Heart Disease Benefits in California: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) with heart disease, you must have a medical condition that prevents you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. The Social Security Administration (SSA) uses a list of impairments, including heart conditions, to evaluate claims. Your eligibility depends on your work history and how much you have paid into Social Security.
• Most SSDI recipients in California receive about $1,450 per month, but payments can be as high as $4,018 per month in 2025, depending on your earnings history. The minimum payment is $967 per month.
• You must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if you are legally blind). Earning above this limit may affect your eligibility.
• The SSA also offers a Trial Work Period, allowing you to test your ability to work without losing benefits for up to 9 months in 2025.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Date Accessed: 2025-11-05)

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides short-term wage replacement for people who cannot work due to non-work-related illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy, including heart disease. In 2025, SDI benefits increased to 70% or 90% of your wages, up from 60% or 70% in previous years. The maximum weekly benefit is now $1,681.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL) in California also increased in 2025, offering up to 70% or 90% of wages for up to 8 weeks to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child.
• There is no longer a wage ceiling for SDI/PFL contributions, meaning all earnings are subject to the 1.2% payroll tax rate (up from 1.1% in 2024).
• You can file an SDI or PFL claim up to 30 days before your leave is expected to begin. The Employment Development Department (EDD) must issue payment within 14 days of receiving your claim or the start date of your leave, whichever is later.
• California also offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can help cover long-term care and support services.

Source: Newfront.com, 2024 [Date Accessed: 2025-11-05]

• For SSDI: Gather your medical records and work history, then apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security.
• For SDI/PFL: File a claim through the EDD website up to 30 days before your leave starts.
• For Medicaid: Apply through Covered California or your county social services agency.
• For ABLE accounts: Open an account through the California ABLE program.
• Always report changes in your condition or income to avoid overpayments.

• Step 1: Gather Documentation

  • Collect medical records that show your heart disease diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
  • Get your work history and pay stubs for the past few years.
  • Have your Social Security number and proof of California residency ready.

• Step 2: Apply for SSDI

  • Visit SSA.gov and create an account.
  • Fill out the online application, providing details about your medical condition, work history, and personal information.
  • Submit your application and wait for a decision. The SSA may request additional information or schedule a medical exam.

• Step 3: Apply for SDI/PFL

  • Go to the EDD website and log in to your myEDD account.
  • File a claim for SDI or PFL up to 30 days before your leave is expected to begin.
  • Provide information about your employer, the reason for your leave, and your expected start date.
  • The EDD will review your claim and issue payment within 14 days of receiving your claim or the start date of your leave, whichever is later.

• Step 4: Apply for Medicaid

  • Visit Covered California or your county social services agency.
  • Fill out the application, providing details about your income, assets, and medical condition.
  • Submit your application and wait for a decision. You may be asked to provide additional documentation.

• Step 5: Open an ABLE Account

  • Visit the California ABLE program website.
  • Fill out the application, providing details about your disability and personal information.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have a qualifying work history. Payments are based on your lifetime earnings, with a 2025 maximum of $4,018 per month.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. Payments are not based on work history.
• Medicare: Provides health insurance to people with disabilities after a 24-month waiting period.
• Medicaid: Provides health coverage to people with disabilities who meet income and asset requirements.
• Work Incentives: Programs that help people with disabilities return to work without losing benefits.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Date Accessed: 2025-11-05]

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI): Provides short-term wage replacement for people who cannot work due to non-work-related illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy, including heart disease. In 2025, SDI benefits increased to 70% or 90% of wages, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,681.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL): Provides up to 8 weeks of wage replacement for people who need to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child. In 2025, PFL benefits increased to 70% or 90% of wages.
• Medicaid Waivers: California offers Medicaid waivers for people with disabilities, which can help cover long-term care and support services.
• California ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities to pay for qualified disability expenses.
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Provides in-home care for people with disabilities who need help with daily living activities.

Source: Newfront.com, 2024 [Date Accessed: 2025-11-05] Source: EDD.ca.gov, 2025 [Date Accessed: 2025-11-05]

• California ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid.
• You can contribute up to $18,000 per year to an ABLE account in 2025.
• Funds in an ABLE account can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as housing, education, transportation, and health care.
• To open an ABLE account, visit the California ABLE program website and complete the application.

Source: ca.db101.org, 2025 [Date Accessed: 2025-11-05]

• For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not earn more than the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) limit, which is $1,620 per month in 2025 (or $2,700 if you are legally blind).
• For SSI, the income limit is $967 per month in 2025, but some income is not counted, such as the first $20 of unearned income and the first $65 of earned income.
• For Medicaid, income limits vary based on household size and other factors, but generally, you must have limited income and resources to qualify.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Date Accessed: 2025-11-05]

• It is important to report changes in your condition, income, or employment status to the SSA, EDD, and Medicaid to avoid overpayments.
• If you receive an overpayment, you may be required to repay the excess amount.
• You can report changes online, by phone, or by mail.
• If you are unsure whether a change needs to be reported, contact the agency that provides your benefits.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Date 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 SSDI, SSI, and work incentives.
• California Employment Development Department (EDD)
  Phone: 1-800-480-3287

  TTY: 1-800-326-8937

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

  Website

  For SDI, PFL, and unemployment.
• Disability Rights California
  Phone: 1-800-776-5746

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

  Website

  For benefits planning and advocacy.

• What is the maximum SSDI payment for heart disease in California in 2025?

  The maximum monthly SSDI payment for heart disease in California in 2025 is $4,018. Most recipients receive about $1,450 per month, but the exact amount depends on your work history and lifetime earnings.

• How much can I get from California SDI for heart disease in 2025?

  In 2025, California SDI pays up to 70% or 90% of your wages, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,681. The exact amount depends on your earnings and the length of your leave.

• Can I apply for SDI before I start my leave for heart disease?

  Yes, you can file an SDI claim up to 30 days before your leave is expected to begin. The EDD will issue payment within 14 days of receiving your claim or the start date of your leave, whichever is later.

• What is the income limit for SSI in California in 2025?

  The income limit for SSI in California in 2025 is $967 per month. Some income is not counted, such as the first $20 of unearned income and the first $65 of earned income.

• How do I apply for Medicaid in California if I have heart disease?

  You can apply for Medicaid in California through Covered California or your county social services agency. You will need to provide information about your income, assets, and medical condition.

• What is an ABLE account and how can it help me with heart disease?

  An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can use it to pay for qualified disability expenses, such as housing, education, transportation, and health care, without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.