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California • Chronic Illness
People with Kidney Disease in California may qualify for disability income, health coverage, and support programs from federal and state agencies. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, benefit programs, money management, and where to get help.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI (Supplemental Security Income) or SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), your Kidney Disease must prevent you from working for at least 12 months or be expected to result in death. SSI also has strict income and resource limits. SSDI requires enough work credits. See SSI vs SSDI for details.
California State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides short-term wage replacement if you are unable to work due to non-work-related illness, including Kidney Disease. Starting in 2025, SDI pays 70%–90% of your wages (up to $1,681 weekly) if you have a qualifying medical certification. There is no earnings cap for SDI payroll deductions[1][2]. Paid Family Leave (PFL) is also available for caregiving related to Kidney Disease. Medi-Cal covers kidney-related treatments for low-income Californians and those with disabilities. For state programs, you must be under medical care and meet program-specific rules.
Check your eligibility for California SDI, SSI, SSDI, and Medi-Cal. Gather medical records, income proof, and ID. Apply for SDI/PFL online through EDD, for SSI/SSDI through Social Security, and for Medi-Cal through Covered California or your county office. Ask your doctor for help with medical forms. For personalized help, contact your local Social Services or Disability Rights California.
Step 1: Check Eligibility Review the rules for SSI, SSDI, SDI, and Medi-Cal to see which programs fit your situation.
Step 2: Gather Documents Collect medical records showing your Kidney Disease diagnosis, treatment plans, work history, proof of income, and ID.
Step 3: Apply for Benefits
Step 4: Follow Up Respond quickly to any requests for more information. Track your application status online.
Step 5: Appeal if Needed If denied, you can appeal. Get help from Disability Rights California or a legal aid group.
Federal programs available to Californians with Kidney Disease include:
California State Disability Insurance (SDI): Provides up to 52 weeks of partial wage replacement for non-work-related illness, including Kidney Disease. In 2025, benefit rates increase to 70%–90% of wages, with a $1,681 weekly maximum[1][2]. There is no cap on taxable earnings for SDI payroll deductions.
Paid Family Leave (PFL): Pays benefits if you need to care for a family member with a serious health condition, including Kidney Disease.
Medi-Cal: California’s Medicaid program covers dialysis, transplants, medications, and other kidney care for eligible residents. Some Medi-Cal waiver programs (like HCBS) help people with disabilities stay at home.
Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS): Waiver programs may cover personal care, respite, and other supports for people with chronic illnesses like Kidney Disease—contact your county for details.
ABLE Accounts: California residents with disabilities—including Kidney Disease—can open an ABLE account to save up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) without affecting SSI, Medi-Cal, or other means-tested benefits. See ABLE Accounts for more.
SSI has strict income and resource limits—$943/month for individuals (2025). SSDI and SDI/PFL do not have asset limits, but SSDI checks your work history, and SDI/PFL your recent earnings. Medi-Cal eligibility is based on income and household size. Always report changes in income to avoid overpayments.
Report income, household, or disability status changes promptly to Social Security, EDD, or Medi-Cal to avoid overpayments and penalties. For tips, see Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes.
Starting January 2025, California SDI and PFL benefits rise to 70%–90% of wages (up to $1,681/week), with no cap on taxable earnings. This is a major help for Californians with Kidney Disease who need to take medical leave, especially low-income workers[1][2].
California’s Medi-Cal program covers dialysis, kidney transplants, medications, and follow-up care for people with Kidney Disease who qualify, providing critical health access regardless of income after meeting program rules.
Yes, California SDI covers non-work-related illnesses, including chronic conditions like Kidney Disease, if your doctor certifies you cannot work. Benefit rates and processes improved in 2025—receive 70%–90% of wages, up to $1,681 weekly[1][2].
Yes, Medi-Cal covers dialysis, kidney transplants, medications, and follow-up care for eligible Californians with Kidney Disease.
You may qualify for SSI/SSDI if you cannot work or earn very little due to Kidney Disease. Some work is allowed under SSI/SSDI work incentives—see [SSI & SSDI Work Incentives](/guides/work-incentives) for details.
You have the right to appeal. Contact Disability Rights California or a legal aid office for help with the appeal process.
The EDD must start payment within 14 days of receiving your claim or your leave start date, whichever is later[1][2]. You can file up to 30 days in advance of your expected leave.
Generally, no. However, you must report income changes. Overpayments can occur if you do not report changes—see [Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes](/guides/overpayments-and-reporting).
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Benefit programs and eligibility rules may change. Always check official publications or contact the agency directly for the most up-to-date information.
Starting 2025, California SDI and PFL pay 70%–90% of wages (up from 60%–70%), with a $1,681 weekly maximum. There is no cap on taxable earnings for payroll deductions[1][2].
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for SSI, Medi-Cal, or other benefits. See [ABLE Accounts](/guides/able-accounts) for details.
Yes, Medi-Cal HCBS waivers may pay for in-home care, personal assistance, and respite for eligible Californians with chronic illnesses like Kidney Disease.
Apply for SDI online through the California EDD. File up to 30 days before your leave and provide medical certification. Manage your claim through your SDI Online account[3].
