Asthma Benefits in California: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your asthma must be severe enough to prevent you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a medical guide called the “Blue Book” to decide if your condition meets the criteria for disability.
• You must have earned enough work credits, based on your job history. In 2025, you earn one credit for each $1,810 in wages, up to four credits per year.
• If approved, SSDI pays a monthly benefit based on your past earnings. Most recipients get about $1,450 per month, but payments can range from $967 to $4,018 depending on your work history.
• Children with asthma may qualify for benefits if their condition is severe and meets SSA rules.
• SSDI is available to adults whose disability began before age 22 if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides short-term wage replacement if you cannot work due to a non-work-related illness, including severe asthma. You must be unable to do your regular job for at least eight days.
• SDI pays up to 70% or 90% of your wages (depending on income) starting in 2025, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,681.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL) lets you take time off to care for a family member with asthma or to bond with a new child.
• Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid) covers asthma care for low-income residents, including doctor visits, medications, and hospital stays.
• California’s ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.

Source: EDD.ca.gov, 2025, Source: Newfront.com, 2025, Source: DB101 California, 2025

• If you have asthma and cannot work, apply for SSDI online at SSA.gov.
• For short-term wage replacement due to asthma, apply for California SDI through the EDD website.
• For health coverage, apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California or your county office.
• To save for disability expenses, open an ABLE account through the California ABLE program.
• Contact Disability Rights California for free help with applications and appeals.

• Step 1: Gather medical records. Get letters from your doctor that describe your asthma, how it limits your work, and any treatments you need.
• Step 2: Apply for SSDI. Go to SSA.gov and fill out the online application. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 for help.
• Step 3: Apply for SDI. If you need short-term leave for asthma, apply through the EDD website. You can file up to 30 days before your leave starts.
• Step 4: Apply for Medi-Cal. Visit CoveredCA.com or your county social services office to apply for health coverage.
• Step 5: Open an ABLE account. Go to the California ABLE website to open a tax-advantaged savings account for disability expenses.
• Step 6: Report changes. If your health or income changes, report it to SSA, EDD, or Medi-Cal to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: Get help. Contact Disability Rights California or your local Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) counselor for free support.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025, Source: EDD.ca.gov, 2025, Source: DB101 California, 2025

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for adults with severe asthma who cannot work. Payments are based on past earnings.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for low-income adults and children with severe asthma.
• Medicare: Health coverage for adults who get SSDI after 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for low-income families and individuals with asthma.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI): Short-term wage replacement for asthma flare-ups. Pays up to 70% or 90% of wages, with a max of $1,681 per week in 2025.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL): Lets you take time off to care for a family member with asthma or to bond with a new child.
• Medi-Cal: California’s Medicaid program covers asthma care for low-income residents, including doctor visits, medications, and hospital stays.
• California ABLE Program: Lets you save money for disability expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Provides help with daily living for people with severe asthma who need care at home.
• Work Incentives: Programs that let you keep benefits while working part-time or trying to return to work.

Source: EDD.ca.gov, 2025, Source: Newfront.com, 2025, Source: DB101 California, 2025

• California’s ABLE program lets you save up to $18,000 per year in a tax-advantaged account for disability-related expenses.
• You can use ABLE funds for medical care, education, housing, transportation, and more.
• ABLE accounts do not affect eligibility for SSI, Medi-Cal, or other means-tested benefits.
• To open an account, visit the California ABLE website and complete the online application.

Source: DB101 California, 2025

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month from work in 2025 (or $2,700 if legally blind) without losing benefits.
• SSI: Income limits are strict. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual, but this can be reduced by other income.
• Medi-Cal: Income limits vary by household size. For a single adult, the limit is about $2,000 per month in 2025.
• SDI: No income limit, but benefits are based on your past wages.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025, Source: DB101 California, 2025

• If your health or income changes, you must report it to SSA, EDD, or Medi-Cal to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can happen if you work more than allowed or if your condition improves.
• If you get an overpayment notice, contact the agency right away. You may be able to set up a payment plan or ask for a waiver.
• Always keep records of your income, work hours, and medical appointments.

Source: DB101 California, 2025, Source: SSA.gov, 2025

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  For SSDI, SSI, and Medicare questions.
• California Employment Development Department (EDD)
  Phone: 1-800-480-3287

  TTY: 1-800-326-8937

  Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  For SDI, PFL, and unemployment questions.
• Disability Rights California
  Phone: 1-800-776-5746

  Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday

  Website

  Free legal help for people with disabilities.

• Can asthma qualify for disability benefits in California?

  Yes, if your asthma is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months, you may qualify for SSDI or SSI. California SDI also covers short-term leave for asthma flare-ups.

• How much can I get from California SDI for asthma?

  In 2025, California SDI pays up to 70% or 90% of your wages, with a maximum of $1,681 per week. The exact amount depends on your income.

• What is the difference between SSDI and SSI for asthma?

  SSDI is based on your work history and pays higher benefits. SSI is for low-income people with disabilities and pays a set monthly amount. Both can help with asthma-related costs.

• Can I work while getting disability benefits for asthma?

  Yes, SSDI and SSI have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits. You must report your earnings to avoid overpayments.

• How do I apply for Medi-Cal with asthma in California?

  You can apply for Medi-Cal online at CoveredCA.com or at your county social services office. Medi-Cal covers asthma care for low-income residents.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help with asthma?

  An ABLE account lets you save money for disability-related expenses, like asthma medications or equipment, without losing eligibility for SSI or Medi-Cal.

• Can I get paid family leave for asthma in California?