Share of Cost Advisors · Checked September 30, 2026 · 5 min read
How the Working Disabled Program avoids share of cost
Many SSDI recipients land in share of cost Medi-Cal because their disability check is a little too high for free Medi-Cal. The Working Disabled Program does not count disability income at all. If you work, even a few hours, your SSDI may no longer push you into a share of cost.
Who qualifies in 2026?
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Disability | Meets Social Security’s disability definition |
| Work | Any paid work, with no minimum hours. A gap of up to 26 weeks can be allowed. |
| Income limit | Net countable income under 250% FPL: $3,325 a month for one person, $4,510 for two (April 2026) |
| Not counted | SSDI, state disability insurance (SDI), private disability, and workers’ compensation |
| Other unearned income | Such as a pension, must be under the SSI/SSP level ($1,233.94 a month in 2026) |
| Assets | $130,000 limit since January 1, 2026. Retirement accounts and separately held saved earnings are exempt. |
| Premium | $0 since July 1, 2022 |
| Share of cost | None |
Is there a premium?
No. The program used to charge a monthly premium. DHCS eliminated it effective July 1, 2022, and paying a premium is no longer a condition of eligibility.
How to apply
Ask your county Medi-Cal office to evaluate you for the Working Disabled Program. Have proof of your disability, your work (such as pay stubs), and your income. If you already have share of cost Medi-Cal, ask for a redetermination under the program.
Why more people are asking about it
The return of the asset limit in 2026 and the lower limit planned for 2027 have many working people with disabilities reviewing their options. The WDP remains one of the main ways a working SSDI recipient can have Medi-Cal with no share of cost.
Your next step
Call your county and ask: “Please screen me for the 250% Working Disabled Program. I have a disability and paid work.”
Common questions
Does the 250 Working Disabled Program have a share of cost?
No. Members get full-scope Medi-Cal with no share of cost.
Is there a premium for the Working Disabled Program?
No. The premium was eliminated on July 1, 2022.
Does SSDI count toward the 250% limit?
No. SSDI, SDI, private disability, and workers’ compensation are not counted.
How many hours do I need to work?
There is no minimum. Any paid work can qualify. Ask your county what proof it needs.
Check the sources
Start with the official rules. Ask your county how they apply to you.
- CANHR: 250% Working Disabled Program (opens in a new tab)
- DHCS ACWDL 22-14: Working Disabled Program premiums eliminated (opens in a new tab)
- LA County DPSS: Working Disabled Program (opens in a new tab)
- Health Consumer Alliance: 2026 Medi-Cal income chart (opens in a new tab)
- DHCS ACWDL 25-14: asset limit reinstated January 1, 2026 (opens in a new tab)