If you have rheumatoid arthritis in California, you may qualify for disability benefits through federal programs like SSDI and SSI, as well as state programs like State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL). These programs help cover lost wages and medical costs, and eligibility depends on your income, work history, and disability severity.
To qualify for federal disability benefits in California, you must meet Social Security Administration (SSA) criteria. For Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you need a qualifying disability and enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources. Both programs require that your disability prevents you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. Rheumatoid arthritis is listed in the SSA Blue Book under Section 14.09, so if your condition meets the listing criteria, you may qualify for benefits. If not, you may still qualify if your symptoms prevent you from working (SSA.gov, 2025-11-05).
California State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides short-term wage replacement for those unable to work due to non-work-related illness or injury, including rheumatoid arthritis. To qualify, you must be unable to do your regular job for at least eight days, have lost wages, and have earned at least $300 from which SDI deductions were withheld in the past 12 months. Paid Family Leave (PFL) covers time off to care for a seriously ill family member. Both SDI and PFL benefits increased in 2025: benefits are now 70% or 90% of wages, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,681. There is no wage ceiling, and the payroll contribution rate is 1.2% (EDD.ca.gov, 2025-11-05; Newfront.com, 2025-11-05).
Federal programs for people with rheumatoid arthritis in California include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI provides monthly payments based on your work history and earnings. SSI provides payments to those with limited income and resources. Both programs require that your disability prevents you from doing substantial work for at least 12 months. The average SSDI payment in 2025 is about $1,450 per month, with a maximum of $4,018. SSI payments vary by state but are generally around $967 per month (SSA.gov, 2025-11-05).
California offers State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) for short-term wage replacement. SDI covers non-work-related illness or injury, including rheumatoid arthritis. PFL covers time off to care for a seriously ill family member. In 2025, SDI/PFL benefits increased to 70% or 90% of wages, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,681. The payroll contribution rate is 1.2% of earnings, with no wage ceiling. Eligible workers can receive up to 52 weeks of SDI benefits and up to 8 weeks of PFL benefits. Claims can be filed up to 30 days in advance of the anticipated first compensable day (EDD.ca.gov, 2025-11-05; Newfront.com, 2025-11-05; TriageCancer.org, 2025-11-05).
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. In California, ABLE accounts are available through the CalABLE program. You can save up to $17,000 per year, and the account can be used for qualified disability expenses. For more information, visit CalABLE.ca.gov (CalABLE.ca.gov, 2025-11-05).
For SSI, the federal income limit in 2025 is $967 per month for an individual. For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you must not be doing substantial gainful activity (SGA), which is $1,620 per month in 2025. For Medi-Cal, income limits vary by program but generally range from 138% to 200% of the federal poverty level (SSA.gov, 2025-11-05; Medi-Cal.ca.gov, 2025-11-05).
If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you must report it and repay the overpayment. Report changes in income, work status, or living situation to SSA or EDD as soon as possible. Failure to report changes can result in penalties or loss of benefits. For more information, see the Avoiding Overpayments & Reporting Changes guide (SSA.gov, 2025-11-05; EDD.ca.gov, 2025-11-05).
If you need help with your application, contact a disability advocate or attorney. You can also call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or the California EDD at 1-800-480-3287.
SDI provides short-term wage replacement for California workers who cannot work due to non-work-related illness or injury, including rheumatoid arthritis. Benefits are paid as a percentage of your wages, up to a maximum weekly amount. You must have earned at least $300 from which SDI deductions were withheld in the past 12 months (EDD.ca.gov, 2025-11-05).
In 2025, SDI benefits in California are 70% or 90% of your wages, with a maximum weekly benefit of $1,681. The exact amount depends on your income and the new law that took effect January 1, 2025 (Newfront.com, 2025-11-05; EDD.ca.gov, 2025-11-05).
Yes, you can receive both SSDI and SDI if you meet the eligibility requirements for each program. SSDI is a federal program based on work history, while SDI is a state program for short-term disability. However, your total benefits may be reduced if you receive both (SSA.gov, 2025-11-05; EDD.ca.gov, 2025-11-05).
PFL provides wage replacement for California workers 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. In 2025, PFL benefits are 70% or 90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week (EDD.ca.gov, 2025-11-05; Newfront.com, 2025-11-05).
You can apply for SSDI or SSI online at SSA.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide medical records, work history, and proof of income (SSA.gov, 2025-11-05).
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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For disability benefits, you need medical records that show your diagnosis, symptoms, treatment, and how your condition limits your ability to work. This includes doctor’s notes, lab results, imaging studies, and treatment plans (SSA.gov, 2025-11-05).
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 certain limits. Work incentives may help you keep benefits while you try to work (SSA.gov, 2025-11-05).
An ABLE account lets people with disabilities save money without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits. In California, you can save up to $17,000 per year in a CalABLE account for qualified disability expenses (CalABLE.ca.gov, 2025-11-05).
The time to get disability benefits varies. SSDI/SSI applications can take 3-6 months or longer. SDI/PFL claims are usually processed within 14 days of receipt, but can take longer if more information is needed (SSA.gov, 2025-11-05; EDD.ca.gov, 2025-11-05).
If your claim is denied, you can appeal the decision. For SSDI/SSI, you have 60 days to file an appeal. For SDI/PFL, you can request a reconsideration. It may help to get help from a disability advocate or attorney (SSA.gov, 2025-11-05; EDD.ca.gov, 2025-11-05).
