California disability benefits offer essential financial support to residents who cannot work due to a disability. For example, programs like State Disability Insurance (SDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), etc, help cover basic living expenses.
This article will guide you through the main California disability benefits eligibility and how to apply for these programs.
What Are California Disability Benefits?
The California Globe estimated that over 500,000 Californians get disability benefits. You are not alone if you live in California and cannot work due to illness or injury! Federal support is available.
In addition to the “permanent” Social Security disability benefits, California is among the five states with a temporary disability program.
California State Disability Insurance (SDI)
The California SDI program has been in operation since 1946. It offers short-term disability benefits to individuals who can’t work because of health conditions not related to their jobs.
More than 18 million workers in California are covered by this state-run program, according to the California Employment Development Department.
Previously, workers received SDI wage replacement payments ranging from 60-70% of their usual wage. However, beginning in 2025, California workers earning less than about $62,000.00 per year will get 90% of their earnings as a benefit.
Besides, the maximum time you can receive benefits is 52 weeks- or 39 weeks if you are self-employed.
If you are eligible for the California SDI program, you can receive these benefits:
Disability Insurance
It offers short-term pay replacement benefits to qualifying workers who lose wages because of a non-work-related injury, sickness, or pregnancy.
Paid Family Leave
Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits individuals who need time off work for these purposes:
- Take care of a chronically ill parent, parent-in-law, child, grandchild, grandparent, spouse, sibling, or registered domestic partner.
- Bond with a new child who joins the family by adoption, birth, or foster care placement.
- Engage in a qualifying event related to a qualified family member’s military deployment to a foreign nation.
>>> Also read: What Are Senior Benefits In California? Crucial Things To Consider
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
In March 2025, around 4.89 million people received Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
The government program offers monthly payments to individuals and children with disabilities or blindness whose income and resources fall below certain financial thresholds.
Also, SSI payments are granted to adults 65 and older without impairments who fulfill the income requirements.
Notably, you do not need to have worked previously to be eligible for SSI California.
The maximum monthly SSI benefits California for a resident is $1,206.94, including the federal benefit of $967 and the California State Supplementary Payment of $239.94.
Nevertheless, the maximum differs based on whether you are a qualified couple or reside in someone else’s home.
Furthermore, you can get a different amount unless you cover the total cost of shelter or live in an institution such as a hospital, nursing home, or jail.
What is great about the SSI program is that, participants are automatically qualified for the Lifeline Assistance Program. This initiative provides discounted phone and internet plans to low-income individuals if you apply through a qualified provider.
Among various options, AirTalk Wireless stands out as one of the most reputable carriers. It offers subscribers unlimited minutes, texts, and data, as well as a free cell phone or tablet.
>>> Also read: Where To Get Free Government iPhone California? Top Picks
Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI or DI) provides monthly payments to workers who are unable to work because of a severe disease or impairment that is likely to persist for at least a year or lead to death within a year.
The SSA handles this program.
Generally, people who have worked for at least five out of the last ten years and paid enough into Social Security through taxes may qualify for SSDI benefits.
The benefits are provided to disabled workers and their dependent family members.
Other California disability programs
In addition to the aforementioned California disability benefits, you can obtain both long-term and short-term private disability insurance.
If you or your employer obtained disability insurance before becoming disabled, you may submit a claim with the private insurer.
These give you a portion of your past income, although the specific amount and length of the benefit vary depending on the policy.
Furthermore, suppose you were in the military and sustained an accident that rendered you unable to work, or if you are retired but experience a medical condition related to your service.
Then, you should file for disability benefits via Veterans Affairs.
How Much Are Disability Benefits California?
The amount you might get for California state disability benefits varies depending on the program you qualify for. The following are how much money you can get with SDI, SSI, and SSDI.
| California Disability Benefits | California Average Payment Amount | Duration |
| State Disability Insurance | 90% of your wages | 52 weeks |
| Supplemental Security Income | $1,206.94 per month | Indefinite/until retirement age |
| Social Security Disability Income | $967 – $4,018 per month | Indefinite/until retirement age |
How to Calculate Disability Benefits California?
In general, the amount of California disability benefits you get is determined by your wages during a particular base period.
- SDI: Payment amount depends on your past earnings and SDI taxes paid during a specific base period.
- SSI: You may receive the full amount if your countable income is below the federal benefit rate. Other benefits (like SNAP/Food Stamps) are subtracted from your SSI payment.
- SSDI: The benefit amount is based on your work history and how much you have contributed to Social Security through payroll taxes.
How to Get Disability Benefits in California?
This section will walk you through the eligibility requirements and step-by-step application process for California state disability benefits.
Eligibility criteria
Any medical impairment or condition that stops you from working is eligible for disability. Your illness applies if it lasts more than a year or might result in death.
The following are some of the most typical California disability benefits eligibility conditions:
- Mental disorders
- Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
- Diseases of the nervous system
- Diseases of the circulatory system
- Injuries
- Neoplasms
- Others
Please note that each program’s qualifying requirements vary, so double-check before applying.
How to apply
You can choose one out of three methods to file an application for disability benefits:
- Apply online through the SSA website
- Apply by phone by calling 1-800-772-1213. It is available from Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. If you are hard of hearing or deaf, please contact 1-800-325-0778. After scheduling an appointment, the SSA will give you a Disability Starter Kit to help you prepare.
- Apply in person at your local Social Security Administration office.
Conclusion
To conclude, California disability benefits assist people who cannot work because of a disability or medical condition. Understanding the many programs available, such as SDI, SSI, and SSDI, will allow you to take the necessary steps to apply for and get support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are disability benefits taxable in California?
California usually does not tax State Disability Insurance (SDI), Social Security Disability Insurance (DI), or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits.
Does severance pay affect disability benefits in California?
Severance pay may impact your disability payments in California. When you sign a severance agreement in California, both you and your employer are expected to follow the terms outlined in the contract.
Although this provides financial rewards, it also stops you from filing a lawsuit if you think you were abused under state employment rules.
