California State Disability Insurance (SDI)

California SDI is a short-term benefit program for workers who can’t work due to illness, injury, or pregnancy. It includes:

Disability Insurance (DI)

• Provides up to 52 weeks of partial wage replacement.
• You must have paid into SDI through payroll deductions.
• A healthcare provider must verify your condition.

Paid Family Leave (PFL)

• Offers up to 8 weeks of benefits if you need time off to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child.

Important: SDI is not needs-based. It’s available if you’ve worked and contributed to the system.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is a federal program managed by the Social Security Administration (SSA). It’s for people who:

• Have worked and paid into Social Security
• Have a condition that prevents them from working for 12 months or more, or is terminal
• Meet the SSA’s definition of disability

Benefits include:

• Monthly payments based on your earnings record
• Eligibility for Medicare after 24 months of benefits

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

SSI is a needs-based federal program for low-income individuals who are:

• Over age 65, or
• Blind, or
• Disabled with limited income and resources

In California, recipients get an additional monthly payment known as the State Supplementary Payment (SSP).

You may also qualify for:

• Medi-Cal (California’s Medicaid program)
• CalFresh (food assistance)

Additional State Resources

California also offers:

• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Helps pay for services so people can stay in their own home rather than an institution.
• Ticket to Work Program: Helps SSDI/SSI recipients prepare for and find employment without immediately losing benefits.
• Local County Programs: May offer housing assistance, transportation, or other services for people with disabilities.