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California • Mental Health
If depression makes work, caring for yourself, or daily activities difficult, California offers several benefit programs. Federal programs like SSI and SSDI help those with long-term disabilities, while state programs like SDI and Paid Family Leave (PFL) provide short-term support for residents with depression.
To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI/SSDI), your depression must be severe enough to prevent 'substantial gainful activity' (SGA)—meaning you can't earn more than $1,620/month in 2025 (or $2,700 if legally blind)[1][4]. SSDI is based on work history; SSI is need-based and has strict income/asset limits. You must have medical evidence showing depression limits your ability to work for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death[4]. Children under 18 may qualify for SSI based on family income and the severity of their condition, while adults can apply for SSI or SSDI directly[4]. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has its own disability criteria; many mental health conditions, including depression, can qualify if properly documented.
California residents with depression may also access State Disability Insurance (SDI), which provides short-term wage replacement if depression prevents you from working due to a non-work-related illness—including mental health conditions like depression[3][6]. In 2025, SDI and Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits increased to 70–90% of wages, capped at the State Average Weekly Wage[2]. You must have paid into the SDI program via payroll taxes (most California workers do). Claims can now be filed up to 30 days in advance, and the EDD is required to begin payments within 14 days of receiving your claim or the date your leave starts—whichever is later[2]. Unlike SSI/SSDI, SDI is not for long-term disabilities—benefits typically last up to 52 weeks.
If your depression is severe and long-term, start your application for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov or by calling 1-800-772-1213[4]. For short-term help, California workers should apply for SDI through the EDD's online portal (myEDD)[3]. Gather medical records, proof of income, and contact information for your healthcare providers. File claims early—SDI claims can be submitted up to 30 days before your expected leave begins[2]. If you need help, free legal aid and advocacy groups in California can guide you through the process.
Federal (SSI/SSDI) Steps:
California SDI Steps:
Tips for Success:
SSI (Supplemental Security Income): A needs-based program for people with limited income and resources. SSI provides monthly cash assistance to those with severe disabilities, including depression, who meet strict financial criteria[4]. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Based on your work history and payroll tax contributions. SSDI provides monthly benefits to those who can no longer work due to a disability expected to last at least one year or result in death[1]. Medicare and Medicaid: People approved for SSDI become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period. SSI recipients in California generally qualify for Medicaid (Medi-Cal) immediately[5].
State Disability Insurance (SDI): Provides short-term wage replacement (up to 52 weeks) for California workers unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or mental health condition like depression[3][6]. Benefits are calculated as 70–90% of wages (capped at the State Average Weekly Wage) for claims starting in 2025[2]. Paid Family Leave (PFL): Offers up to eight weeks of wage replacement to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child—this does not cover your own mental health leave but may help caregivers[3]. Medi-Cal: California's Medicaid program covers low-income residents, including those with disabilities. Medi-Cal offers comprehensive mental health services, often with no or low cost[5].
California residents with disabilities can open an ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for SSI, Medi-Cal, or other means-tested benefits. ABLE accounts allow up to $100,000 in savings without counting toward SSI asset limits. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are tax-free.
SSI: Strict income and asset limits apply—in 2025, countable resources must stay below $2,000 ($3,000 for couples). Earned and unearned income is also limited[4]. SSDI: No asset limit, but you must not earn more than $1,620/month (SGA) in 2025 ($2,700 if blind)[1][4]. SDI: Based on your earnings history; no asset or resource limits, but you must have paid into the program via payroll taxes[2][3].
You must report changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to SSA for SSI/SSDI, and to EDD for SDI. Failing to report can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay. Keep all documentation and respond quickly to agency requests. See Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes for more.
For claims starting in 2025, California’s SDI and PFL programs now pay 70–90% of your wages, a significant increase from previous years. Lower-income workers benefit most from this change. You can file your claim up to 30 days before your leave begins, and payments start within 14 days after your claim is received or your leave starts, whichever is later[2].
Whether applying for SSI, SSDI, or SDI, strong medical evidence is essential. Keep records of all doctor visits, treatments, medications, and notes from mental health professionals. These documents help prove how your depression affects your ability to work or perform daily activities[3][4][6].
Yes, if your depression is severe enough to prevent you from working (for SSI/SSDI) or from performing your job (for SDI) for at least several months. You’ll need medical documentation from a healthcare provider[3][4][6].
In 2025, SDI pays 70–90% of your wages, up to the State Average Weekly Wage. The actual amount depends on your earnings before your disability began[2][3].
SSI is for people with limited income and resources, while SSDI is based on your work history. Both require a disability that prevents substantial work, but the financial rules and application processes differ[4]. See [SSI vs SSDI](/guides/ssi-ssdi).
The EDD must begin payments within 14 days of receiving your claim or your leave start date, whichever is later. You can file up to 30 days before your leave begins[2].
For SSI/SSDI, you must earn less than $1,620/month in 2025 ($2,700 if blind)—this is called Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)[1][4]. For SDI, you cannot do your regular job, but rules for other work vary. Always report earnings.
Appeals are common. You have the right to request reconsideration, a hearing, and further appeals. Consider contacting legal aid or an advocacy organization for help.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information only and is not legal advice. Benefit rules change often—always confirm details with official agencies. Application approvals depend on individual circumstances and require thorough documentation.
Yes, Medi-Cal provides comprehensive mental health services, including therapy and medication, often at no or low cost for eligible Californians[5].
You can open a CalABLE account online. ABLE accounts help you save without affecting benefits like SSI or Medi-Cal.
You must report improvement to SSA (for SSI/SSDI) or EDD (for SDI). Continuing to receive benefits when you no longer qualify can result in overpayments[4].
Free help is available from Disability Rights California, local legal aid offices, and the SSA. Don’t hesitate to ask for support—the process can be complex[5].
