Sensory Processing Disorder Benefits in California

• To qualify for federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months and have enough work credits. For Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you must have limited income and resources and meet the Social Security Administration's definition of disability.
• Children with disabilities may qualify for SSI or SSDI benefits if their parent is retired, disabled, or deceased. Adults with disabilities that began before age 22 may also qualify for benefits based on a parent's record.
• The Social Security Administration reviews medical evidence and work history to determine eligibility. The definition of disability is strict and requires significant functional limitations.
• In 2025, the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit for SSDI is $1,620 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,700 for blind individuals. Earnings above this limit may affect eligibility.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

• California State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides short-term wage replacement for 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.
• For 2025, SDI and PFL benefits increase to 70-90% of wages, up from 60-70%. The maximum weekly benefit is $1,681. The payroll contribution rate is 1.2% of earnings with no wage cap.
• Workers can file SDI or PFL claims up to 30 days in advance of their expected first day of leave. The Employment Development Department (EDD) must issue payment within 14 days of claim receipt or the start date, whichever is later.
• Eligibility for SDI and PFL is based on earning at least $300 in wages subject to SDI tax during the base period.
• California Medicaid (Medi-Cal) may cover therapy and support services for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder, especially children.

Source: Newfront, 2024, Caregiver California, 2025, EDD, 2025

• Gather medical records and proof of income.
• File SDI or PFL claims online at myEDD up to 30 days before leave starts.
• Apply for SSI/SSDI through the Social Security Administration website or local office.
• Apply for Medi-Cal through Covered California or your county social services agency.
• Contact the EDD or Social Security Administration for help with applications.

• Step 1: Collect all necessary documents, including medical records, proof of income, and identification.
• Step 2: For SDI or PFL, create an account on myEDD and file your claim online. You can file up to 30 days before your expected first day of leave. The EDD will review your claim and issue payment within 14 days of receipt or the start date.
• Step 3: For SSI/SSDI, apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide detailed medical and work history information.
• Step 4: For Medi-Cal, apply through Covered California or your county social services agency. You may need to provide proof of income, residency, and disability.
• Step 5: For Medicaid waivers (HCBS), contact your county regional center or Department of Health Care Services. Waivers may cover therapy, respite care, and other support services.
• Step 6: For ABLE accounts, open an account through the California ABLE program. You must have a qualifying disability and meet eligibility requirements.
• Step 7: Keep copies of all applications and correspondence. Follow up regularly and report any changes in your situation.

Source: EDD, 2025, Social Security Administration, 2025, Caregiver California, 2025

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments to individuals who have worked and paid Social Security taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI) provides monthly payments to individuals with limited income and resources.
• Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) provides health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities.
• Medicare provides health coverage for individuals with disabilities who receive SSDI for 24 months.
• Medicaid waivers (HCBS) provide home and community-based services for individuals with disabilities.

Source: Social Security Administration, 2025

• 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.
• Medi-Cal (California Medicaid) provides health coverage for low-income individuals, including those with disabilities. Medi-Cal may cover therapy and support services for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder.
• Medicaid waivers (HCBS) provide home and community-based services, such as therapy, respite care, and support coordination.
• California ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.

Source: EDD, 2025, Caregiver California, 2025

• California ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save up to $17,000 per year (2025 limit) for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI or Medi-Cal.
• To qualify, you must have a qualifying disability that began before age 26 and meet Social Security's definition of disability.
• Funds can be used for education, housing, transportation, employment support, health, and other disability-related expenses.
• Accounts are tax-free and do not affect SSI or Medi-Cal eligibility as long as the balance is below $100,000.

Source: SSA, 2025

• For SSI in 2025, the federal income limit is $943 per month for an individual and $1,415 for a couple. California adds a state supplement, so the actual payment may be higher.
• For SSDI, there is no income limit, but earnings above the substantial gainful activity (SGA) limit ($1,620 per month in 2025 for non-blind individuals) may affect eligibility.
• For Medi-Cal, income limits vary by program and household size. In general, individuals with disabilities may qualify with higher income limits than other programs.
• For ABLE accounts, the annual contribution limit is $17,000 in 2025. The account balance does not affect SSI or Medi-Cal eligibility as long as it is below $100,000.

Source: SSA, 2025

• If you receive more benefits than you are entitled to, you may have to repay the overpayment. Report any changes in income, resources, or living situation to the Social Security Administration or EDD as soon as possible.
• Overpayments can occur if you start working, receive other benefits, or have a change in household size.
• If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency to discuss repayment options. You may be able to set up a payment plan or request a waiver if the overpayment was not your fault.

Source: SSA, 2025

• 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 and applications.
• Social Security Administration
  Phone: 1-800-772-1213

  TTY: 1-800-325-0778

  Email: null

  Hours: null

  Website

  For SSI and SSDI questions and applications.
• Disability Rights California
  Phone: 1-800-776-5746

  TTY: null

  Email: null

  Hours: null

  Website

  For legal assistance and advocacy.

• Can I get California State Disability Insurance for Sensory Processing Disorder?

  Yes, if your Sensory Processing Disorder prevents you from working and you meet the eligibility requirements, you may qualify for SDI. You must have a medical certification and have earned at least $300 in wages subject to SDI tax during the base period.

• How much will I get from California SDI in 2025?

  In 2025, SDI benefits are 70-90% of your wages, up to a maximum of $1,681 per week. The exact amount depends on your income and the nature of your disability.

• Can I get Paid Family Leave to care for a family member with Sensory Processing Disorder?

  Yes, if you need to care for a seriously ill family member with Sensory Processing Disorder, you may qualify for Paid Family Leave. Benefits are 70-90% of your wages, up to $1,681 per week in 2025.

• How do I apply for SSI or SSDI for Sensory Processing Disorder?

  You can apply for SSI or SSDI online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. You will need to provide detailed medical and work history information.

• What therapy and support services are covered by Medi-Cal for Sensory Processing Disorder?

  Medi-Cal may cover occupational therapy, speech therapy, and other support services for individuals with Sensory Processing Disorder, especially children. Contact your county social services agency for details.

• Can I save money in an ABLE account if I have Sensory Processing Disorder?

  Yes, if your disability began before age 26 and you meet Social Security's definition of disability, you can open a California ABLE account to save for disability-related expenses without losing eligibility for means-tested benefits.