Key Programs

There are many different disability benefits programs. This section explains 3 of the most important ones:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medi-Cal
• Medi-Cal's Working Disabled Program

Make sure you understand why these programs are important by reading the introductions to them below. Private health care coverage is also discussed, as it is an important health coverage alternative.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is the most important income support benefit for young people with disabilities. Even if you have never had a job, you may be able to get SSI. Even if you are under 18 and live with your parents, you may be able to get SSI.

Who It Helps

People who are disabled or blind may not be able to work or afford to live on their own. If you have a disability, don’t have enough money for your basic needs, don’t have much income, and have limited assets, you may be able to get SSI. If you have a disability, are under the age of 18, and your parents have low income and limited assets, you may also be eligible for SSI.

What You Get

If you qualify for SSI, you get a monthly check. This money helps you pay your expenses, like food and rent. If you get SSI, you also qualify automatically for Medi-Cal.

To learn more, read the section on SSI Eligibility for Young People.

Medi-Cal

Medi-Cal is the most important public health benefit for young people with disabilities.

Who It Helps

Medi-Cal is for people who cannot afford medical expenses, including people who are disabled, young, or pregnant. To get it, you and your family must have low income. If you’re on SSI, you automatically qualify for Medi-Cal.

What You Get

If you qualify, Medi-Cal pays for your medical expenses, including visits to the doctor, hospital stays, prescription drugs, medical equipment, and other medical services.

To learn more, read the section on Medi-Cal Eligibility for Young People.

Medi-Cal's Working Disabled Program (WDP)

Medi-Cal’s Working Disabled Program (WDP) lets you get a job and keep your Medi-Cal health coverage.

Who It Helps

The WDP program is for people with disabilities who have jobs. There is an income limit, but it is higher than the income limit for regular Medi-Cal. Note: Medi-Cal's Working Disabled Program used to have a monthly premium. Starting on July 1, 2022, there is no more premium. Learn more about this change.

What You Get

The WDP program pays for the same services that regular Medi-Cal covers, including visits to the doctor, hospital stays, medical equipment, and other medical services.

To learn more, read the section on Working Disabled Program Eligibility for Young People.

Private Health Care Coverage

Private health insurance is the most common way people get health coverage.

Who It Helps

People get private health coverage in different ways. Some get it through their jobs, others get it from their parents’ employers, and some sign up for it on their own at Covered California. If you get an individual health plan, the government may help pay your monthly premium through tax subsidies. Note: There is no income limit for getting subsidies that help pay individual coverage premiums. (Before 2021, the limit was 400% of FPG for federal subsidies and 600% of FPG for state subsidies.) To get subsidies, you still must meet other eligibility rules and the premium amount you pay depends on your income and your plan.

What You Get

Private health care coverage pays for some of your medical costs when you see a doctor or other health care provider, or get prescription medicine at a pharmacy. Depending on your private health care coverage plan, the plan may pay for almost the entire cost of your medical expenses, or it may pay only a portion of those expenses.

To learn more, read the section on Private Health Care Coverage for Young People.