Multiple Sclerosis Benefits in California: 2025 Guide

• To qualify for federal disability benefits (SSI or SSDI), you must have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s definition of disability.
• For SSDI, you need enough work credits based on your age and work history. In 2025, one work credit equals $1,810 in earnings, and you need 40 credits total (20 of which must be earned in the last 10 years) for most adults.
• For SSI, your income and resources must be below strict limits. In 2025, the monthly income limit for an individual is $943, and for a couple, it is $1,309.
• Children with disabilities may qualify for benefits based on a parent’s work record or their own limited work history.
• You must be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen and reside in the U.S. or Northern Mariana Islands.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI) covers non-work-related illnesses, injuries, pregnancy, and childbirth. Paid Family Leave (PFL) covers family caregiving and bonding.
• To qualify for SDI/PFL, you must be unable to work due to a disability, have lost wages, and have paid SDI taxes.
• In 2025, SDI/PFL benefits are 70%–90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week. There is no wage ceiling for contributions.
• 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 receiving it or the start date, whichever is later.
• You must be a California resident and have earned at least $300 in wages subject to SDI tax in the base period.

Source: CA EDD, 2025

• Gather your medical records and employment information.
• File your SDI/PFL claim online at myEDD up to 30 days before your leave starts.
• For SSI/SSDI, apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security.
• For Medicaid waivers, contact your local county social services agency.
• For ABLE accounts, apply through the CalABLE program.
• Keep copies of all documents and follow up on your applications.

• Step 1: Get a medical certification from your doctor confirming your disability and inability to work.
• Step 2: File your SDI/PFL claim online at myEDD. You can do this up to 30 days before your leave starts. Provide your employment and medical information.
• Step 3: For SSI/SSDI, apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records, work history, and financial information.
• Step 4: For Medicaid waivers, contact your local county social services agency. They will help you apply and determine your eligibility for long-term care services.
• Step 5: For an ABLE account, apply through the CalABLE program online. This account helps you save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
• Step 6: Keep copies of all documents and follow up on your applications. Respond promptly to any requests for additional information.
• Step 7: If your application is denied, you have the right to appeal. Follow the instructions provided by the agency.

Source: CA EDD, 2025

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes and now have a qualifying disability.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and resources.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health coverage for people with disabilities who have low income and resources.
• Medicaid Waivers: Programs that help people with disabilities live in the community instead of institutions.
• ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI): Provides short-term wage replacement for people who cannot work due to non-work-related illness, injury, pregnancy, or childbirth. In 2025, benefits are 70%–90% of wages, up to $1,681 per week.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL): Provides wage replacement for people who need to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child. Benefits are the same as SDI.
• Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that help people with disabilities live in the community and receive long-term care services.
• CalABLE: California’s ABLE account program, which allows people with disabilities to save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Provides in-home care for people with disabilities who need help with daily living.

Source: CA EDD, 2025

• ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for SSI, Medicaid, or other benefits.
• In California, you can open a CalABLE account online. The account can hold up to $100,000 without affecting SSI eligibility.
• Funds in an ABLE account can be used for qualified disability expenses, such as housing, education, transportation, and health care.

Source: CA EDD, 2025

• For SSI in 2025, the monthly income limit is $943 for an individual and $1,309 for a couple.
• For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be earning more than the substantial gainful activity (SGA) amount, which is $1,620 per month in 2025.
• For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

• If you receive too much money from a benefits program, you may have to pay it back.
• Report any changes in your income, resources, or living situation to the agency that pays your benefits.
• Failure to report changes can result in overpayments and penalties.
• If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency to discuss your options for repayment.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

• California Employment Development Department (EDD)
  Phone: 1-800-480-3287

  Website

  For SDI/PFL claims and questions.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI applications and questions.
• California Department of Social Services
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  Website

  For Medicaid waivers and IHSS.

• What is the maximum weekly benefit for California SDI in 2025?

  The maximum weekly benefit for California SDI 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.

• Can I file for SDI or PFL before my leave starts?

  Yes, you can file for SDI or PFL up to 30 days before your first day of leave. This allows you to start the process early and receive benefits more quickly.

• How long does it take to get SDI or PFL benefits?

  The Employment Development Department must pay your claim within 14 days of receiving it or the start date of your leave, whichever is later. This ensures faster processing and payment.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI?

  SSI is for people with disabilities who have limited income and resources. SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Both provide monthly payments, but eligibility rules differ.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits?

  Yes, you can work while receiving disability benefits, but there are limits. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month in 2025. For SSI, your income and resources must stay below strict limits.

• What are Medicaid waivers and how do they help?

  Medicaid waivers help people with disabilities live in the community and receive long-term care services. They can cover in-home care, personal care, and other support services.