What you need to know before you start

California residents with disabilities can receive monthly cash payments through two federal programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both are run by the Social Security Administration, but they have different rules about who qualifies and how much you can earn while receiving benefits. You explore to both programs using the same form, and Social Security will determine which one (or both) you may be may have access to to based on your work history and income.

The process process takes place entirely through Social Security, not through the State of California. However, California has a program called Disability information Services (DDS) that reviews medical evidence on Social Security's behalf. This means your process will be handled partly by federal Social Security staff and partly by California state staff, but you only submit your process once.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office in California.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical records, and work history for the past 15 years.
  • California's Disability information Services will review your medical evidence; this step typically takes 30 to 90 days.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to request reconsideration, a hearing before an administrative law judge, and further appeals.
  • You can work with a disability representative (lawyer or non-lawyer advocate) who can charge a fee only if you win your case.

The three ways to submit your process

Online is the fastest route for most people. Go to ssa.gov, select "explore for Disability," and complete the form on your own time. You can save your progress and come back later. Social Security will contact you by phone or mail to verify information and request documents.

By phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing). A Social Security representative will walk you through the questions and schedule a follow-up appointment to submit documents. Wait times are typically 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the time of day.

In person at a Social Security office in your area. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Bring all your documents with you. You may need to wait, so arrive early or call ahead to ask about wait times. Some offices accept walk-ins; others require an appointment.

Documents and information you will need to gather

Before you start, collect the following:

  • Your Social Security number and birth certificate
  • Your most recent W-2 form or tax return
  • Names, addresses, and phone numbers of doctors, hospitals, and clinics that have treated you
  • Dates of all medical visits and treatments related to your condition
  • A list of all medications you take, with dosages
  • Medical test results (X-rays, lab work, imaging scans) if you have copies
  • Work history for the past 15 years, including job titles, employers, and dates

You do not need to submit all medical records yourself. Social Security and California's Disability information Services can request them directly from your doctors and hospitals. However, if you have recent records that are not yet in your medical file, submitting them speeds up the review.

What happens after you submit your process

Social Security will send you a notice confirming receipt of your process within two weeks. This notice includes a case number; keep it for your records.

Next, your process goes to California's Disability information Services, a state agency that works for Social Security. DDS will request your medical records from your doctors and hospitals. This can take 30 to 90 days depending on how quickly providers respond. If your doctors are slow to send records, you can call them and ask them to fax or mail records directly to DDS. Your case number will help them route the records correctly.

A DDS medical examiner and a disability examiner will review all the evidence and make a decision. They will look at whether your condition meets or equals a condition on Social Security's list of severe impairments, and whether you can do any work at all. You will receive a written decision in the mail.

Timeline: how long the process takes

Initial review by DDS typically takes 30 to 90 days from the time they receive your complete medical file. However, if records are missing or incomplete, the process can stretch to four to six months. Social Security may contact you during this time to ask follow-up questions or request additional information.

If Social Security approves your claim, you will receive a notice explaining your monthly benefit amount and when payments begin. Payments usually start the month after approval.

If Social Security denies your claim, you have 60 days to request reconsideration. This means DDS will review your case again with any new medical evidence you submit. Reconsideration takes another 30 to 90 days. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which can take six months to a year.

Working with a disability representative

You can hire a lawyer or a non-lawyer advocate to represent you throughout the process and appeal process. They can help you gather medical evidence, prepare for a hearing, and communicate with Social Security on your behalf.

Representatives are paid only if you win your case. The fee is either 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from the date you became disabled) or $6,000, whichever is less. Social Security must approve the fee before your representative can collect it. You do not pay anything upfront.

To find a representative, search the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) directory at nosscr.org, or ask your local legal aid office for a referral. California has legal aid organizations in every county that can connect you with a representative for free or low cost if you have limited income.

What to do if your claim is denied

A denial does not mean you cannot win on appeal. Many people are approved on reconsideration or at a hearing. The key is submitting new or updated medical evidence that shows your condition has worsened or was not fully documented the first time.

Within 60 days of the denial notice, request reconsideration in writing or by phone. Include any new medical records, test results, or statements from your doctors. If you miss the 60-day window, you can still appeal, but you will need to show good cause for the delay (for example, you did not receive the notice).

If reconsideration is denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a formal proceeding where you can present evidence and testify. Many people win at the hearing stage, especially if they have a representative and new medical evidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. You can work and earn money while Social Security reviews your claim. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), you may not be found disabled under Social Security's rules. Keep records of your earnings and report them to Social Security if asked.

Do I have to see a Social Security doctor?

Social Security may ask you to see a doctor or have a medical exam at no cost to you. This is called a consultative examination. You are required to attend. If you cannot attend, call Social Security when ready to reschedule. Refusing to attend without good reason can result in denial of your claim.

How much will I receive in monthly benefits?

The amount depends on your work history and which program you may have access to for. SSDI payments are based on your past earnings; SSI payments are a fixed federal amount (currently $943 per month for an individual, though this changes yearly). California adds a small state supplement to SSI. Social Security will tell you the exact amount in your approval notice.

What if I disagree with the medical evidence Social Security received?

You can submit a written statement explaining why you disagree and provide additional medical records or a statement from your doctor. Send this to Social Security before your case is decided, or include it with your reconsideration request if you are denied. The more recent and detailed your medical evidence, the stronger your case.

Can I explore for both SSDI and SSI at the same time?

Yes. You submit one process, and Social Security determines which program (or both) you may have access to for based on your work history and current income and resources. Most people may have access to for one or the other, not both, but Social Security will explain which applies to you.