A new diagnosis or disability
What to do first
- Make sure you have health coverage. Apply for Medicaid if money is tight.
- If you cannot work, apply for Social Security disability benefits soon. A decision can take months.
- Ask your job about leave and changes that help you keep working.
- Ask your state's vocational rehabilitation office about help getting back to work.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Dates that matter
These windows are set by federal rules. Your state may have its own dates too, so ask the agency.
5 full months
Social Security disability (SSDI)
SSDI payments start after you have been disabled for five full months, so apply as soon as you can. People with ALS do not have to wait.
Source: SSA.gov24 months
Medicare with SSDI
People who get SSDI get Medicare on their own after 24 months of disability benefits. People with ALS get it as soon as their benefits start.
Source: SSA.gov
Help from California
California programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
California Department of Health Care Services
Medi-Cal
In California, Medicaid is called Medi-Cal.
Medi-Cal provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible Californians.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Health Benefit Exchange
Covered California Health Insurance Marketplace
In California, the health insurance marketplace is called Covered California.
Covered California helps residents compare and enroll in private health plans and financial assistance.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Rehabilitation
Vocational Rehabilitation
Vocational rehabilitation helps people with disabilities prepare for, find, and keep work.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
California Department of Developmental Services
Developmental Disabilities Services
Regional centers help people with developmental disabilities and their families access services and supports.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
California Department of Health Care Services
Behavioral Health Services
County behavioral health plans connect residents to mental health and substance use services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
California Employment Development Department
Paid Family Leave
Paid Family Leave provides temporary wage replacement when eligible workers care for family or bond with a new child.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaper
California Department of Social Services
CalFresh
In California, SNAP is called CalFresh.
CalFresh helps eligible households buy food each month.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
DOL.gov
Unpaid leave that protects your job
The Family and Medical Leave Act lets many workers take up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave in a year and keep their job. Reasons include a new baby, your own serious health condition, and caring for a spouse, child or parent who is seriously ill.
Social Security Administration
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security. Have your medical records and work history ready.
Social Security Administration
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Apply online at SSA.gov or call Social Security to make an appointment. Bring proof of age, income and any medical records.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Medicare
Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Most people sign up through Social Security, online at SSA.gov or by phone. Medicare.gov compares plans.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- 211 California
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988