Myalgic Encephalomyelitis Benefits in California

• To get federal disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that stops you from working for at least a year or is expected to result in death.
• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history.
• Both programs require medical proof and regular reporting of changes in your situation.
• You can use the SSI Income Estimator to see if you qualify for SSI.
• For more details, visit the Social Security Administration website.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI

Use the SSI Income Estimator

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI) helps if you cannot work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, pregnancy, or childbirth.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL) covers time off to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child.
• In 2025, SDI and PFL benefits are 70% to 90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week.
• There is no wage cap for SDI/PFL contributions.
• You can file a claim up to 30 days before your leave starts.
• The Employment Development Department (EDD) must pay your claim within 14 days of receiving it or the start of your leave, whichever is later.
• You must be unable to do your regular job due to your condition.
• For more details, visit the EDD website.

All benefits in your state

• Gather your medical records and proof of income.
• Visit the EDD website to apply for SDI or PFL.
• Fill out the online application and submit required documents.
• Wait for EDD to review your claim and send payment.
• For federal benefits, apply through the Social Security Administration website.

• Step 1: Get a medical statement from your doctor that explains your diagnosis and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 2: Collect recent pay stubs or other proof of income.
• Step 3: Go to the EDD website and create an account if you don't have one.
• Step 4: Fill out the SDI or PFL application online. You can file up to 30 days before your leave starts.
• Step 5: Upload or mail your medical statement and proof of income.
• Step 6: Wait for EDD to review your claim. They must pay within 14 days of receiving your claim or the start of your leave, whichever is later.
• Step 7: If you need federal benefits, apply for SSI or SSDI through the Social Security Administration website.
• Step 8: Keep all records and report any changes in your situation to avoid overpayments.
• Step 9: If you have questions, call the EDD or Social Security Administration.

How to apply for California disability benefits

How to avoid overpayments and reporting changes

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments to people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to people with limited income and resources.
• Both programs require medical proof and regular reporting of changes.
• You can use the SSI Income Estimator to see if you qualify for SSI.
• For more details, visit the Social Security Administration website.

Learn more about SSI vs SSDI

Use the SSI Income Estimator

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides short-term wage replacement for non-work-related illness, injury, pregnancy, or childbirth.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides wage replacement for time off to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child.
• In 2025, SDI and PFL benefits are 70% to 90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week.
• There is no wage cap for SDI/PFL contributions.
• You can file a claim up to 30 days before your leave starts.
• The Employment Development Department (EDD) must pay your claim within 14 days of receiving it or the start of your leave, whichever is later.
• For more details, visit the EDD website.

All benefits in your state

• ABLE accounts let people with disabilities save money without losing benefits.
• You can use the funds for qualified disability expenses.
• California has its own ABLE program.
• For more details, visit the California ABLE website.

Learn more about ABLE Accounts

• For SSI, the income limit is $943 per month for an individual in 2025.
• For SSDI, there is no strict income limit, but you must not be able to do substantial gainful activity.
• For SDI and PFL, benefits are based on your wages, up to $1,681 per week in 2025.
• For more details, visit the Social Security Administration and EDD websites.

• Report any changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.
• If you get too much money, you may have to pay it back.
• Keep all records and update your information regularly.
• For more details, visit the Social Security Administration and EDD websites.

How to avoid overpayments and reporting changes

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

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  Email: null

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  Website

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

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Email: null

  Hours: null

  Website

  For SSI and SSDI questions

• What is State Disability Insurance (SDI) in California?

  SDI is a program that gives short-term wage replacement to people who cannot work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, pregnancy, or childbirth. It covers up to 90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week in 2025.

• How do I apply for SDI in California?

  You can apply online through the EDD website. You need a medical statement from your doctor and proof of income. You can file up to 30 days before your leave starts.

• What is Paid Family Leave (PFL) in California?

  PFL gives wage replacement for time off to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child. It covers up to 90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week in 2025.

• How much can I get from SDI or PFL in 2025?

  In 2025, you can get up to 90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week. The exact amount depends on your income and the program.

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

  Yes, you can file up to 30 days before your leave starts. This helps you get your benefits faster.

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

  The EDD must pay your claim within 14 days of receiving it or the start of your leave, whichever is later.

• What if I have a low income?

  People with lower incomes may get a higher percentage of their wages from SDI or PFL. The program is designed to help those who need it most.