Disability Benefits and Help in California

SSDI and SSI in California

Social Security disability works the same in every state: SSA takes your application, and a state agency makes the medical decision. In California, that agency is the Disability Determination Service Division. In 2026, SSI pays up to $994 a month for an individual before any state supplement, and work above $1,690 a month generally rules out disability benefits.

Start with how to apply, SSDI vs SSI and the eligibility screener. To visit an office, find Social Security offices in California on socialsecurityofficesnearme.com, the office finder from the same publisher.

Does California Add to SSI?

The State Supplementary Payment (SSP) is the state program that augments SSI. Both SSI and SSP benefits are administered by the Social Security Administration, and if an eligible individual qualifies for SSI, they qualify for SSP. SSA pays it together with your SSI.

Source: state program page. See how SSI works and the SSI calculator.

State Disability Insurance (SDI): Disability Insurance (DI) in California

State Disability Insurance (SDI): Disability Insurance (DI) pays up to $1,765 a week, for up to 52 weeks. Waiting period: The first seven days of a DI claim is a non-payable waiting period.. It's run by the Employment Development Department (EDD). How to file a claim

Compare every state program in state disability insurance.

Medicaid for People With Disabilities in California

California's Medicaid program is run by the California Department of Health Care Services (Medi-Cal). The state has a 1634 agreement with SSA, so SSA makes the Medicaid decision for SSI recipients: when SSA approves your SSI, Medicaid generally follows. (SSA)

Working with a disability: 250% Working Disabled Program (250% WDP) lets people with disabilities who work keep Medicaid coverage.

Home and Community Services in California

• Home and Community-Based Alternatives (HCBA) Waiver: Persons at risk of nursing home or institutional placement
• Assisted Living Waiver (ALW): Medi-Cal eligible individuals without a share of cost who require a nursing facility level of care and wish to live in a residential care setting or publicly funded senior and/or disabled housing
• Medi-Cal Waiver Program (MCWP), formerly the AIDS Waiver: Persons living with HIV/AIDS, as an alternative to nursing facility care or hospitalization
• Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) Waiver: Medi-Cal eligible individuals who are 60 years or older

More on Medicaid for people with disabilities and getting paid as a family caregiver.

Vocational Rehabilitation in California

California's vocational rehabilitation agency helps people with disabilities prepare for, find and keep jobs:

• Department of Rehabilitation

How it works: vocational rehabilitation.

Disability Rights Help in California

Disability Rights California is California's protection and advocacy agency for people with disabilities.

Know your rights: the ADA, accommodations at work, IEPs and 504 plans.

ABLE Accounts in California

California Achieving a Better Life Experience (CalABLE): Listed by the Office of the State Treasurer; the plan site calable.ca.gov returned HTTP 403 to automated reads. In 2026 you can contribute up to $20,000 a year, and the disability must have started before age 46.

Details: ABLE accounts.

Disability Parking Placards in California

Apply through the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) using Application for Disabled Person Placard or Plates (REG 195). Fee: Permanent DP placard or DP plates: no additional fee.. Permanent placard: valid for two years, expires on June 30 of every odd-numbered year. Travel placard for residents: valid for 30 days from issue.

How placards work everywhere: disability parking placards.

California Disability Help: Common Questions