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California • Chronic Illness
If you have cancer in California, you may be eligible for federal and state disability benefits, Medicaid, and special savings accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key programs—including higher 2025 CA disability payments—so you can focus on your health and financial security.
If you have cancer and it prevents you from working, you may qualify for federal disability benefits. SSI offers monthly payments to adults and children with limited income and resources. SSDI is for workers who have paid into Social Security and can no longer work due to a severe health condition. Both require medical proof that your cancer (or its treatment) severely limits your ability to work. The process can take several months, so apply as soon as possible. See our SSI vs SSDI guide for details.
California offers additional support through State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL). SDI covers Californians who pay into the program and are unable to work due to cancer or its treatment (non-work-related). Starting in 2025, benefits replace 70–90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week—no income cap applies[1][2]. PFL provides paid leave to care for a seriously ill family member (including those with cancer). You can file for benefits up to 30 days before your leave starts, and EDD must pay within 14 days of claim receipt or the leave start date, whichever is later[1][2]. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you must have earned enough wages and meet state requirements.
To apply for California disability benefits with cancer, first gather your medical records and income information. Complete the application online at the EDD website for SDI or PFL. For federal SSI/SSDI, start your application at ssa.gov. Always report changes in your health or income promptly to avoid overpayments. If you need help, contact EDD, Social Security, or a local legal aid office.
Step 1: See your doctor and ask for detailed records about your cancer diagnosis, treatment, and how it affects your ability to work. Step 2: For California SDI/PFL, create an account at the EDD website, fill out the application, and upload your proof of wages and medical certification for your disability[3]. You can file up to 30 days before your leave starts, and payments begin within 14 days of receipt or when your leave starts[1][2]. Step 3: For federal SSI/SSDI, visit ssa.gov to start your application, or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213. You may need to complete forms, attend medical exams, and provide work history. Step 4: If you need help paying for cancer treatment or home care, apply for Medi-Cal (California Medicaid) online or at your county office. Mention any special needs—some waivers provide extra services. Step 5: Consider opening a California ABLE account if you have a disability before age 26, to save for disability expenses. Step 6: Report any income or health changes to EDD, Social Security, or Medi-Cal to protect your benefits and avoid overpayments. For help, contact Disability Rights California or a local benefits counselor.
SSI pays monthly benefits to adults and children with little income and resources who are disabled—cancer may qualify if it prevents substantial work. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes but can no longer work due to their disability. Both have strict medical and income rules. Medicare may cover cancer treatment if you qualify for SSDI after a waiting period. Medicaid (called Medi-Cal in California) provides health insurance for low-income people, including those with cancer who meet eligibility requirements.
California State Disability Insurance (SDI) pays short-term benefits for those temporarily unable to work due to their cancer or its treatment—benefits increased significantly in 2025, now up to $1,681/week for eligible workers[1][2]. Paid Family Leave (PFL) covers time off to care for a family member with cancer. Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health coverage and may offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for extra help at home. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) pays for in-home care for eligible Californians. The state also supports ABLE savings accounts for qualified people with disabilities. California’s programs are among the most generous in the nation for short-term disability and family care.
If you had your disability (including cancer) before age 26, you can open a California ABLE account to save for disability expenses without affecting SSI, Medi-Cal, or most other benefits. Earnings grow tax-free. ABLE accounts can help cover medical costs, housing, transportation, and more. No income limits apply, but annual contribution limits do. See our ABLE Accounts guide.
SSI has strict income and resource limits—in 2024, about $1,000/month for individuals, including in-kind support. Medi-Cal limits income but has several pathways for people with disabilities. CA SDI no longer has an income cap for contributions or benefits starting in 2024, so all wages are taxed and all eligible workers can get the maximum benefit if their wages support it[1]. SSDI and PFL also have income-based rules. Always report changes in your income or resources to avoid overpayments.
If you receive too much in benefits due to unreported income or a change in your health, you may have to pay it back. Report any changes in your job, income, or health status to EDD, Social Security, or Medi-Cal right away. For help avoiding and resolving overpayments, see our Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide.
New in 2025: California SDI benefit rates have increased to 70–90% of wages, with a maximum of $1,681 per week for eligible workers—no income cap. You can file up to 30 days before your leave, and EDD must pay within 14 days of claim receipt or your leave start date, whichever is later[1][2].
The maximum weekly SDI benefit in 2025 is $1,681, replacing 70–90% of your wages depending on your earnings. There is no longer an income cap for contributions or benefits[1].
Apply online at the EDD website up to 30 days before your planned leave. Provide proof of your relationship and the family member’s medical certification. Payments begin within 14 days of receipt or leave start, whichever is later[1][2].
You can receive both, but SSDI may reduce your SDI benefit. Always report all income and benefits to avoid overpayments. See our [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi) guide for details.
Yes, Medi-Cal covers cancer treatment for those who qualify. If you get SSI, you automatically qualify for Medi-Cal in California. SSDI recipients may qualify based on income. See our [Medicaid vs Medicare](/guides/medicaid-vs-medicare) guide.
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities (who had their disability before age 26) save and invest money without losing eligibility for benefits. Funds can be used for medical costs, housing, transportation, and more.
Benefits depend on your current ability to work and need for ongoing treatment. If you can return to substantial work, benefits may end. Always update EDD, Social Security, or Medi-Cal with changes in your health.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about California and federal benefits for people with cancer. For official, up-to-date details, contact the California Employment Development Department (EDD), Social Security Administration (SSA), and Medi-Cal directly.
It usually takes 3–5 months, but it can be faster for certain cancers. You may need to provide medical evidence and attend exams. Apply as soon as possible, even if your cancer is newly diagnosed.
You have the right to appeal. Contact Disability Rights California or a legal aid office for free help appealing a denial, especially if your cancer or its treatment prevents you from working.
Medi-Cal offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for those who need help at home. Ask your county social services agency if you qualify. See our [Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)](/guides/medicaid-waivers) guide.
Both federal and state programs have work incentives for people who want to work. SSI and SSDI allow some earnings if you report them. For details, see our [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) guide.
