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California • Neurological/Developmental
People with Tourette Syndrome in California can access both federal and state disability benefits. This guide covers SSI, SSDI, paid family leave, California State Disability Insurance (SDI), ABLE accounts, and how to apply. Find clear steps, eligibility, and programs tailored for neurological and developmental disabilities.
To qualify for SSI or SSDI with Tourette Syndrome, you must have a medically determined impairment that is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death and that limits your ability to work or, for children under 18, greatly limits activities compared to peers. SSDI requires you to have worked and paid Social Security taxes for a certain number of years. SSI has strict income and resource limits and is for people with limited work history. For children, benefits are based on family income, and for adults, on personal resources and earnings. If Tourette Syndrome symptoms are severe—such as causing frequent physical injury, severe social isolation, or permanent functional loss—you may meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability[4].
California State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) are available to workers who pay into the state system (SDI is deducted from paychecks). Starting in 2025, benefits increase to 70–90% of wages (up from 60–70%), with the maximum weekly benefit rising to $1,681[1][2]. You do not need a permanent disability; short-term, non-work-related illnesses like severe neurological symptoms may qualify. Eligibility depends on recent earnings, and you must have a licensed healthcare provider certify your condition. PFL is available for caregivers, including those caring for a child with Tourette Syndrome. You can file claims up to 30 days in advance and expect payments within 14 days of claim approval or the leave start date[1][2].
Apply for California State Disability Insurance (SDI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL) online through myEDD. Gather medical records showing your Tourette Syndrome diagnosis and, if possible, how it limits your daily or work activities. For SSI/SSDI, apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. Have employment, financial, and medical records ready. Keep track of all applications and deadlines.
California SDI & PFL Applications
SSI/SSDI Applications
General Tips
Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides monthly payments to individuals with limited income/resources and a qualifying disability, including Tourette Syndrome if severe. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Pays benefits if you have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes, and if your disability prevents substantial work. Disabled Adult Child (DAC) benefits may be available if a parent is retired, disabled, or deceased, and your disability started before age 22[4].
California State Disability Insurance (SDI): Offers up to 52 weeks of wage replacement for eligible workers with a short-term disability—including neurological conditions that temporarily prevent work. Benefit rates increased in 2025 to 70–90% of wages, with a $1,681 weekly maximum[1][2][6]. Paid Family Leave (PFL): Up to 8 weeks of partial wage replacement for caregivers of family members with serious health conditions, including children with Tourette Syndrome[1][2]. In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Provides in-home care for those who qualify for Medi-Cal; available statewide[5]. Medi-Cal: California’s Medicaid offers free/low-cost health coverage for children and adults with disabilities and limited income/resources[5].
California ABLE accounts help individuals with disabilities (including Tourette Syndrome) save for disability-related expenses without losing SSI, Medi-Cal, or other means-tested benefits. Earnings grow tax-free, and withdrawals for qualified expenses are not taxed. ABLE accounts are especially useful for those who need to save for care, education, housing, or transportation without risking benefit eligibility.
SSI has strict federal income and asset limits—for 2025, individuals must have less than $2,000 in resources ($3,000 for couples). SSDI has no income or resource limits, but there are limits on how much you can earn while receiving benefits. In 2025, a disabled adult under SSDI can earn up to $1,620/month ($2,700 if you’re blind) before benefits are affected[4]. California programs like SDI and PFL have no asset limits, but you must have recent payroll contributions and meet wage thresholds for benefit calculations.
You must report income, resource, or living arrangement changes to SSI and SSDI promptly to avoid overpayments, which you’ll have to repay. For SDI/PFL, report return-to-work dates and any other changes. For all programs, keep detailed records of your income, expenses, and communications with agencies.
Starting January 2025, California SDI and PFL benefits increase to 70–90% of eligible wages (up from 60–70%), with a new maximum of $1,681 per week. Claims can be filed 30 days in advance, and the EDD must start payments within 14 days of claim receipt or leave start—whichever is later[1][2].
Tourette Syndrome may qualify if symptoms severely limit your ability to work, go to school, or manage daily activities. California SDI/PFL covers temporary disabilities; SSI/SSDI require long-term, severe limitations[1][2][4].
The maximum SDI benefit is $1,681 per week in 2025, up from $1,620. Benefit rates are 70–90% of eligible wages, with no income cap for payroll deductions[1][2].
Yes, California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) provides up to 8 weeks of partial wage replacement for eligible caregivers, including those caring for children with Tourette Syndrome[1][2].
Apply online at SSA.gov or call 1-800-772-1213. Gather medical records showing your diagnosis and functional limitations. Adult applicants also need work history; children’s eligibility is based on family income[4].
ABLE accounts allow people with disabilities to save up to $18,000/year for disability-related expenses. Savings do not count against SSI or Medi-Cal resource limits, helping individuals and families plan for the future.
EDD must begin payments by the later of 14 days from receipt of your claim or the date your leave starts. You can file up to 30 days in advance[1][2].
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or benefits advice. Always consult official agencies for program eligibility and recent changes. While we strive for accuracy, policies and procedures may change.
Yes, both SSI and SSDI have work incentive programs that allow you to earn some income without losing benefits. California also has vocational rehabilitation services and job centers[5].
You can appeal a denial. For SSI/SSDI, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. For SDI/PFL, follow EDD’s appeal process. Legal aid or advocacy groups can help[3][5].
Contact the California Employment Development Department, Social Security, Disability Rights California, or local legal aid organizations for assistance with applications and appeals[3][5].
For SSI/SSDI, report income, resources, and living arrangements immediately. For SDI/PFL, report changes in your condition or return-to-work dates. Document all communications.
