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California • Mental Health
If you have an anxiety disorder in California, you may qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI), Paid Family Leave (PFL), Medicaid, and federal programs like SSI and SSDI. California’s 2025 changes mean higher weekly benefits and faster claim processing for SDI and PFL.
People with anxiety disorders may qualify for federal disability benefits if their condition prevents them from working. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers two main programs: Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for low-income individuals and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for those with a work history. To qualify, your anxiety must be severe enough to stop you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. Medical records and a doctor’s statement are required. SSI and SSDI can help cover basic living costs and provide access to Medicaid or Medicare.
For more details, see the SSA’s Blue Book listing for anxiety disorders (Section 12.06) and the SSI/SSDI eligibility requirements.
In California, people with anxiety disorders may qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI) if their condition prevents them from working for at least eight days. SDI covers non-work-related illnesses, including mental health conditions like anxiety. Paid Family Leave (PFL) may also be available if you need time off to care for yourself or a family member with a serious health condition.
Starting January 1, 2025, SDI and PFL benefits increased to 70%–90% of wages, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,681. You can file a claim up to 30 days before your leave starts. The Employment Development Department (EDD) must pay your claim within 14 days of receipt or the start date, whichever is later.
California also offers Medicaid (Medi-Cal) for low-income residents, which covers mental health services. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services if you need extra support.
Step 1: Confirm eligibility. For SDI/PFL, you must be unable to work due to anxiety for at least eight days. For SSI/SSDI, your anxiety must prevent substantial work for 12+ months.
Step 2: Get medical documentation. Ask your doctor for a statement that explains how your anxiety affects your ability to work.
Step 3: File your SDI/PFL claim. Go to myEDD and submit your claim up to 30 days before your leave. The EDD will review your claim and pay benefits within 14 days of receipt or the start date.
Step 4: Apply for SSI/SSDI. Complete the application online at SSA.gov or visit your local SSA office. Submit all required medical records.
Step 5: Apply for Medi-Cal. Use Covered California or your county social services office to apply for Medi-Cal, which covers mental health services.
Step 6: Report any changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash payments for low-income people with disabilities, including anxiety disorders.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with a work history who can’t work due to disability.
Medicare: Health insurance for people receiving SSDI after 24 months.
Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income people, including those with anxiety disorders.
State Disability Insurance (SDI): Short-term wage replacement for people unable to work due to anxiety or other non-work-related illnesses. Benefits increased to 70%–90% of wages in 2025, with a maximum of $1,681 per week.
Paid Family Leave (PFL): Wage replacement for people who need time off to care for themselves or a family member with a serious health condition.
Medi-Cal: California’s Medicaid program, covering mental health services for low-income residents.
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that provide home and community-based services for people with disabilities who need extra support.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medi-Cal benefits. California residents with anxiety disorders may qualify if their condition started before age 26. ABLE accounts can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses.
For SSI, the 2025 federal income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. For Medi-Cal, income limits vary by household size and program. For SDI/PFL, benefits are based on your wages, not income limits.
If your condition improves or your income changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. For SSI/SSDI, report changes online or by phone. For SDI/PFL, report changes to the EDD. For Medi-Cal, report changes to your county office. Overpayments can result in penalties or loss of benefits.
Starting January 1, 2025, California SDI and PFL benefits increased to 70%–90% of wages, with a maximum of $1,681 per week. You can file claims up to 30 days before your leave, and the EDD must pay within 14 days.
Yes, if your anxiety disorder prevents you from working for at least eight days, you may qualify for SDI. You’ll need a doctor’s statement and medical records to support your claim.
In 2025, SDI benefits are 70%–90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week. The exact amount depends on your earnings.
Yes, you can file for SDI up to 30 days before your leave starts. The EDD will pay your claim within 14 days of receipt or the start date.
Yes, Medi-Cal covers mental health services for anxiety disorders, including therapy and medication. You may also qualify for Medicaid waivers for extra support.
You can apply online at SSA.gov or at your local SSA office. You’ll need medical records and a doctor’s statement showing your anxiety prevents you from working.
The 2025 federal SSI income limit is $943/month for an individual and $1,415/month for a couple. California does not add a state supplement for SSI.
Yes, if your anxiety started before age 26, you may qualify for a California ABLE account. This lets you save money without losing SSI or Medi-Cal benefits.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
If you don’t report changes, you may get an overpayment. This can lead to penalties or loss of benefits. Always report changes to the EDD, SSA, or county office.
SDI can last up to 52 weeks for non-work-related disabilities, including anxiety. You must be unable to work for at least eight days to qualify.
Yes, you can get both SDI and SSI if you meet the eligibility rules for each program. SDI is based on your wages, and SSI is based on your income and resources.
