Social Security Administration (SSA)
800-772-1213(TTY)
The SSA handles retirement disability payments and administers the Supplemental Security Income program (SSI), among other services. The Social Security and Supplemental Security Income disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide monetary assistance to people with disabilities.
CalWORKs
www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/1229
CalWORKs is a welfare program that gives cash aid and services to eligible needy California families. The program serves all 58 counties in the state and is operated locally by county welfare departments. If a family has little or no cash and needs housing, food, utilities, clothing or medical care, it may be eligible to receive immediate short-term help. Families that apply and qualify for ongoing assistance receive money each month to help pay for housing, food and other necessary expenses.
Healthcare
Medicare
www.benefits.gov/benefits/benefit-details/1229
Individuals are automatically enrolled in Medicare after receiving disability benefits for 2 years.
Medi-Cal
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. This is a public health insurance program which provides needed health care services for low-income individuals including families with children, seniors, and persons with disabilities.
California Department of Healthcare Services
http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/default.aspx
Information on eligibility, application process, and services offered through the state's Medicaid program. Provides a listing of California's county social services offices.
Benefit Calculator
Disability Benefits 101 (DB101)
DB101 brings together rules for health coverage, benefits, and employment programs that people with disabilities use. These programs may be run by state, federal government, non-profit, or private organizations. Here they help people with disabilities understand their benefits and discuss them under one roof and in plain language.
The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST):
The Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) helps you find out if you could get benefits that Social Security administers. Based on your answers to questions, this tool will list benefits for which you might be eligible and tell you more information about how to qualify and apply.
Care Giving Services
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) Program
http://www.dds.ca.gov/SupportSvcs/IHSS.cfm
888-944-4477
IHSS pays for services that enable eligible individuals who are disabled (including children over 6 years of age) to remain safely in their own homes. Individuals who qualify hire their own provider(s) to assist them with personal care services such as bathing, grooming, dressing and bowel and bladder care; domestic services such as cooking, housecleaning and laundry; paramedical services such as assistance with medications, suctioning, and catheter care; and accompaniment to medical appointments.
In-Home Operations (IHO)
The In-Home Operations waiver is a new waiver designed to assist in supporting a participant in his/her home as an alternative to care in a licensed health care facility. Allows participant to receive up-to the same amount of care provider hours in home as they’d receive inside a facility. www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/ltc/Documents/IHOQuickReferenceGuideandFAQ.pdf
Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Program
http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/Pages/HCBSWaiver.aspx
916-552-9400 or 877-565-4477
HCBS waivers provide funding for optional Medi-Cal services such as case management and personal assistance services. California has six HCBS waiver categories that serve specified subgroups of aged, developmentally disabled, physically disabled, and Medi-Cal eligible populations. For additional information, contact PASC's Information and Referral Office.
Personal Assistance Services Council (PASC)
877-565-4477
PASC is the public authority for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) in L.A. County. PASC operates a Registry to match IHSS consumers and providers. The PASC Homecare Registry is a free and voluntary service that IHSS consumers can use to obtain referrals of homecare providers. Registry providers are referred to consumers based on the consumer's needs, hours allotment, and geographical location.
Return to Community
Department of Rehabilitation
213-736-3904
The Department of Rehabilitation assists individuals with disabilities maximize their ability to live independently in their communities and in areas of employment by providing vocational rehabilitation, training, and job placement services, and financial aid.
Regional Centers Directory
Statewide system of regional centers designed to assist families with disabilities.