Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Benefits in California

• To qualify for federal SSI or SSDI with PTSD, your condition must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria for a severe mental impairment that prevents you from working.
• SSI is for low-income individuals with limited resources; SSDI is for those with a work history and sufficient Social Security credits.
• The SSA uses a detailed evaluation process, including medical evidence and functional limitations, to determine eligibility.
• In 2025, the maximum monthly SSDI benefit is $4,018, and the minimum is $967. SSI payments vary by state and individual circumstances.
• You must report changes in income or living situation to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2024-11-05]

• California residents with PTSD may qualify for State Disability Insurance (SDI) if they are unable to work due to their condition. SDI provides short-term wage replacement for up to 52 weeks.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL) can also be used for mental health reasons, such as bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member.
• Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid) covers mental health services, including therapy and medication, for eligible low-income individuals.
• California’s SDI and PFL benefits increased in 2025: benefits are now 70% or 90% of wages (up from 60% or 70%), with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,681.
• The payroll contribution rate for SDI/PFL is now 1.2% of earnings, with no wage cap.

Source: EDD.ca.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2024-11-05]

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• Apply for federal benefits (SSI/SSDI) online at SSA.gov or by phone.
• Apply for state benefits (SDI/PFL) through the EDD website.
• Apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California or your county social services agency.
• Contact the EDD or Social Security for help with applications.

• Step 1: Collect all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 2: Apply for federal SSI or SSDI benefits online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. Provide detailed information about your PTSD and how it affects your ability to work.
• Step 3: Apply for California State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL) through the EDD website. You can file a claim up to 30 days in advance of your anticipated first day of disability.
• Step 4: Apply for Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid) through Covered California or your county social services agency. Medi-Cal covers mental health services for eligible low-income individuals.
• Step 5: If you have questions or need help, contact the EDD at 1-800-480-3287 or Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
• Step 6: Report any changes in your income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2024-11-05] Source: EDD.ca.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2024-11-05]

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Provides monthly payments to people with disabilities who have a work history and sufficient Social Security credits.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to low-income individuals with disabilities, regardless of work history.
• Medicare: Health insurance for people with disabilities who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Medicaid: Health insurance for low-income individuals with disabilities, including those who receive SSI.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2024-11-05]

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI): Provides short-term wage replacement for up to 52 weeks for people unable to work due to non-work-related illness or injury, including PTSD.
• Paid Family Leave (PFL): Provides wage replacement for up to 8 weeks (plus 4 weeks before birth for expecting mothers) for people who need time off to care for a seriously ill family member, bond with a new child, or support a family member during military deployment.
• Medi-Cal: California’s Medicaid program covers mental health services, including therapy and medication, for eligible low-income individuals.
• California ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for people with disabilities, allowing them to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.

Source: EDD.ca.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2024-11-05] Source: CoveredCA.com, 2025 [Accessed: 2024-11-05]

• California ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medi-Cal.
• You can contribute up to $18,000 per year (2025 limit) and the account grows tax-free.
• Funds can be used for qualified disability expenses, including education, housing, transportation, and personal support.

Source: ABLEforAll.com, 2025 [Accessed: 2024-11-05]

• SSI has strict income and resource limits. In 2025, the federal SSI payment is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple.
• SSDI has no income limit, but your earnings must be below the Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold ($1,620 per month in 2025) to qualify.
• Medi-Cal eligibility depends on income and household size, with higher limits for people with disabilities.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2024-11-05]

• You must report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to avoid overpayments.
• Overpayments can result in repayment demands or loss of benefits.
• If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency immediately to discuss repayment options.

Source: SSA.gov, 2025 [Accessed: 2024-11-05]

• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

  Website

  For SSI/SSDI questions and applications.
• California Employment Development Department (EDD)
  Phone: 1-800-480-3287

  TTY: 1-800-326-8937

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For SDI/PFL questions and applications.
• California Department of Health Care Services (Medi-Cal)
  Phone: 1-800-541-5555

  TTY: 1-800-430-7077

  Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

  Website

  For Medi-Cal questions and applications.

• Can I get disability benefits for PTSD in California?

  Yes, if your PTSD is severe enough to prevent you from working, you may qualify for federal SSI or SSDI and California State Disability Insurance (SDI). You need medical evidence and must meet program criteria.

• How much can I get from California SDI for PTSD?

  In 2025, California SDI pays up to 70% or 90% of your wages, with a maximum of $1,681 per week. The exact amount depends on your earnings and the benefit tier you qualify for.

• Does California Medicaid cover mental health services for PTSD?

  Yes, Medi-Cal covers therapy, medication, and other mental health services for eligible low-income individuals with PTSD. You must apply through Covered California or your county social services agency.

• How do I apply for SSI/SSDI for PTSD in California?

  Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. Provide detailed medical records and information about how PTSD affects your ability to work.

• What is the difference between SSI and SSDI for PTSD?

  SSI is for low-income individuals with limited resources, regardless of work history. SSDI is for those with a work history and sufficient Social Security credits. Both require a severe disability that prevents work.

• Can I work while receiving disability benefits for PTSD?

  Yes, but there are limits. SSDI has a Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA) threshold ($1,620 per month in 2025). SSI has strict income and resource limits. Work incentives help you keep benefits while working.