People with mobility impairment in California can access a range of benefits, including State Disability Insurance (SDI), Paid Family Leave (PFL), Medicaid waivers, and federal programs like SSI and SSDI. New changes in 2025 increase SDI and PFL benefits to 70%–90% of wages, with faster claim processing.
To qualify for federal disability benefits like SSI or SSDI, you must have a medically determinable disability that prevents substantial gainful activity (SGA) and meets Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. For SSDI, you need enough work credits based on your age and employment history. For SSI, your income and resources must be below set limits. Children with disabilities may also qualify for benefits based on parental records or their own eligibility. In 2025, the SGA limit is $1,620 per month for most disabilities (higher for blindness) [5].
Federal programs require medical documentation and proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible immigration status. The SSA reviews your medical records, work history, and financial situation to determine eligibility [5].
People with mobility impairment may qualify if their condition limits their ability to walk, stand, or perform daily activities as defined by SSA guidelines [5].
California State Disability Insurance (SDI) covers non-work-related illnesses, injuries, pregnancy, or childbirth that prevent you from working. Paid Family Leave (PFL) covers time off to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child. For 2025, SDI and PFL benefits are 70%–90% of your wages, up to a maximum of $1,681 per week. There is no wage cap for contributions, but benefits are capped at the maximum weekly amount [1][2][3].
To qualify, you must be unable to do your regular work due to a disability, have lost wages, and meet minimum earnings requirements. You can file a claim up to 30 days before your first day of leave. The Employment Development Department (EDD) must pay your claim within 14 days of receipt or the start date, whichever is later [1][3].
California also offers Medicaid waivers for home and community-based services (HCBS), which can help with mobility aids, personal care, and other supports for people with disabilities [6].
The maximum weekly benefit for SDI in California in 2025 is $1,681. This is an increase from $1,620 in 2024. The benefit is 70%–90% of your wages, depending on your income level [1][2][3].
You can apply for SDI or PFL online through the EDD website (myEDD portal). You can file up to 30 days before your first day of leave. You will need medical certification and recent pay stubs [1][3].
The federal income limit for SSI in 2025 is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. California may have higher limits due to state supplementation. Contact your county social services agency for specific limits [5].
Yes, you can qualify for Medicaid in California if you have a mobility impairment and meet income and resource limits. Medicaid provides health coverage and may include home and community-based services (HCBS) for people with disabilities [6].
An ABLE account allows people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including mobility aids, housing, education, and transportation. Apply through the CalABLE program [6].
Report changes to your benefits promptly to avoid penalties or loss of benefits. For SSI/SSDI, report changes online, by phone, or in person. For SDI/PFL, report changes through the EDD website. Keep records of all communications and payments [6].
This guide is for informational purposes only and is not legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for personalized guidance.
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SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSDI is for people with disabilities who have a work history and enough work credits. Both programs have different eligibility requirements and benefit amounts [5].
Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits in California, but there are limits on how much you can earn. For SSI, your income must be below set limits. For SSDI, you must not engage in substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is $1,620 per month in 2025 for most disabilities [5].
To get a Medicaid waiver in California, contact your county social services agency. You will need to provide proof of disability and financial eligibility. The agency will review your application and determine your eligibility for home and community-based services (HCBS) [6].
The Employment Development Department (EDD) must pay your SDI claim within 14 days of receipt or the start date, whichever is later. This is a change from previous processing times, designed to get benefits to workers more quickly [1][3].
