Cystic Fibrosis Benefits in California

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): You may qualify if you have cystic fibrosis and have worked enough to earn Social Security credits. Benefits are based on your work history and earnings.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): You may qualify if you have cystic fibrosis and limited income and resources. SSI is for people with disabilities who have little or no income.
• Medicaid: If you receive SSI, you may automatically qualify for Medicaid in California. Medicaid covers medical costs for people with disabilities.
• Medicare: If you receive SSDI for 24 months, you may qualify for Medicare, which covers medical costs.
• Work Incentives: Federal programs help you keep benefits while you work, such as the Ticket to Work program and the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS).

For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s Disability Benefits page.

• State Disability Insurance (SDI): You may qualify if you have cystic fibrosis and are unable to work due to illness or injury. SDI provides short-term wage replacement. In 2025, benefits are 70-90% of wages, up to $1,681 per week.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL): You may qualify if you need time off to care for a family member with cystic fibrosis. PFL provides wage replacement for up to 8 weeks.
• Medicaid: California Medicaid (Medi-Cal) covers medical costs for people with cystic fibrosis. You may qualify based on income, disability, or other factors.
• Medicaid Waivers: California offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with cystic fibrosis who need long-term care at home.
• ABLE Accounts: California ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
• Other State Programs: California offers additional support for people with cystic fibrosis, such as vocational rehabilitation and special education services.

For more details, see the California Employment Development Department’s Disability Insurance page.

• Step 1: Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Step 2: Apply for SDI or PFL online through the EDD website.
• Step 3: Apply for Medicaid (Medi-Cal) online or by phone.
• Step 4: Apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration.
• Step 5: Contact local agencies for Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts.

• Step 1: Gather Documents

  • Medical records confirming cystic fibrosis diagnosis.
  • Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns).
  • Social Security number.
  • Proof of California residency.

• Step 2: Apply for SDI or PFL

  • Visit the California Employment Development Department (EDD) website.
  • Create an account and apply for SDI or PFL benefits.
  • Submit medical certification from your doctor.
  • Wait for EDD to process your claim. You can file up to 30 days in advance of your expected leave.

• Step 3: Apply for Medicaid (Medi-Cal)

  • Visit the California Department of Health Care Services website.
  • Apply online or by phone.
  • Provide medical and financial information.
  • Wait for approval and receive your Medi-Cal card.

• Step 4: Apply for SSI or SSDI

  • Visit the Social Security Administration website.
  • Apply online, by phone, or in person.
  • Submit medical and financial information.
  • Wait for Social Security to process your claim.

• Step 5: Apply for Medicaid Waivers and ABLE Accounts

  • Contact your local regional center or county social services agency for Medicaid waivers.
  • Visit the California ABLE account website to open an account.

• Step 6: Report Changes

  • Report any changes in income, employment, or medical status to EDD, Social Security, and Medi-Cal.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people with cystic fibrosis who have worked enough to earn Social Security credits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with cystic fibrosis who have limited income and resources.
• Medicaid: Covers medical costs for people with cystic fibrosis who receive SSI or have low income.
• Medicare: Covers medical costs for people with cystic fibrosis who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Work Incentives: Programs like the Ticket to Work and PASS help you keep benefits while you work.

For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s Disability Benefits page.

• State Disability Insurance (SDI): Provides short-term wage replacement for people with cystic fibrosis who are unable to work due to illness or injury. In 2025, benefits are 70-90% of wages, up to $1,681 per week.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL): Provides wage replacement for people who need time off to care for a family member with cystic fibrosis. Benefits are up to 8 weeks.
• Medicaid (Medi-Cal): Covers medical costs for people with cystic fibrosis. You may qualify based on income, disability, or other factors.
• Medicaid Waivers: California offers Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people with cystic fibrosis who need long-term care at home.
• ABLE Accounts: California ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
• Other State Programs: California offers vocational rehabilitation, special education services, and other support for people with cystic fibrosis.

For more details, see the California Employment Development Department’s Disability Insurance page and the California Department of Health Care Services’ Medi-Cal page.

• California ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing benefits like SSI or Medi-Cal.
• You can contribute up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit).
• Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses.
• Visit the California ABLE account website to open an account.

For more details, see the California ABLE account website.

• SSI: In 2025, the federal SSI income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple.
• Medi-Cal: Income limits vary based on household size and other factors. For most adults, the limit is 138% of the federal poverty level.
• SDI/PFL: There is no income cap for SDI/PFL contributions in California. Benefits are based on your earnings.

For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s SSI page and the California Department of Health Care Services’ Medi-Cal page.

• Report any changes in income, employment, or medical status to EDD, Social Security, and Medi-Cal.
• Keep records of all correspondence and payments.
• If you receive an overpayment, contact the agency to set up a repayment plan.
• For more details, see the Social Security Administration’s Overpayments page and the EDD’s Overpayments page.

• California Employment Development Department (EDD)
  Phone: 1-800-480-3287

  TTY: 1-800-326-8937

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For SDI and PFL benefits.
• California Department of Health Care Services (Medi-Cal)
  Phone: 1-800-541-5555

  TTY: 1-800-430-7077

  Email: [email protected]

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For Medi-Cal benefits.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Email: ssa.gov/contact/

  Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSI and SSDI benefits.

• What are the new SDI and PFL benefits in California for 2025?

  Starting January 1, 2025, California SDI and PFL benefits increased to 70-90% of wages, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,681. Workers can file claims up to 30 days in advance. These changes help people with cystic fibrosis and other disabilities get more support when they need time off work.

• How do I apply for SDI or PFL in California?

  You can apply for SDI or PFL online through the California Employment Development Department (EDD) website. You will need medical records and proof of income. Submit your claim and wait for EDD to process it. You can file up to 30 days before your expected leave.

• Can I get Medicaid (Medi-Cal) if I have cystic fibrosis in California?

  Yes, you may qualify for Medi-Cal if you have cystic fibrosis and meet income and disability requirements. Medi-Cal covers medical costs for people with cystic fibrosis. You can apply online or by phone through the California Department of Health Care Services.

• What are Medicaid waivers in California?

  California offers Medicaid waivers for people with cystic fibrosis who need long-term care at home. These waivers provide services like home health care, personal care, and respite care. Contact your local regional center or county social services agency for more information.

• How do I open a California ABLE account?

  You can open a California ABLE account online through the California ABLE account website. ABLE accounts let you save money for disability-related expenses without losing benefits like SSI or Medi-Cal. You can contribute up to $18,000 per year.