Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Benefits in California

• To qualify for federal Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), ADHD must severely limit your ability to work or do daily activities.
• SSI is for people with low income and resources, while SSDI is for those who paid Social Security taxes.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) reviews medical records, school reports, and work history to decide if ADHD meets their disability standards.
• Most adults with ADHD who qualify for SSDI receive about $1,450 per month, with a maximum of $4,018 in 2025.
• SSI payments depend on income and resources, and California adds a state supplement to federal SSI.
• Children with ADHD may qualify for SSI if their condition is severe and meets SSA’s childhood disability rules.
• You must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA to avoid overpayments.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides short-term wage replacement for people who cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including severe ADHD that limits work ability.
• SDI benefits in 2025 pay up to 70% or 90% of wages (up from 60% or 70% in 2024), with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,681.
• To qualify for SDI, you must have earned at least $300 in wages subject to SDI tax in the base period before your disability began.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL) in California also covers time off to care for a family member with a serious health condition, which may include ADHD if it is severe.
• Medi-Cal provides health coverage for low-income Californians, including those with disabilities like ADHD.
• California also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with developmental disabilities, which may include ADHD if it meets the criteria.
• Reporting changes in income or employment is required for all state benefits to avoid overpayments.

Source: California Employment Development Department, 2025

• Gather medical records, school reports, and work history.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov or by phone.
• Apply for SDI/PFL through the EDD website.
• Apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California or your county social services agency.
• Report any changes in income or resources to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Collect all medical records, school reports, and work history that show how ADHD affects your daily life and work ability.
• Step 2: Apply for SSI/SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide your Social Security number, proof of income, and medical evidence.
• Step 3: Apply for California State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL) through the EDD website. You will need to provide your Social Security number, employer information, and medical evidence.
• Step 4: Apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California or your county social services agency. You will need to provide proof of income, residency, and disability.
• Step 5: If you qualify for Medicaid waivers (HCBS), contact your county social services agency for an assessment.
• Step 6: Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA and EDD to avoid overpayments.
• Step 7: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence for your records.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025 Source: California Employment Development Department, 2025

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly cash payments to people with disabilities who have low income and resources.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly cash payments to people with disabilities who paid Social Security taxes.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health insurance for people with disabilities who have low income and resources.
• Work Incentives: Programs that help people with disabilities work and keep benefits.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI): Provides short-term wage replacement for people who cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including severe ADHD.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL): Provides wage replacement for people who need time off to care for a family member with a serious health condition, which may include ADHD if it is severe.
• Medi-Cal: Health coverage for low-income Californians, including those with disabilities.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with developmental disabilities, which may include ADHD if it meets the criteria.
• California ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): In-home care for people with disabilities who need help with daily activities.

Source: California Employment Development Department, 2025 Source: California Department of Health Care Services, 2025

• California ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing SSI or Medi-Cal benefits.
• You can save up to $18,000 per year in an ABLE account, and the first $100,000 is not counted for SSI eligibility.
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, transportation, and health care.
• To open an ABLE account, visit the California ABLE website.

Source: California ABLE, 2025

• SSI income limits in 2025 are $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple.
• SSDI has no income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,620 per month from work (or $2,700 if legally blind) to be considered disabled.
• Medi-Cal income limits vary by household size and disability status.
• California adds a state supplement to federal SSI, so total payments may be higher.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

• You must report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to SSA and EDD to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit reductions.
• If you receive an overpayment notice, contact SSA or EDD immediately to discuss repayment options.
• Reporting changes helps ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-7pm

  Website

  Apply for SSI/SSDI and get help with work incentives.
• California Employment Development Department (EDD)
  Phone: 1-800-480-3287

  TTY: 1-800-326-8937

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

  Website

  Apply for SDI/PFL and get help with wage replacement.
• California Department of Health Care Services (Medi-Cal)
  Phone: 1-800-541-5555

  TTY: 1-800-430-7077

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

  Website

  Apply for Medi-Cal and get help with health coverage.

• Can ADHD qualify for disability benefits in California?

  Yes, ADHD can qualify for SSI or SSDI if it severely limits your ability to work or do daily activities. You must provide medical evidence and meet SSA’s disability standards.

• How much can I get from SSI or SSDI for ADHD in California?

  Most adults with ADHD who qualify for SSDI receive about $1,450 per month, with a maximum of $4,018 in 2025. SSI payments depend on income and resources.

• What is California State Disability Insurance (SDI) for ADHD?

  SDI provides short-term wage replacement for people who cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, including severe ADHD. Benefits in 2025 pay up to 70% or 90% of wages, with a maximum of $1,681 per week.

• How do I apply for SSI/SSDI for ADHD in California?

  Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical evidence and work history.

• What is Medi-Cal and how do I apply for it in California?

  Medi-Cal is California’s Medicaid program, providing health coverage for low-income residents, including those with disabilities. Apply through Covered California or your county social services agency.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits for ADHD in California?

  Yes, work incentives allow you to work and keep benefits. You must report any changes in income to avoid overpayments.