If you have arthritis in California, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSDI, SDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what benefits are available in 2025.
To qualify for federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits. Arthritis can qualify if it severely limits your ability to work. The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews your medical records and work history. Most SSDI recipients in California get about $1,450 per month, but payments vary based on your earnings. The maximum monthly benefit in 2025 is $4,018. You must also meet income and asset limits for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if you have low income and resources.
For more details, see the SSA’s Blue Book listing for arthritis (Section 14.09) and check your eligibility using the SSA’s online tools.
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025]
California residents with arthritis may qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI) if they cannot work due to their condition. SDI covers up to 52 weeks of short-term disability. Paid Family Leave (PFL) is also available for those who need time off to care for themselves or a family member. In 2025, SDI and PFL benefits increased to 70% or 90% of wages, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,681. There is no wage cap for contributions, and the payroll tax rate is now 1.2%. Workers can file claims up to 30 days in advance of their leave.
California also offers Medicaid waivers for long-term care and support services for people with disabilities, including those with arthritis. These waivers help cover costs for home and community-based services.
[Source: EDD.ca.gov, 2025]
[Source: SSA.gov, EDD.ca.gov, CA.ABLEforAll.com, 2025]
[Source: SSA.gov, 2025]
[Source: EDD.ca.gov, CA.ABLEforAll.com, 2025]
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. In California, you can open an ABLE account through CA.ABLEforAll.com. You can save up to $18,000 per year, and the account can be used for qualified disability expenses like medical care, housing, and education.
[Source: CA.ABLEforAll.com, 2025]
For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,620/month ($2,700 if legally blind) from work. For SSI, the 2025 federal payment is $967/month, with possible state supplements. Income and asset limits apply. For SDI/PFL, benefits are based on your wages, with no cap on contributions in 2025.
[Source: SSA.gov, EDD.ca.gov, 2025]
If your income or health changes, you must report it to avoid overpayments. For SSDI/SSI, report changes online or by phone. For SDI/PFL, report changes to the EDD. Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit reductions. Keep records of all changes and communications.
[Source: SSA.gov, EDD.ca.gov, 2025]
Contact the California Employment Development Department at 1-800-480-3287 for SDI/PFL questions, or the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 for SSDI/SSI.
Yes, if your arthritis prevents you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. California also offers SDI for short-term disability and Medicaid waivers for long-term care.
In 2025, California SDI pays 70% or 90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week. The amount depends on your income and the new law that took effect January 1, 2025.
SSDI is based on your work history and pays more. SSI is for low-income individuals with disabilities and pays less. Both can help with arthritis-related disability.
Contact your county social services agency. They will help you apply for HCBS waivers, which cover long-term care and support services for people with disabilities.
Yes, but there are limits. For SSDI, you can’t earn more than $1,620/month from work. For SSI, income and asset limits apply. Report any changes to avoid overpayments.
An ABLE account lets you save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits. You can use it for qualified disability expenses like medical care, housing, and education.
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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The EDD must issue a claim payment within 14 days of receiving your claim or the date your leave begins, whichever is later. Processing times may vary.
Yes, you can get both. SSDI is federal and based on work history. SDI is state and covers short-term disability. They serve different purposes and can be used together.
You need medical records that show your arthritis diagnosis, treatment, and how it limits your ability to work. Include doctor’s notes, test results, and treatment plans.
Report changes online or by phone to SSA for SSDI/SSI, and to EDD for SDI/PFL. Keep records of all changes and communications to avoid overpayments.
