The Social Security Disability Insurance program supplies critical income support to people who cannot work because of severe disabilities. The SSDI program offers fundamental financial aid, but California recipients can access various supplementary benefits that aim to improve their quality of life and deliver complete support. While SSDI provides great benefits for those who receive it, some may wonder, “What other benefits can I get with SSDI in California?”
An Elk Grove SSI benefits lawyer can help you determine what benefits are available to you.
Understanding SSDI in California
The Social Security Administration (SSA) oversees SSDI, which provides monthly benefits to qualified workers who cannot work due to a disabling condition. The payment amount depends on the recipient’s past earnings history. Disabled workers should receive around $1,580.76 monthly benefits on average in 2025.
As of April 2024, approximately 7.3 million people received disabled-worker benefits from Social Security. In December 2023, California reported 1,114,177 SSI recipients, with total monthly payments of about $896 million.
Health and Personal Care Support
After becoming eligible for SSDI, you will have access to Medicare following a period of 24 months. Part A of Medicare provides hospital care coverage, while Part B covers outpatient services, and Part D covers prescription drugs. People receiving SSDI benefits frequently choose Medicare Advantage plans to access added dental and vision benefits. Chronic condition management requires this essential coverage.
Low-income individuals may qualify for Medi-Cal to cover non-Medicare expenses, such as long-term care and comprehensive mental health services. Most people who receive SSI benefits automatically qualify for Medi-Cal, which can be used alongside Medicare to achieve full coverage through dual eligibility.
The In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) program offers personal caregiver assistance to Californians with disabilities for daily activities, such as bathing, cooking, and medication management. IHSS enables people to maintain independence in their own residences instead of having to relocate to institutional settings.
Financial and Food Assistance
When a person receives SSDI benefits with minimal or no other income, they can become eligible for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and California’s State Supplementary Payment (SSP). SSI functions as a federal benefit based on financial need, while SSP operates as a state-funded monthly payment supplement.
Those receiving SSDI benefits can become eligible for California’s food assistance program, CalFresh. County social services departments process applications, which result in loading benefits onto an EBT card that functions similarly to a debit card at grocery stores and farmers markets.
The California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) program and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provide utility discounts and direct payments to help with monthly bills.
Housing and Transportation
SSDI recipients face significant challenges when seeking affordable housing in expensive areas such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers provide rent subsidies, which limit housing expenses to a percentage of your income. Local Public Housing Authorities, including the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA) and the San Diego Housing Commission, operate these programs.
Although waitlists for programs like Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers tend to be lengthy, many disabled applicants receive priority placement. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) offers public housing programs you might qualify for, alongside subsidized non-profit housing designed for seniors and disabled individuals.
SSDI beneficiaries might qualify for reduced-price transit passes from community transportation entities. The LIFE program from LA Metro gives low-income riders significant fare reductions, while Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) offers riders with disabilities half-price fares. Individuals who cannot use regular public transportation because of their disability can apply for paratransit services that provide door-to-door transportation.
Additional Local Resources
While SSDI supports individuals who cannot work because of disability, the Social Security Administration presents programs for recipients who want to test returning to work without losing their benefits right away.
- The Ticket to Work program provides recipients access to vocational rehabilitation and job placement services, along with career counseling, at no cost. During a trial period, beneficiaries have the option to maintain their Medicare benefits and SSDI payments while they test working.
- Disability Rights California provides complimentary legal assistance and advocacy, as well as educational resources, about your rights if you have a disability.
- Local Independent Living Centers (ILCs), including the Center for Independent Living in Berkeley and Access to Independence in San Diego, provide housing advocacy, personal care referrals, and peer counseling services.
FAQs
Q: What Benefits Are Available for a Disabled Person in California?
A: People with disabilities residing in California can access various programs such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medi-Cal health insurance, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), CalFresh food benefits, housing vouchers, and utility reduction programs.
People can access legal advocacy services, together with job training programs from the Department of Rehabilitation and local Independent Living Centers, which deliver personal and community-focused assistance.
Q: What If SSDI Is Not Enough?
A: Those who find SSDI insufficient for basic living costs may qualify for SSI income supplementation and Medi-Cal healthcare benefits. CalFresh assists with grocery costs, while IHSS delivers in-home caregiving support. Housing and utility assistance are also available. People receiving SSDI benefits often meet the criteria for various programs that help fill their income shortfalls.
Q: How Much Does SSDI Pay Per Month in California?
A: The amount you receive from SSDI is dependent on your past earnings and not on which state you live in. The average SSDI payment in California is $1,580.76. However, your payment can be above or below this amount. In California, people who receive both SSDI and SSI benefits can take advantage of state-specific supplemental programs such as SSP.
Q: Can I Still Work While I Am Receiving SSDI Benefits?
A: It’s possible to work while you are receiving SSDI benefits. The Social Security Administration provides work incentives through its Ticket to Work program. During a Trial Work Period (TWP), you are allowed to earn up to a certain limit while your benefits continue. SSDI payments continue for a grace period following the conclusion of the Trial Work Period.
The Department of Rehabilitation in California helps individuals with job training and placement services.
Contact Gade & Parekh, LLP
Gade & Parekh, LLP provides assistance to those who find it difficult to navigate SSDI benefits or reach the full extent of California benefit options available to them. Our skilled disability attorneys are professionals at achieving results and advocating for the support you deserve. Contact our team today to move forward with securing your future.
