California Disability Resources

If you just got hurt on the job, received a diagnosis, or need to understand what California offers for people with disabilities, this page covers the major programs and how to access them.

Workers' Compensation

The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) under the Department of Industrial Relations handles workers' comp claims in California.

1. Report the injury to your employer within 30 days.
2. Your employer must provide a claim form (DWC-1) within one working day of learning about the injury.
3. Fill out and return the claim form. Your employer's insurance must authorize up to $10,000 in treatment while the claim is reviewed.

• All California employers must carry workers' compensation insurance.
• You can choose your own doctor if you pre-designated one before the injury, or after 30 days of treatment.
• Benefits include medical care, temporary disability payments, permanent disability payments, supplemental job displacement benefits, and death benefits.
• Temporary disability pays about two-thirds of lost wages, subject to minimum and maximum amounts.

• Report the injury within 30 days.
• File the claim form as soon as possible.
• Statute of limitations: generally 1 year from date of injury.

• Information and Assistance: 1-800-736-7401
• Web: dir.ca.gov/dwc

State Disability Programs

California is one of the few states with a State Disability Insurance (SDI) program, administered by the Employment Development Department (EDD).

• Short-term wage replacement benefits for workers unable to work due to non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy.
• Generally pays about 60-70% of wages (depending on income), for up to 52 weeks.
• Most California workers pay into SDI through payroll deductions.

• Also through EDD, provides wage replacement when you need time off to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child.

• Online at edd.ca.gov/disability
• By mail using a paper claim form
• By phone: 1-800-480-3287

• Web: edd.ca.gov/disability

Medicaid

California's Medicaid program is called Medi-Cal.

• Medi-Cal covers medical, dental, vision, mental health, and long-term care.
• Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers for people who need long-term care at home.
• Medi-Cal Working Disabled Program (250% Program) lets people with disabilities who work keep Medi-Cal coverage.
• In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) provides personal care assistance.

• Online at coveredca.com or benefitscal.com
• At your county social services office
• By phone: 1-800-541-5555

• Web: dhcs.ca.gov

Vocational Rehabilitation

The California Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) has been helping Californians with disabilities since 1963.

• Career counseling and job placement
• Supported employment
• Assistive technology
• Education and training
• Independent living services
• Transition services for students

• Have a physical, mental, or learning disability
• Disability creates a barrier to employment
• Can benefit from VR services

• Web: dor.ca.gov

Disability Rights

• Legal advocacy for people with disabilities
• Help with discrimination, access, education, housing, healthcare
• Available in multiple languages

• Phone: 1-800-776-5746
• TTY: 1-800-719-5798
• Web: disabilityrightsca.org

• California Attorney General's Disability Rights Bureau: oag.ca.gov

Veterans Services

The California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) provides state-level assistance.

• CalVet home loans
• Veterans homes
• Claims assistance
• Education benefits

• Web: calvet.ca.gov

State Employment Protections

California has the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which provides stronger disability protections than the federal ADA.

• Applies to employers with 5 or more employees (ADA requires 15).
• Broader definition of disability -- does not require the disability to "substantially limit" major life activities; only needs to "limit" them.
• Requires interactive process for reasonable accommodations.
• Enforced by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD).

• California Civil Rights Department: 1-800-884-1684
• Web: calcivilrights.ca.gov
• EEOC: 1-800-669-4000

Key Contacts

| Agency | Phone | Website | |--------|-------|---------| | Division of Workers' Compensation | 1-800-736-7401 | dir.ca.gov/dwc | | EDD State Disability Insurance | 1-800-480-3287 | edd.ca.gov/disability | | Medi-Cal | 1-800-541-5555 | dhcs.ca.gov | | Dept. of Rehabilitation | See website | dor.ca.gov | | Disability Rights California | 1-800-776-5746 | disabilityrightsca.org | | CalVet | See website | calvet.ca.gov | | Civil Rights Department | 1-800-884-1684 | calcivilrights.ca.gov | | Social Security Administration | 1-800-772-1213 | ssa.gov |