Dyscalculia Benefits in California: 2025 Guide

• Dyscalculia is considered a learning disability under federal law.
• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a severe impairment that stops you from doing substantial work, and you must have enough work credits.
• For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility is based on limited income and resources, plus a qualifying disability.
• The Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at how dyscalculia affects your ability to work, not just academic performance.
• Children with dyscalculia may qualify for SSI if the disability severely limits daily activities.
• Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may qualify for benefits on a parent’s record if they are unmarried and meet other rules.
• In 2025, the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month (or $2,700 if blind) for SSDI.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/qualify.html, accessed 2025-11-05)

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides short-term wage replacement for non-work-related disabilities, including qualifying learning disabilities that prevent work.
• To qualify for SDI, you must be unable to work due to a medical condition, including a diagnosed learning disability like dyscalculia, and meet wage and employment requirements.
• SDI benefits are typically paid for up to 52 weeks and are based on your wages.
• In 2025, SDI benefits are 70% to 90% of your wages, up to a cap.
• California also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can provide home and community-based services.
• ABLE accounts are available for Californians with disabilities to save without losing benefits.
• Work incentives and reporting rules apply to all state and federal benefits.

[Source: EDD.ca.gov, 2025](https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability, accessed 2025-11-05)

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Review eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and California SDI.
• Apply online or by phone for federal benefits.
• Apply through the EDD for state disability insurance.
• Contact local agencies for Medicaid waivers and ABLE accounts.
• Report any changes in income or status to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Get a diagnosis and documentation from a qualified professional (psychologist, doctor, or school psychologist).
• Step 2: Review eligibility for SSI, SSDI, and California SDI. Use online tools or contact agencies for help.
• Step 3: Apply for federal benefits online at SSA.gov or by phone at 1-800-772-1213. You may need to submit medical records and work history.
• Step 4: Apply for California SDI through the EDD website or by phone at 1-800-480-3287. You will need to provide medical certification and employment information.
• Step 5: Apply for Medicaid waivers through your county social services agency. Ask about home and community-based services.
• Step 6: Open an ABLE account through the California ABLE program website.
• Step 7: Report any changes in income, employment, or medical status to all agencies to avoid overpayments.
• Step 8: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence.

[Source: SSA.gov, EDD.ca.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability/apply, https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability, accessed 2025-11-05)

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly payments for people with disabilities who have a work history. Payment amounts vary based on earnings.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly payments for people with disabilities and limited income/resources.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people receiving SSDI after a waiting period.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities and low income.
• Work Incentives: Programs to help people with disabilities work without losing benefits.

[Source: SSA.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/disability, accessed 2025-11-05)

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI): Short-term wage replacement for non-work-related disabilities, including learning disabilities.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL): Wage replacement for family caregiving or bonding.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Home and community-based services for people with disabilities.
• California ABLE Program: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): In-home care for eligible people with disabilities.
• Department of Rehabilitation (DOR): Vocational rehabilitation and job training.

[Source: EDD.ca.gov, 2025](https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability, accessed 2025-11-05)

• California ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
• You can save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free.
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses like education, housing, and transportation.
• To open an account, visit the California ABLE program website.

[Source: CA.ABLE.gov, 2025](https://ca.able.gov, accessed 2025-11-05)

• SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than the SGA limit ($1,620/month in 2025).
• SSI: Income and resource limits apply. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $967/month for an individual, but state supplements may apply.
• California SDI: Benefits are based on your wages, not income limits.
• Medicaid: Income and resource limits vary by program.

[Source: SSA.gov, EDD.ca.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/ssi, https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability, accessed 2025-11-05)

• You must report changes in income, employment, or medical status to all benefit agencies.
• Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties.
• If you receive an overpayment, contact the agency to set up a repayment plan.
• Keep records of all reports and correspondence.

[Source: SSA.gov, EDD.ca.gov, 2025](https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/spot-report-changes, https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability, accessed 2025-11-05)

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  For federal SSI/SSDI benefits
• California Employment Development Department (EDD)
  Phone: 1-800-480-3287

  TTY: 1-800-563-2442

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

  Website

  For California SDI and PFL benefits
• Disability Rights California
  Phone: 1-800-776-5746

  Hours: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday-Friday

  Website

  Free legal help for people with disabilities

• Can I get disability benefits for dyscalculia in California?

  Yes, if dyscalculia severely limits your ability to work or function, you may qualify for federal SSI/SSDI or California SDI. You need medical documentation and must meet income and work requirements.

• How do I apply for SSI/SSDI with dyscalculia?

  Apply online at SSA.gov or by phone. You will need medical records, proof of income, and work history. The SSA will review how dyscalculia affects your ability to work.

• What is California State Disability Insurance (SDI)?

  SDI provides short-term wage replacement if you cannot work due to a medical condition, including a diagnosed learning disability. Benefits are based on your wages and paid for up to 52 weeks.

• Can children with dyscalculia get benefits?

  Children may qualify for SSI if dyscalculia severely limits daily activities and family income is low. Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may qualify on a parent’s record.

• What are the income limits for SSI in California?

  In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $967/month for an individual. California may add a state supplement. Income and resource limits apply; use an SSI income estimator to check eligibility.

• How do I open an ABLE account in California?

  Visit the California ABLE program website to open an account. You need a diagnosis of disability and proof of eligibility. You can save up to $18,000 per year tax-free.