People with dyslexia in California may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSI, SSDI, Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and key changes for 2025.
Dyslexia may qualify for federal disability benefits if it severely limits your ability to work or learn. For SSI and SSDI, you must meet Social Security’s definition of disability, which means your condition must prevent you from doing substantial work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. Children with dyslexia may qualify for SSI if their condition meets the criteria for a disability. Adults must show that dyslexia prevents them from doing any substantial gainful activity. The Social Security Administration reviews medical records, school reports, and work history to decide eligibility [1].
For 2025, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for most people ($2,700 if legally blind). If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI [6].
In California, people with dyslexia may qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI) if their condition prevents them from working. SDI covers non-work-related disabilities, including learning disabilities that severely limit work ability. Paid Family Leave (PFL) may also be available for family care needs related to a disability. California’s SDI and PFL programs increased benefits in 2025: wage replacement rates are now 70% or 90% for eligible workers, and the maximum weekly benefit is $1,681. The payroll contribution rate is now 1.2% of earnings, with no wage cap [1].
California also offers Medicaid waivers for children and adults with disabilities, which can provide services like therapy, assistive technology, and support for independent living. These waivers are available through regional centers or county social services [5].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. California’s ABLE program is available through CalABLE. You can open an account online and start saving for expenses like education, housing, and transportation. Contributions are limited to $18,000 per year, and earnings grow tax-free [3].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. For SSDI, the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit is $1,620 per month for most people ($2,700 if legally blind). California’s SDI and PFL programs have no income cap, but the maximum weekly benefit is $1,681 [1].
It’s important to report any changes in income, work status, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits. Report changes to Social Security, EDD, and Medicaid as soon as possible [3].
Yes, dyslexia can qualify for disability benefits in California if it severely limits your ability to work or learn. You must meet Social Security’s definition of disability and provide medical and school records to prove your condition [6].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967 per month for individuals and $1,450 for couples. California may have additional state supplements, but these are the federal limits [6].
You can apply for California SDI or PFL online through the EDD website. You can file up to 30 days in advance of your first compensable day. The EDD must issue payment within 14 days of receiving your claim or the start date, whichever is later [1].
The maximum weekly benefit for California SDI in 2025 is $1,681. This is an increase from $1,620 in 2024. The wage replacement rate is now 70% or 90% for eligible workers [1].
Yes, California offers Medicaid waivers for children and adults with disabilities, including dyslexia. These waivers provide services like therapy, assistive technology, and support for independent living. Contact your local regional center or county social services for more information [5].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits. California’s ABLE program is available through CalABLE. You can open an account online and start saving for expenses like education, housing, and transportation [3].
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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The payroll contribution rate for California SDI in 2025 is 1.2% of earnings, with no wage cap. This is an increase from 1.1% in 2024 [1].
Report any changes in income, work status, or living situation to Social Security, EDD, and Medicaid as soon as possible. Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits [3].
The Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit for SSDI in 2025 is $1,620 per month for most people ($2,700 if legally blind). If you earn more than this, you may not qualify for SSDI [6].
Yes, children with dyslexia may qualify for SSI in California if their condition meets the criteria for a disability. You must provide medical and school records to prove your child’s condition [6].
