Is social security considered income for Medi-Cal?

Asked by: Ned Mante  |  Last update: November 8, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (20 votes)

Income-based Medi-Cal counts most types of earned and unearned income you have. However, some income is not counted, including Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits and some contributions to retirement accounts. Learn more about what types of income affect income-based Medi-Cal eligibility.

Can I get Medi-Cal if I get Social Security?

If you qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you automatically qualify for full Medi-Cal coverage. To qualify for SSI, you must be age 65 or older, blind or disabled.

What is counted as income for Medi-Cal?

Income is considered when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income includes things such as, earnings from a job, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, self-employment income, retirement benefits, interest on assets, child or spousal support, and other means of income or support.

What will disqualify you from Medi-Cal?

The Medi-Cal program determines eligibility for benefits on a “means” tested basis. If a Medi-Cal applicant's property/assets are over the Medi-Cal property limit, the applicant will not be eligible for Medi-Cal unless they lower their property/assets according to the program rules.

How much money can I have in my bank account if I have Medi-Cal?

For new Medi-Cal applications only, current asset limits are $130,000 for one person and $65,000 for each additional household member, up to 10. Starting on January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal applications will no longer ask for asset information. » I was not eligible in the past.

How Does Income Affect Medi-Cal and Other Public Benefits?

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Does retirement count as income for Medicaid?

In every state except one, these retirement accounts are counted toward the asset limit for eligibility. Although it should be noted that California does not have an asset limit, so the value of retirement accounts will not impact California residents applying for Medi-Cal (California Medicaid).

What is the income limit for Medi-Cal for 65 and older?

Medi-Cal Eligibility

To be eligible for Medi-Cal with no share of cost, your monthly gross income in 2024 must not exceed $1,732 for an individual and not exceed $2,332 for a married couple. For married couples, when one spouse is in a nursing home, higher resource and income limits apply. Contact Medi-Cal for details.

How do I check Medi-Cal eligibility?

Who is eligible? Qualify for Medi-Cal if your income is up to 138 percent of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) for adults, and up to 266 percent FPL for children. Check Shop and Compare to see if you qualify. Learn more on the Department of Health Care Services website.

What is the highest income to qualify for Medicaid 2024?

Parents of Dependent Children: Income limits for 2024 are reported as a percentage of the federal poverty level (FPL). The 2024 FPL for a family of three is $25,820. Other Adults: Eligibility limits for other adults are presented as a percentage of the 2024 FPL for an individual is $15,060.

Does social security count as income?

Your benefits may be taxable if the total of (1) one-half of your benefits, plus (2) all of your other income, including tax-exempt interest, is greater than the base amount for your filing status.

What is deducted to income for Medi-Cal?

Examples of Medi-Cal income deductions include: child or dependent care, work expenses, court-ordered child support, alimony, educa- tional expenses, and health insurance premiums for other family members. The kind of docu- mentation required for income deductions varies based on the type of deduction and the source.

Does social security count as income for Covered California?

Add any foreign income, Social Security benefits and interest that are tax-exempt. Then, add or subtract any income changes you expect in the next year. Some people, especially those who are self-employed or unemployed, have unpredictable incomes.

Does Social Security count as income for healthcare?

Include both taxable and non-taxable Social Security income. Enter the full amount before any deductions. Include all unemployment compensation that you get from your state.

What income is used to determine Medi-Cal eligibility?

Nearly all income that a Medicaid applicant receives is counted towards the income limit. This includes employment wages, alimony payments, pension payments, Social Security Disability Income, Social Security Income, IRA withdrawals, and stock dividends.

Does social security count as income for CalFresh?

SSI/SSP income will count in our CalFresh budgets as unearned income for determining benefits. There is no cap on shelter expenses such as rent and mortgage for these households. Medical deductions paid out-of-pocket can be used to offset income in the budget.

What if my income is too high for Medi-Cal?

If your income is too high for Medi-Cal, you may qualify to purchase health insurance through Covered California. Covered California offers “premium assistance.” It helps lower the cost of health care for individuals and families who enroll in a Covered California health plan and meet income rules.

Do I have to pay back Medi-Cal?

The Medi-Cal program must seek repayment from the estates of certain deceased Medi-Cal beneficiaries. Repayment only applies to benefits received by these beneficiaries on or after their 55th birthday and those who owned assets at the time of death.

Can you be denied Medi-Cal?

Common Reasons for Medi-Cal Coverage Denials

Eligibility Issues: Denials can occur due to discrepancies in income, residency, or documentation, leading to questions about eligibility.

What are the new rules for Medi-Cal in 2024?

On January 1, 2024, Medi-Cal eliminated any asset limit for enrollees and instead considers only applicants' income when assessing financial eligibility for benefits.

Who is eligible for the $3000 senior assistance program in California?

Basic Requirements Aged 65, blind or disabled. Citizenship U.S. citizen, U.S. national or resident alien. Countable Resources $2,000 for individuals/$3,000 for married couples. Income Countable income can't exceed the federal benefit rate.

Does Medi-Cal check bank accounts?

➢ Do assets affect my eligibility? Starting on January 1, 2024, assets, such as bank accounts, cash, a second vehicle, and homes, will no longer be counted when determining Medi-Cal eligibility. Income and income from assets, such as income from property, will continue to be counted.

Does my retirement count as income?

If you receive retirement benefits in the form of pension or annuity payments from a qualified employer retirement plan, all or some portion of the amounts you receive may be taxable unless the payment is a qualified distribution from a designated Roth account.

Do you qualify for Medi-Cal if you are over 65?

For adults age 65 or older, the income limit for no-cost Medi-Cal is only 122% of the poverty line. Once they turn 65, many Californians with low incomes cannot access free Medi-Cal because the countable income limit for seniors, which is set by the state, is much lower than it is for younger adults.