California • Physical/Mobility

Spinal Cord Injury Benefits in California: 2025 Guide

If you have a spinal cord injury in California, you may qualify for federal and state disability benefits. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), California State Disability Insurance (SDI), Paid Family Leave (PFL), Medicaid waivers, and ABLE accounts. This guide explains eligibility, how to apply, and where to get help.

SSDI and SSI provide monthly cash benefits for those unable to work due to spinal cord injury.
California SDI and PFL offer short-term wage replacement for qualifying disabilities and family care.
Medicaid waivers help pay for home and community-based services.
ABLE accounts let you save for disability-related expenses without losing benefits.
You must report changes in income or living situation to avoid overpayments.

Last reviewed: 2025-11-05

Open a Purple account

Eligibility

To qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security, have a disability that prevents you from working for at least 12 months, and meet the Social Security Administration's work credit requirements (usually 20 credits in the last 10 years)[^1].
SSDI benefits are based on your lifetime earnings. Most recipients get about $1,450 per month, with a maximum of $4,018 per month in 2025[^2].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. The federal SSI payment is $914 per month for an individual in 2025, but California adds a state supplement[^3].
Both SSDI and SSI require that your disability meets the Social Security Administration's definition of disability, which includes being unable to do substantial gainful activity (SGA) due to your medical condition[^1].

California State Disability Insurance (SDI) provides short-term wage replacement for non-work-related disabilities, including spinal cord injury. Benefits are paid for up to 52 weeks and are based on your earnings[^4].
Starting in 2025, SDI and Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits increase to 70% or 90% of wages (up from 60% or 70%). The maximum weekly benefit is $1,681[^4].
The payroll contribution rate increases to 1.2% of earnings, with no wage cap[^4].
You can file a claim up to 30 days before your first day of disability[^4].
California also offers Medicaid waivers (HCBS) for people with spinal cord injury who need home and community-based services[^5].
California residents can open ABLE accounts to save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[^6].

How to apply in California

For SSDI/SSI: Apply online at ssa.gov or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
For SDI/PFL: Apply online at EDD's myEDD portal or call 1-800-480-3287.
For Medicaid waivers: Contact your local county social services agency.
For ABLE accounts: Visit calable.org.
Gather medical records, proof of income, and identification before applying.

Step 1: Gather Documents
- Medical records that show your spinal cord injury and how it affects your ability to work.
- Proof of income (pay stubs, tax returns).
- Social Security number and identification.
- Bank account information for direct deposit.
Step 2: Apply for SSDI/SSI
- Visit ssa.gov and click "Apply for Disability."
- Fill out the online application or call 1-800-772-1213 to apply by phone.
- Submit all required documents.
- Wait for a decision, which can take several months.
Step 3: Apply for California SDI/PFL
- Go to EDD's myEDD portal.
- Create an account and file your claim up to 30 days before your first day of disability.
- Submit required forms and medical certification.
- EDD will issue payment within 14 days of receiving your claim or the start date, whichever is later[^4].
Step 4: Apply for Medicaid Waivers
- Contact your local county social services agency.
- Ask about Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for spinal cord injury.
- Submit an application and required documentation.
Step 5: Open an ABLE Account
- Visit calable.org to open a California ABLE account.
- Follow the instructions to set up your account and start saving.

Programs & Services

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Monthly cash benefit for those who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. Most recipients get about $1,450 per month, with a maximum of $4,018 per month in 2025[^2].
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Monthly cash benefit for those with limited income and resources. The federal payment is $914 per month for an individual in 2025, with a California state supplement[^3].
Medicare: Health insurance for those who receive SSDI after a 24-month waiting period[^7].
Medicaid: Health insurance for those with low income and resources, including those who receive SSI[^8].

California State Disability Insurance (SDI): Short-term wage replacement for non-work-related disabilities, including spinal cord injury. Benefits are paid for up to 52 weeks and are based on your earnings. Starting in 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,681[^4].
Paid Family Leave (PFL): Wage replacement for up to 8 weeks to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child. Benefits are also based on your earnings[^4].
Medicaid Waivers (HCBS): Programs that help pay for home and community-based services for people with spinal cord injury who need long-term care[^5].
California ABLE Accounts: Tax-advantaged savings accounts for disability-related expenses, with a state match for low-income residents[^6].
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): State-funded program that pays for in-home care for people with disabilities who need help with daily living activities[^9].

Money & Banking

California ABLE accounts let you save up to $18,000 per year for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits[^6].
California offers a state match of up to $1,000 per year for low-income residents who open an ABLE account[^6].
Funds can be used for housing, education, transportation, and other disability-related expenses.

For SSI, the federal income limit is $914 per month for an individual in 2025. California adds a state supplement, so the total can be higher[^3].
For SSDI, there is no income limit, but you cannot earn more than $1,620 per month ($2,700 if blind) from work and still receive benefits[^2].
For Medicaid, income limits vary by program and household size. Contact your local county social services agency for details[^8].

You must report changes in income, living situation, or medical condition to Social Security and the EDD to avoid overpayments[^10].
Overpayments can result in repayment demands and loss of benefits.
Keep records of all changes and reports.
If you receive an overpayment notice, contact the agency immediately to discuss repayment options.

Tips & Gotchas

Need Help Applying?

Contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or the EDD at 1-800-480-3287 for help with your application. Many organizations offer free or low-cost assistance with disability applications.

Contacts

Social Security Administration
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Hours: 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday
Website
Apply for SSDI, SSI, and report changes.
California Employment Development Department (EDD)
Phone: 1-800-480-3287
TTY: 1-800-563-2442
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Website
Apply for SDI, PFL, and report changes.
California Department of Social Services
Phone: 1-800-281-9799
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday
Website
Apply for Medicaid waivers and IHSS.

FAQs

What is the difference between SSDI and SSI?
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with limited income and resources, regardless of work history. Both programs provide monthly cash benefits for those unable to work due to disability.
How much can I get from California SDI for spinal cord injury?
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 length of your disability.
Can I get both SSDI and SSI?
Yes, if you meet the eligibility requirements for both programs. SSDI is based on work history, and SSI is based on income and resources. Many people with spinal cord injury qualify for both.
What are Medicaid waivers for spinal cord injury?
Medicaid waivers help pay for home and community-based services for people with spinal cord injury who need long-term care. These services can include personal care, home modifications, and assistive technology.
How do I apply for California ABLE accounts?
Visit calable.org to open a California ABLE account. You can save up to $18,000 per year for disability-related expenses without losing SSI or Medicaid benefits.
What happens if my income changes while on disability?
You must report changes in income to Social Security and the EDD. Failure to report can result in overpayments and loss of benefits. Keep records of all changes and reports.

Official resources

Apply for SSDI/SSI(federal)
California Medicaid Waivers (HCBS)(state_agency)
Medicaid for People with Disabilities(federal)

Related Purple guides

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional for advice specific to your situation.

Ready to get started with Purple?