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California • Chronic Illness
Living with HIV/AIDS in California? This guide covers federal and state benefits, income limits, eligibility, and how to apply. Find step-by-step instructions for SSI, SSDI, California Medicaid, State Disability Insurance, and more. Get help with work, banking, and avoiding overpayments.
To get federal benefits for a disability like HIV/AIDS, you generally need a medical diagnosis that severely limits your ability to work for at least a year. For SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you must have very low income and resources. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history—you need enough work credits from jobs where you paid Social Security taxes. The required credits depend on your age; you earn one credit for each $1,810 in wages (2025 amount)[4]. Children and adults disabled before age 22 may qualify for SSDI on a parent's record even if they have never worked. For both SSI and SSDI, your condition must be severe enough to prevent ‘substantial gainful activity’ ($1,620/month, or $2,700/month if blind, in 2025)[1][4].
In California, SSI recipients often automatically qualify for Medi-Cal (California Medicaid), which covers HIV/AIDS care, medications, and more. California also has State Disability Insurance (SDI) for short-term wage replacement if you’re temporarily unable to work due to illness or injury, including complications from HIV/AIDS. To be eligible for SDI, you must have a recent work history in California (generally paying SDI taxes) and your doctor must certify the need for time off. In 2025, SDI pays 70%-90% of your wages, up to a capped amount[2]. SDI is different from federal disability programs—it’s not based on how severe your disability is, but how recent your CA employment is. Always check with the California Employment Development Department (EDD) for the latest rules.
For federal benefits (SSI/SSDI), apply online at Social Security, by phone (1-800-772-1213), or at your local Social Security office. For Medi-Cal, apply online at Covered California or your county social services agency. For State Disability Insurance (SDI), apply online at the CA EDD website as soon as you need time off from work—you can now file up to 30 days before your leave starts[3]. Gather your medical records, work history, and personal ID before starting any application. If you need help, contact Disability Rights California or a local legal aid agency.
For SSI/SSDI:
For Medi-Cal:
For California SDI:
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): For people with a work history who develop a disability. Benefits are based on your earnings record. In 2025, payments average about $1,450/month, but can be higher or lower depending on your work credits and earnings[1]. Supplemental Security Income (SSI): For people with disabilities and very low income/resources. In California, SSI recipients usually also qualify for Medi-Cal. Medicare: SSDI recipients become eligible for Medicare after a 24-month waiting period.
Disabled Adult Child (DAC) Benefits: Available to adults who became disabled before age 22 if their parent receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits or is deceased[4].
California Medi-Cal: The state’s Medicaid program covers low-income and disabled individuals, including those with HIV/AIDS. It pays for doctor visits, hospital care, medications, and supportive services. Some counties offer extra programs for people living with HIV/AIDS—contact your local health department for details.
State Disability Insurance (SDI): SDI provides short-term wage replacement (usually up to 1 year) for eligible workers unable to work due to non-work-related illness or injury, including complications from HIV/AIDS. In 2025, you can get 70%-90% of your wages (capped at a maximum amount)[2]. You can apply online and must have recent California employment history.
Paid Family Leave (PFL): PFL lets you take paid time off to care for a seriously ill family member (or bond with a new child). This can help if you need to care for someone with HIV/AIDS or other conditions.
State Housing and Support Programs: Some cities and counties have housing support, utility help, and nutrition programs for people living with HIV/AIDS. Check with your county social services or local HIV/AIDS organizations for local options.
California residents with disabilities can open an ABLE account to save up to $15,000 per year (2025 limit, subject to change) without affecting eligibility for SSI, Medi-Cal, or other means-tested programs. These accounts help pay for housing, education, health, and other disability-related expenses. Learn more in our [ABLE Accounts] guide.
For SSI, income limits are strict—generally, you can’t have more than $2,000 in countable resources ($3,000 for couples). Earned income above $1,620/month in 2025 may disqualify you from SSDI[1][4]. SDI/Medi-Cal have their own specific income and asset limits. Check current rules on the EDD and Medi-Cal websites, as limits change regularly.
Always report changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security and Medi-Cal to avoid overpayments. If you get a notice of overpayment, you may request a waiver or set up a payment plan. See our [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes] guide for details.
Starting in January 2025, California State Disability Insurance (SDI) pays 70-90% of your wages when you can't work due to illness or injury (including HIV/AIDS complications). You can file a claim up to 30 days before your leave starts, and the EDD must pay you within 14 days of receiving your claim or your leave start date, whichever is later[2].
Medi-Cal covers a full range of services for people with HIV/AIDS, including doctor visits, hospital care, and prescription medications. If you receive SSI, you are often automatically eligible for Medi-Cal—making it easier to access vital care and treatment.
Yes, if your condition makes it impossible to work full-time for at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death, you may qualify for SSI (if you have low income/resources) or SSDI (if you have enough work credits). Medical documentation is required.
Yes, Medi-Cal covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescription medications (including antiretroviral therapy), and many other services for people with HIV/AIDS who meet eligibility requirements.
For SSDI, earning over $1,620/month in 2025 could disqualify you (higher if blind). For SSI, income limits are much lower. For SDI, you must be unable to work—there’s no earning limit after benefits end[1][4].
SSI and SSDI have work incentives that let you try working without losing benefits right away. You may keep some benefits if your earnings are low. Report all work to Social Security to avoid overpayments.
Apply online at the EDD website as soon as you need time off. You can file up to 30 days in advance. You'll need to provide a doctor’s certification and your recent work history in California[2][3].
Many claims are denied at first. You can request a review, provide more evidence, and—if needed—appeal to an administrative law judge. Local legal aid and advocacy groups can help.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and may not reflect current policies. Always check with official agencies for the latest information and consult a qualified professional for personal advice.
Yes, ABLE accounts let you save for disability expenses without losing eligibility for SSI or Medi-Cal. See our [ABLE Accounts] guide for details.
The process can take several months. If you have advanced HIV/AIDS or serious illness, you may qualify for faster “compassionate allowance” processing.
Some counties and cities have programs for people with HIV/AIDS. Contact your local HIV/AIDS organization or county social services for information.
Yes, you may qualify for both. Medi-Cal can help pay Medicare premiums, copayments, and other costs. This is called ‘dual eligibility’—see our [Medicaid vs Medicare] guide for more.
