California’s Medi-Cal Working Disabled Program in 2026
The Medi-Cal Working Disabled Program — often called the 250% Working Disabled Program (WDP) — lets people with disabilities go to work and keep full-scope Medi-Cal, instead of losing coverage because their earnings went up. You generally must meet Social Security’s definition of disability, be working, and have countable income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level. California has removed the Medi-Cal asset limit, so savings no longer disqualify you. Apply through your county Medi-Cal office. Reviewed July 2026.
Who can apply
The Working Disabled Program is built for people who want to work without losing their health coverage. In general you must:
- Meet Social Security’s definition of disability — the same medical standard used for SSI and SSDI (a Social Security disability award satisfies this);
- Be working and earning income — part-time or self-employment counts; there is no minimum number of hours; and
- Have countable income below 250% of the Federal Poverty Level after the program’s allowed deductions. Many disability-related and work expenses are subtracted, so people earning more than 250% on paper can still qualify once those deductions are applied.
Your savings will not disqualify you. California eliminated the Medi-Cal asset (resource) limit effective January 1, 2024, so bank accounts and other resources are no longer counted for this coverage — a major change from the old rules.
What it covers
The Working Disabled Program provides full-scope Medi-Cal — the same comprehensive coverage as regular Medi-Cal, including doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and the long-term supports many people with disabilities rely on. The point of the program is continuity: you can take a job, or increase your hours and pay, and keep the coverage rather than facing a cliff where a raise costs you your Medi-Cal.
Premiums: for years this program charged a small monthly premium on a sliding scale based on income. California has acted in recent years to reduce and suspend those premiums, but because the current premium status can change with the state budget, we are not printing a premium amount here — confirm whether any premium currently applies with your county worker or on the DHCS page before you rely on it.
Documents you need
- Proof of your disability — a Social Security disability award is the simplest; otherwise the county can arrange a disability determination;
- Proof of earnings — recent pay stubs, or self-employment records;
- Records of disability-related and work expenses you want counted as deductions; and
- Identity, California residency, and household information.
Our Benefit Document Checklist builds a personalized list so you can apply with everything ready.
How to apply
- Apply for Medi-Cal through your county — online at BenefitsCal, by phone, by mail, or in person at your county human-services office.
- Ask for the Working Disabled Program by name. This is the key step: tell the eligibility worker you are working (or about to start) and want the 250% Working Disabled Program so a job does not cost you Medi-Cal.
- Report your earnings and expenses. Provide pay stubs and the work and disability-related costs you want deducted, so income is measured correctly against the 250% limit.
- If you already have Medi-Cal and are losing it because of earnings, contact your county immediately and ask to switch into the Working Disabled Program rather than letting coverage close.
Processing, waiting & renewal
The county reviews your application and tells you in writing whether you are approved and under which program. Medi-Cal is renewed once a year; you will get a renewal packet or an automated renewal, and you must report changes in income and work. Report increases in pay promptly — the whole design of this program is to let your earnings rise while your coverage stays in place. If you disagree with a denial or a coverage decision, you have the right to a state hearing; the deadline is on your notice.
If you are denied — or need help
These organizations do not charge you to help with Medi-Cal problems.
Keep going
GlobalBenefits.org is an independent information website. We are not a government agency and are not affiliated with any federal or state agency. We link to official government sites so you can apply directly and for free. Program amounts and rules change — always confirm on the official page before you apply.
Official sources: California Department of Health Care Services (dhcs.ca.gov) — the Medi-Cal Working Disabled Program (250% Working Disabled Program) page, for the 250%-of-FPL income standard, the Social Security disability definition, and premium status; Welfare & Institutions Code section 14007.9; DHCS Medi-Cal asset-limit elimination effective January 1, 2024; BenefitsCal (benefitscal.com), California’s official benefits application portal; Disability Rights California for appeals help. Reviewed July 2026. Income rules and premium status change with the state budget — confirm the current rules with DHCS or your county before you apply. We deliberately print no premium dollar figure, because the current premium status could not be independently confirmed at review.