If you have chronic pain in California, you may qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI), Paid Family Leave (PFL), and federal disability programs. SDI and PFL benefits increased in 2025, offering up to 90% of wages for eligible workers. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and other support options.
People with chronic pain may qualify for federal disability programs if their condition prevents them from working. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) helps low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical proof that your chronic pain limits your ability to work. You must also meet income and asset limits for SSI.
For SSDI, you need a certain number of work credits. For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. Both programs use the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability, which includes chronic pain that severely limits daily activities and work.
Citations: SSA.gov Disability Programs
In California, chronic pain may qualify you for State Disability Insurance (SDI) if it prevents you from working for at least eight days. SDI covers non-work-related illnesses, injuries, and conditions like chronic pain. Paid Family Leave (PFL) is for caring for a seriously ill family member, including those with chronic pain.
Starting in 2025, SDI and PFL benefits are 70%–90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week. There is no wage ceiling for contributions. You must have earned at least $300 in wages subject to SDI tax in the past 12 months. You can file for SDI or PFL up to 30 days before your leave starts. The Employment Development Department (EDD) must pay claims within 14 days of receipt or the start date, whichever is later.
Citations: EDD CA.gov SDI, Newfront CA SDI 2025
Citations: EDD CA.gov How to Apply, SSA.gov Apply for Disability
Citations: SSA.gov Disability Programs
Citations: EDD CA.gov SDI, Medi-Cal
ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits. In California, you can open an ABLE account if you became disabled before age 26. Funds can be used for expenses like housing, education, and medical care. Contributions do not affect SSI or Medi-Cal eligibility up to certain limits.
Citations: California ABLE
For SSI, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual in 2025. For Medi-Cal, limits vary by household size and program. For SDI, you must have earned at least $300 in wages subject to SDI tax in the past 12 months.
Citations: SSA.gov SSI Limits, Medi-Cal Income Limits
If you receive too much in benefits, you must report it and may have to repay the overpayment. Report changes in income, work, or medical condition to avoid overpayments. For SDI, report changes to the EDD. For SSI/SSDI, report changes to the SSA.
Citations: SSA.gov Reporting Changes, EDD CA.gov Overpayments
You can file for SDI or PFL up to 30 days before your leave starts. This helps ensure timely payment and reduces stress.
Yes, if your chronic pain prevents you from working for at least eight days, you may qualify for SDI. You need medical documentation and must have earned at least $300 in wages subject to SDI tax in the past 12 months.
In 2025, SDI benefits are 70%–90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week. The exact amount depends on your earnings.
Yes, you can file for SDI up to 30 days before your leave starts. This helps ensure timely payment.
The EDD must pay your SDI claim within 14 days of receipt or the start date, whichever is later. This ensures faster access to benefits.
Yes, report any changes in your medical condition or income to the EDD to avoid overpayments and ensure accurate benefits.
Yes, you can get both SDI and federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI. SDI is short-term, while federal programs are long-term.
You may qualify for Paid Family Leave (PFL) to care for a family member with chronic pain. PFL benefits are 70%–90% of wages, up to $1,681 per week in 2025.
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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For SDI, you must have earned at least $300 in wages subject to SDI tax. For SSI, the federal income limit is $943/month for an individual in 2025.
Apply online at myEDD for SDI or PFL. For federal programs, apply online at SSA.gov. You will need medical documentation and wage statements.
SDI is for your own disability, like chronic pain. PFL is for caring for a seriously ill family member, including those with chronic pain. Both offer similar benefits.
