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California • Rare/Genetic
People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in California can access federal and state disability benefits, including SSDI, SSI, State Disability Insurance (SDI), and Medicaid. Eligibility depends on medical severity, income, and work history. New 2025 SDI changes increase wage replacement and benefit caps.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSDI or SSI, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months. Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can qualify if it severely limits your ability to do basic work tasks. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for those with limited income and assets, regardless of work history. Both programs require medical proof and a review of your work ability. The Social Security Administration uses a strict definition of disability, and approval depends on your medical records and how your condition affects daily life and work.
For more details, see the SSA’s disability eligibility page.
Source: SSA Disability Eligibility, accessed 2025-11-05.
In California, people with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome may qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI) if they are unable to work due to their condition. SDI covers non-work-related illnesses, injuries, and pregnancy. Paid Family Leave (PFL) is also available for family care needs. As of 2025, SDI and PFL benefits increased: low-wage earners can get up to 90% of their wages, and the maximum weekly benefit is $1,681. There is no longer a wage cap for contributions, so higher earners pay more but receive the same max benefit. To qualify, you must be unable to work for at least 8 days, have lost wages, and meet other program rules. Medical documentation is required.
California also offers Medicaid (Medi-Cal) for those with low income and assets, and ABLE accounts for saving without losing benefits. Work incentives help people keep benefits while working part-time.
Source: California EDD SDI, accessed 2025-11-05.
Start with the SSA or EDD websites for online applications.
Source: SSA How to Apply, California EDD Apply, accessed 2025-11-05.
Source: SSA Disability Benefits, accessed 2025-11-05.
Source: California EDD SDI, California Medi-Cal, accessed 2025-11-05.
California ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medi-Cal benefits. You can save up to $100,000 in an ABLE account and still get SSI, and up to $200,000 for Medi-Cal. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses like medical care, education, housing, and transportation. To open an account, you must have a qualifying disability and meet other requirements. ABLE accounts are a good way to save for the future while keeping benefits.
Source: California ABLE, accessed 2025-11-05.
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967/month for an individual, but California may add a small state supplement. For Medi-Cal, income limits vary by household size and program. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than $1,620/month (or $2,700 if blind) from work, as this is the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit. Exceeding SGA may affect your SSDI eligibility.
Source: SSA SGA Limit, California Medi-Cal Income Limits, accessed 2025-11-05.
If your income, work, or medical status changes, you must report it to the SSA or EDD to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much, work too many hours, or your condition improves. If you get an overpayment, you may have to pay it back, but you can request a waiver if it wasn’t your fault. Always report changes promptly to avoid problems. For more details, see the SSA and EDD reporting rules.
Source: SSA Reporting Changes, California EDD Reporting, accessed 2025-11-05.
California’s SDI and PFL benefits increased in 2025: up to 90% wage replacement for low earners, max $1,681/week. No wage cap for contributions.
Yes, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome can qualify for SSDI, SSI, and California SDI if it severely limits your ability to work. You must provide medical proof and meet program rules. Approval depends on how your condition affects daily life and work.
In 2025, California SDI and PFL benefits increased to up to 90% of wages for low earners, with a max of $1,681/week. The payroll rate is now 1.2%, and there is no wage cap for contributions.
Most SSDI recipients in California get about $1,450/month in 2025, with a maximum of $4,018/month. The exact amount depends on your work history and lifetime earnings.
The federal SSI income limit in 2025 is $967/month for an individual. California may add a small state supplement. Income limits for Medi-Cal vary by household size and program.
Yes, you can work part-time while getting disability benefits, but there are limits. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than $1,620/month from work. For SSI, work incentives help you keep benefits while working.
To apply for California SDI, you need a medical certification from your doctor and proof of lost wages. Apply online at the EDD website or by phone. You must be unable to work for at least 8 days.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for your specific situation.
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing SSI or Medi-Cal benefits. You can save up to $100,000 and still get SSI, and up to $200,000 for Medi-Cal. Funds can be used for disability-related expenses.
Yes, you must report changes in income, work, or medical status to the SSA or EDD to avoid overpayments. Overpayments can happen if you earn too much or your condition improves. Always report changes promptly.
People with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome in California can get Medicare (if on SSDI) or Medi-Cal (if low income). Medi-Cal covers medical care, prescriptions, and other services for people with disabilities.
Yes, you may be able to get both SSDI and SSI if your SSDI payment is low and you meet SSI income and asset limits. This is called concurrent benefits.
