Benefits Planning Learning Community - November 2025

Welcome to the Benefits Planning Learning Community! Together we are working to remove the fear of loss of benefits as a barrier to employment for people with disabilities.

The purpose of this newsletter is to keep you informed, bring you the most up to date information about changes to benefits, highlight important resources, and help you have conversations, answer questions, and provide benefits planning to the people you support.

Key Messages About Work and Benefits

Five things everyone (and we mean everyone!) needs to know and communicate about work and benefits:

1. Work and benefits can go together

2. All public benefit programs in Minnesota support work

3. People who work can earn more money than those who don't-- even if their benefits change

4. Benefits should not be the reason someone chooses not to work

5. Benefits planning helps people see how work is possible, work to their full potential, save money, and get ahead financially

Upcoming Events

Quarter Four Benefit Planning Learning Community Meeting

Want to increase your confidence in talking about work and benefits with the people you support? Join the Benefit Planning Learning Community quarterly meeting to get accurate, up-to-date information on benefit policies, access to tools to help navigate and plan, and connect with colleagues doing similar work.

This quarter's topics include:

• Cost of Living Adjustments for Social Security Benefits

• Tracking Changes from the Federal Reconciliation Bill

• SNAP and MFIP changes

We also want to hear from you about what you've been up to, your goals this year for increasing confidence talking about work and benefits, and success stories.

Benefit Coach Training 2026

We're excited to announce that next year's Benefit Coach training cohorts will begin in March! These trainings are designed for professionals who dedicate 10 or more hours each week to supporting people with disabilities in making informed choices about work and benefits. Participants will learn how to guide individuals through benefit-related questions, address the impact of employment on benefits, and support financial planning around work. Priority enrollment will be given to Home and Community Based Services waiver providers offering employment services. For more information and to apply visit the Benefit Planning Toolkit.

Benefit Updates

Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments for 2026

Starting in January, Social Security disability benefits are getting a 2.8% boost. That means the average SSDI payment will go up by about $42 a month, landing around $1,630. For people receiving SSI, the maximum federal benefit will rise to $994 for individuals and $1,491 for couples.

But there's more good news: work incentive thresholds are also increasing, giving people more flexibility to test their ability to work without immediately losing benefits. The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for non-blind SSDI recipients will rise to $1,690/month, and for blind individuals, it increases to $2,830/month. The Trail Work Period (TWP) threshold will also bump up to $1,210/month.

These changes mean people earn a bit more while exploring employment options, and we can help them navigate these transitions with confidence. SSA will send out benefit notices in December, and people with online mySSA accounts can check their updated amounts even sooner.

Check out these details and even more updates in Social Security's COLA Factsheet 2026.

Federal Changes to MA - where to keep track

The Minnesota Department of Human Services has launched a dedicated page, Federal Medicaid Changes, to track major federal changes to Medical Assistance following the new budget law signed in July 2025. While no changes take effect until fall 2026, professionals should be aware of what's coming: new work requirements, more frequent renewals, limits on retroactive coverage, cost-sharing for some services, and tighter eligibility rules for certain immigrant groups. These changes will mostly affect adults ages 21-64 who don't have dependent children, aren't pregnant, and aren't receiving coverage based on disability. DHS will update the page regularly as federal guidance becomes available, so it's a key resource for staying informed and helping clients plan ahead.

Federal Shutdown Information for SNAP and MFIP Recipients

As a result of the federal shutdown some benefits will potentially be reduced starting this month (November 2025). The Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) website "Federal Shutdown Information" provides updates on how the federal government shutdown will affect these benefits. It explains benefit reductions, delays, and offers resources for families to find immediate help such as food shelves, WIC, and energy assistance.

Resources

Medical Assistance (MA) Fee-For-Service Coverage Page

This webpage explains Medical Assistance (MA) and MinnesotaCare fee-for-service coverage -- sometimes called "straight MA". It's intended for people enrolled in these programs who are not part of a managed health plan. The site helps individuals who are not part of a managed health plan. The site helps individuals understand what services are covered, how to find providers, transportation, interpreter services, and who to contact for questions or updates.