If your work is affected by a disability, start by discussing with your Human Resources department whether your company offers disability benefits. Many companies have group policies for disability insurance that you might qualify for. Residents of California who have stopped working due to a disability can apply for short- term disability benefits through the California Employment Development Department, known as State Disability Insurance (SDI). The maximum duration for SDI benefits is one year. It’s possible to receive both SDI and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) concurrently. However, if the combined SDI and SSDI benefits exceed 80% of your average previous earnings, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will adjust or withhold SSDI benefits until your SDI is exhausted. This rule also applies to any Workers’ Compensation benefits you might receive. If you are between 62 and 66, you can take Early Retirement while awaiting an SSDI decision. If your SSDI claim is approved, the Agency will retroactively convert your Early Retirement benefits into your disability benefits, award you any difference, and then reinstate your full retirement age. However, if your claim is denied, your early retirement benefit amount will stand. As a benchmark, if you start collecting right at 62, you will receive approximately 70% of your full retirement benefit. The closer you get to the full retirement age of 67 before collecting, the more benefits you will get. Taking Early Retirement should be decided on a case-by-case basis depending on your financial need, life expectancy, and strength of your case. Additionally, you may qualify for public welfare benefits like Medi-Cal, food stamps, and general assistance (GA). Explore assistance from non-profit organizations and churches, which offer various support services for people with disabilities. Local community resources can be a valuable aid. Communicating openly with your family about your condition is crucial. Help them understand the challenges you face and the potential length of the benefits process and seek their support. If necessary, consider utilizing savings or retirement funds as a temporary financial resource while waiting for benefits.