You can report most changes online through your my Social Security account, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local office.

If you receive SSI or SSI/SSP, you must also report changes to California's Department of Social Services. The easiest way is to call your local county social services office or use the online portal if your county has one. Failing to report changes can result in an overpayment — Social Security or the state sends you money you were not supposed to get — and you will have to pay it back.

If you work and receive Social Security before your full retirement age, you must report your earnings. Social Security uses your earnings to figure out whether your benefit should be reduced. You can report earnings online, by phone, or in person. Keep records of your pay stubs or tax forms so you have proof of what you earned if Social Security asks.

Local Social Security offices in California

California has Social Security offices in most cities and many smaller towns. You can find the office nearest you by going to ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. Walk-in hours vary by office, and many offices now require you to make an appointment before you come in. Some offices have limited hours or are only open certain days of the week.

If you need to visit an office, bring your Social Security card, a photo ID, and any documents related to your claim — birth certificate, marriage certificate, proof of income, medical records if you are applying for disability, or whatever else is relevant to your situation. If you cannot get to an office or prefer not to, you can handle most business by phone or online, and you do not lose anything by doing so.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay California state income tax on my Social Security benefit?

No. California does not tax Social Security benefits. However, if you have other income, you may owe California state income tax on that income. The federal government also does not tax Social Security for most people, though if you have substantial other income, part of your benefit may be taxable at the federal level.

Can I get Social Security if I did not work long enough to earn credits?

If you do not have enough work credits for your own retirement or disability benefit, you may be able to get a benefit based on a spouse's or ex-spouse's work record. You must be at least 62 years old for a spousal benefit, or any age if you are caring for a child under 16. Survivors of a worker who died can receive benefits at any age if they are caring for the worker's child.

What happens to my Social Security if I move out of California?

Your federal Social Security benefit continues no matter where you live. However, if you receive SSI/SSP (the state supplement), it stops if you move out of California. If you move to another state that has its own SSI supplement, you may be able to get that state's supplement instead, but you will lose California's payment. Contact Social Security before you move to understand how it will affect your benefits.

Can I work and still receive Social Security?

Yes, but if you are under full retirement age, Social Security reduces your benefit by $1 for every $2 you earn above an annual limit. For 2024, that limit is around $23,400, though it changes yearly. Once you reach full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without losing any benefit. If you receive SSDI, you can work and use the work incentive programs Social Security offers to keep your benefits while you earn.

How do I report a change in my living situation to SSI/SSP?

Call your county social services office or use your county's online portal if available. Changes in who you live with, whether someone else pays part of your rent or food, or whether you move to a group home all affect your SSI/SSP amount. Report changes within 10 days to avoid overpayments. You can also report changes to Social Security directly, and they will pass the information to California.