California • Sensory

Hard of Hearing Benefits in California: 2025 Guide

People who are hard of hearing in California may qualify for federal and state disability benefits, including SSDI, SSI, and State Disability Insurance (SDI). Eligibility depends on work history, income, and how the disability affects your ability to work. California offers unique programs and higher benefit rates for some workers.

SSDI and SSI are federal programs for those unable to work due to disability.
California SDI provides short-term wage replacement for non-work-related illness or injury.
Most SSDI recipients in California get about $1,450/month, with a maximum of $4,018/month in 2025.
California SDI benefits increased to 70-90% of wages in 2025, capped at 63% of average weekly wage.
You can file SDI claims up to 30 days in advance of your leave.
Work incentives and reporting rules apply to avoid overpayments.
California has special programs for children and adults with disabilities.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-05

Open a Purple account

Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a qualifying disability that prevents you from working and have enough work credits. In 2025, you earn 1 credit for each $1,810 in wages or self-employment income, up to 4 credits per year[4].
SSDI is based on your work history and lifetime earnings, not the severity of your disability[1].
For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), eligibility is based on limited income and resources, and you must meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability[4].
Children with disabilities may be eligible for benefits if their parent is receiving Social Security benefits or if they meet certain criteria[4].
Adults with a disability that began before age 22 may be eligible for benefits based on a parent's Social Security record if the parent is deceased or receiving benefits[4].

California State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides short-term wage replacement for those unable to work due to non-work-related illness or injury, pregnancy, or childbirth[3].
To qualify for SDI, you must be unable to work due to a non-work-related disability and have lost wages as a result[3].
SDI benefits are available to most California workers, including those who are hard of hearing if the condition prevents them from working[3].
In 2025, SDI benefits are 70-90% of your wages, capped at 63% of your average weekly wage[2].
You can file an SDI claim up to 30 days in advance of your expected first day of leave[2].
California also offers Paid Family Leave (PFL) for those who need to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child[3].
Eligibility for state programs may depend on your income, employment status, and the nature of your disability[3].

How to apply in California

For SSDI/SSI: Apply online at ssa.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213[4].
For SDI/PFL: Apply online at EDD's myEDD portal or by phone at 1-800-480-3287[3].
Gather medical records and employment information before applying.
File SDI claims up to 30 days in advance of your leave[2].
Check your application status online or by phone.

Step 1: Gather all necessary documents, including medical records, employment history, and proof of income.
Step 2: For SSDI/SSI, visit ssa.gov and create an account. Complete the online application or schedule an appointment at your local Social Security office[4].
Step 3: For SDI/PFL, go to EDD's myEDD portal and create an account. Complete the online application or call 1-800-480-3287 for assistance[3].
Step 4: Submit your application and any required documents. You may need to send some documents by mail[3].
Step 5: Wait for a decision. The EDD will process your SDI claim within 14 days of receipt or the start date of your leave, whichever is later[2].
Step 6: If approved, you will receive benefits by direct deposit or check. If denied, you can appeal the decision.
Step 7: Report any changes in your income or employment status to avoid overpayments[6].
Step 8: For ongoing support, contact Disability Rights California at 1-800-776-5746[6].

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly benefits to those who are unable to work due to a disability and have a qualifying work history[1].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly benefits to those with limited income and resources who meet the disability criteria[4].
Medicare: Available to those who receive SSDI for 24 months or more[1].
Medicaid: Available to those who receive SSI or meet certain income and resource criteria[4].
Work Incentives: Programs that help people with disabilities return to work without losing benefits[4].

California State Disability Insurance (SDI): Provides short-term wage replacement for those unable to work due to non-work-related illness or injury, pregnancy, or childbirth[3].
Paid Family Leave (PFL): Provides wage replacement for those who need to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child[3].
Medi-Cal: California's Medicaid program, providing health coverage to those with low income and resources[3].
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Provides in-home care for those who need assistance with daily living[3].
California ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities[3].
Department of Rehabilitation (DOR): Provides vocational rehabilitation services to help people with disabilities find and keep jobs[3].
America's Job Center of California (AJCC): Provides job training and placement services[3].

Money & Banking

California ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medi-Cal[3].
Contributions to ABLE accounts are not tax-deductible, but earnings grow tax-free[3].
Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including education, housing, transportation, and personal support[3].

SSDI: No strict income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) from substantial gainful activity[1].
SSI: Income and resource limits apply. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943/month for an individual, but California adds a state supplement[4].
SDI: Benefits are 70-90% of your wages, capped at 63% of your average weekly wage[2].
Medi-Cal: Income and resource limits vary by program and household size[3].

Report any changes in your income, employment, or living situation to avoid overpayments[6].
Overpayments can result in repayment or benefit reduction[6].
Contact Social Security or the EDD if you receive an overpayment notice[6].
Work incentives programs can help you return to work without losing benefits[4].

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact Disability Rights California at 1-800-776-5746 for expert help with your application and benefits planning[6].

Contacts

Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Website
For SSDI and SSI applications and questions[4].
California Employment Development Department (EDD)
Phone: 1-800-480-3287
TTY: 1-800-326-8937
Website
For SDI and PFL applications and questions[3].
Disability Rights California
Phone: 1-800-776-5746
Website
For expert help with disability benefits and advocacy[6].

FAQs

Can I get SSDI if I am hard of hearing?
Yes, if your hearing loss prevents you from working and you have enough work credits. SSDI is based on your work history and ability to work, not the severity of your disability[1][4].
What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is based on your work history and lifetime earnings, while SSI is based on limited income and resources. Both programs require you to meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability[4].
How much can I get from California SDI in 2025?
In 2025, SDI benefits are 70-90% of your wages, capped at 63% of your average weekly wage. The exact amount depends on your earnings[2].
Can I file for SDI before I start my leave?
Yes, you can file for SDI up to 30 days in advance of your expected first day of leave. This allows for faster processing and payment[2].
What is the maximum SSDI payment in California in 2025?
The maximum SSDI payment in California in 2025 is $4,018 per month. Most recipients get around $1,450 per month[1].
Do I need to report changes in my income or employment?
Yes, you must report any changes in your income, employment, or living situation to avoid overpayments. Failure to report can result in repayment or benefit reduction[6].
Can I work while receiving SSDI or SSI?

Official resources

State Disability Insurance - EDD - CA.gov(state_agency)
How Does Someone Become Eligible? | Disability Benefits | SSA(federal)

Related Purple guides

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.

Ready to get started with Purple?