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California • Chronic Illness
People with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in California may qualify for federal benefits like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs such as California State Disability Insurance (SDI), CA Medicaid (Medi-Cal), and ABLE accounts. This guide covers eligibility, how to apply, and key money, banking, and reporting steps specific to California.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with COPD, you must prove your condition severely limits your ability to work for at least 12 months (or expect it to be fatal). Social Security uses a strict definition: your COPD must prevent "substantial gainful activity" (SGA). For 2025, earning over $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind) usually disqualifies you from SSDI/SSI[4]. SSDI requires enough work credits based on your age; SSI is for low-income individuals with limited assets[4]. Medicare eligibility starts 24 months after SSDI approval. Medicaid (called Medi-Cal in California) is available for low-income individuals, regardless of age.
California offers additional state benefits for people with COPD. State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides short-term wage replacement (about 70–90% of wages, depending on income) if you are unable to work due to COPD[2]. Paid Family Leave (PFL) can help if you need to care for a family member with COPD. Medi-Cal, California’s Medicaid program, covers health care and may offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for long-term care needs. California also has an ABLE program to help save for disability-related expenses. Unlike some states, California does not tax SSDI benefits[1]. State programs have different rules than federal programs—check both to maximize your support.
Start by gathering your medical records and work history. For SSDI/SSI, apply online at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. For California SDI, apply online at the Employment Development Department (EDD) website as soon as you stop working due to COPD[3]. For Medi-Cal, apply online at CoveredCA.com or contact your county social services office. Keep copies of all forms and correspondence.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Available if you have a sufficient work history and your COPD prevents you from working. Benefits are based on your lifetime earnings. In 2025, most California recipients get about $1,450 monthly, with a maximum of $4,018[1]. Medicare starts after 24 months of SSDI. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For low-income individuals with limited resources, regardless of work history. SSI also makes you eligible for Medi-Cal. Medicare: Covers hospital and medical insurance once you’ve been on SSDI for two years. Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California): Offers health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. Federal programs are the same nationwide, but state rules for Medicaid can differ[4].
California State Disability Insurance (SDI): Short-term wage replacement (up to 52 weeks) if you’re unable to work due to COPD. In 2025, benefits are 70–90% of wages, depending on income, and you can apply up to 30 days before your leave starts[2][3]. Paid Family Leave (PFL): Wage replacement if you need to care for a family member—could apply if a family member needs help because of your COPD. Medi-Cal: California’s Medicaid program covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, and long-term services for eligible residents. Medi-Cal Waivers (HCBS): Help people with disabilities stay in their homes instead of institutions. ABLE Accounts: California’s ABLE program lets you save for disability expenses without losing eligibility for some benefits. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Provides in-home care for people with disabilities, including help with daily activities.
California’s ABLE account program lets you save up to $18,000/year (2025) for disability-related expenses without affecting SSI or Medi-Cal eligibility. Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, health, and more. Learn how ABLE accounts can help you keep more of your benefits while saving for the future. See our <a href="/guides/able-accounts">ABLE Accounts</a> guide for details.
SSI: Income and asset limits apply. In 2025, countable income must be below the federal benefit rate (about $943/month for individuals). SSDI: No income limit to qualify, but your benefit amount is based on your work history. Once approved, you can’t earn over $1,620/month (substantial gainful activity) without risking benefits[4]. SDI: No income limit, but benefits are a percentage of your wages, capped at a maximum weekly amount. Medi-Cal: Income limits vary by program (e.g., SSI-linked Medi-Cal has higher limits than regular Medi-Cal).
If you get overpaid by Social Security, SDI, or Medi-Cal, you may have to pay the money back. Always report changes in income, work status, living situation, and health. Report to each program separately. See our <a href="/guides/overpayments-and-reporting">Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes</a> guide for step-by-step instructions.
Starting in 2025, California SDI pays 70–90% of your wages (depending on income) if you can’t work due to COPD. You can file your claim up to 30 days before your leave starts, and EDD must start payments within 14 days of your claim’s start date—helping you get support when you need it most[2].
Medi-Cal waivers (like HCBS) may help Californians with COPD get personal care, home health, and other supports at home. These waivers are especially helpful if you need more care than standard Medi-Cal covers.
No, you cannot receive both SSDI and California SDI for the same period. SDI is for short-term disabilities (up to 52 weeks); SSDI is for long-term disabilities. If you are disabled for more than a year, apply for SSDI once your SDI benefits end.
SSDI is based on your work history and payroll taxes paid. SSI is for low-income individuals with little or no work history. See our <a href="/guides/ssi-ssdi">SSI vs SSDI</a> guide for more details.
You may qualify for Medi-Cal if your income is low, you are disabled, or you receive SSI. Some Medi-Cal groups have no asset limit. Apply at CoveredCA.com or your county office.
Yes, but there are limits. For SSI and SSDI, you usually can’t earn more than substantial gainful activity (SGA) levels, which in 2025 is $1,620/month for non-blind individuals[4]. California SDI may allow some work, but rules differ. See <a href="/guides/work-incentives">SSI & SSDI Work Incentives</a>.
If your SSDI, SSI, or SDI claim is denied, you can appeal. For federal programs, follow the instructions in your denial letter and provide more medical evidence. For SDI, contact EDD directly. Appeals must be timely.
No, California does not tax SSDI benefits. Federal taxes may apply depending on your total income[1].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always verify eligibility and requirements with official agencies. Contact a benefits counselor if you have questions about your specific situation.
In 2025, SDI pays 70–90% of wages (depending on income), up to a cap. The average is about 2/3 of your normal pay. File online at EDD.ca.gov as soon as you stop working[2][3].
ABLE accounts are tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities. Funds can be used for many disability-related expenses and do not count against SSI or Medi-Cal asset limits.
Yes, California’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) or Medi-Cal waivers may help with personal care, housework, and more for eligible residents with disabilities.
Report changes in income, work status, health, or address directly to Social Security, EDD, and your county Medi-Cal office. Prompt reporting helps avoid overpayments or benefit loss.
