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California • Mental Health
If you have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in California, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), State Disability Insurance (SDI), Paid Family Leave (PFL), and Medicaid. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and what support is available.
To qualify for federal disability benefits with OCD, your condition must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. OCD is listed under anxiety disorders in the SSA Blue Book (Section 12.06). You must show that your symptoms are severe and persistent, causing marked limitation in at least two areas (such as understanding, interacting, concentrating, or adapting), or extreme limitation in one area. You must also have medical documentation, including treatment history and functional limitations. If you do not meet the listing, you may still qualify based on your ability to work (Residual Functional Capacity). Work credits are required for SSDI, but not for SSI. SSI also has strict income and asset limits [ssa.gov, 2025-11-05].
In California, you may qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI) if you are unable to work due to OCD. SDI covers non-work-related illnesses, including mental health conditions. You must be unable to perform your regular job duties and have a doctor’s certification. Paid Family Leave (PFL) is also available if you need time off to care for yourself or a family member with a serious health condition. As of 2025, SDI and PFL benefits pay 70% to 90% of your wages, up to a weekly maximum of $1,681. There is no wage cap, and claims can be filed up to 30 days in advance. The Employment Development Department (EDD) must issue payment within 14 days of claim receipt or the start date, whichever is later [Newfront, 2024-11-20; Caregiver California, 2025-01-17; EDD, 2025-11-05].
California offers ABLE accounts for people with disabilities. These accounts let you save money without losing eligibility for SSI or Medi-Cal. You can use funds for qualified disability expenses, such as education, housing, and health care. Contributions are tax-free, and earnings grow tax-free. The annual contribution limit is $18,000 in 2025. You must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26 [ABLE National Resource Center, 2025-11-05].
For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $967/month for an individual. California adds a small state supplement. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620/month ($2,700 if blind) from work and still qualify. For Medi-Cal, income limits vary by household size and program. For SDI/PFL, there is no income cap, but benefits are based on your wages [SSA, 2025-11-05; EDD, 2025-11-05].
You must report any changes in income, employment, or health status to SSA and EDD. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. If you receive an overpayment, you may be able to request a waiver or set up a repayment plan. Keep all records and correspondence. Report changes online, by phone, or in writing [SSA, 2025-11-05; EDD, 2025-11-05].
California SDI and PFL benefits increased in 2025. You can now get 70%–90% of your wages, up to $1,681/week. Claims can be filed up to 30 days in advance, and payments must be issued within 14 days.
Yes, if your OCD is severe and meets Social Security criteria. You may qualify for SSDI, SSI, SDI, or PFL. You need medical documentation and proof of functional limitations. Contact SSA or EDD for details.
In 2025, SDI pays 70%–90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week. There is no wage cap. You must be unable to work and have a doctor’s certification.
SSDI is for people with a work history and enough credits. SSI is for low-income individuals with disabilities. SSDI has no income limit, but SSI does. Both require a qualifying disability.
Apply online at SSA.gov for SSDI or SSI. For SDI or PFL, apply at EDD.ca.gov. You will need medical records and a doctor’s certification. Report any changes in your situation.
Yes, but there are limits. For SSDI, you cannot earn more than $1,620/month ($2,700 if blind) from work. For SSI, income and asset limits apply. Work incentives may help you keep benefits while working.
An ABLE account is a tax-advantaged savings account for people with disabilities. You can save up to $18,000/year in 2025 without losing SSI or Medi-Cal eligibility. Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses.
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. Always check with official agencies for the most current rules and eligibility.
SSDI and SSI decisions can take several months. SDI and PFL payments must be issued within 14 days of claim receipt or start date. Processing times may vary based on your situation.
You can appeal within 60 days. Gather more medical evidence and consider getting help from a disability advocate or attorney. You may need to attend a hearing.
Yes, you must report any changes in income, employment, or health status to SSA and EDD. Failure to report can result in overpayments and penalties. Keep all records.
Yes, if you meet income and disability criteria. Medicaid in California is called Medi-Cal. It covers health care for low-income individuals with disabilities. Apply through your county social services office.
