Getting Help with Your Benefits
Disability Benefits 101 is not part of any government agency and cannot answer specific questions about benefits. If you have questions or need help with your benefits, there are several ways you can get help.
You can contact directly the federal or State agency that administers the benefits program:
California State Disability Insurance
The California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program is run by the California Employment Development Department (EDD). They can be reached at 1-800-480-3287.
Social Security Disability Benefits
The Social Security Administration can be reached at www.socialsecurity.gov or 1-800-772-1213. Information on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) can be found on their web site. If you have general questions about work and your Social Security benefits, visit Social Security’s Work Site.
If you are ready to work or have a job offer, and have questions about how your Social Security benefits will be affected by work, you can contact a benefits planner in the Work Incentives Planning and Assistance (WIPA) program. Social Security has an online directory you can use to find a WIPA counselor near you. Note: WIPA benefits planners can only assist people who currently are receiving SSDI or SSI benefits. You can read about resources to help you find a job on this DB101 web page.
Medicare
If you need assistance with your Medicare, the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program can help. HICAP provides free information and counseling to people with Medicare. You can call HICAP at 1-800-434-0222 or visit the HICAP website.
Medi-Cal
If you need assistance with Medi-Cal, and are disabled, you can contact Disability Rights California at 1-800-776-5746 or visit their website. You may also be able to get help with Medi-Cal from a local legal aid organization. The Health Consumer Alliance website has a wealth of useful information about Medi-Cal, including a web page that can direct you to a local legal organization for assistance.
Getting Help with Other Types of Benefits
If you have questions or need assistance with a program or benefit not listed here, contact the an Independent Living Center (ILC). You can find the ILC closest to you in this directory. Independent Living Centers provide peer support and information on a wide range of topics for people with disabilities.
