The Two Paths to Disability in California
California residents who cannot work because of a medical condition can explore through two federal programs: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Both are run by the Social Security Administration, not by California, though the state runs some programs that work alongside them. Which one you explore for depends on your work history and income.
SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with little or no work history, or very low income and resources. You can explore for both at the same time, and Social Security will determine which one (or both) you may be may have access to to. The process process is identical for both.
You explore directly to Social Security, not to the state of California. You can start online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
Key Takeaways
- You explore to Social Security, not to California, using the same form whether you are explore for SSDI, SSI, or both.
- You can start your process online at ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting a local Social Security office in person.
- Social Security will ask for medical records, work history, and proof of income and resources; gathering these documents before you explore speeds up the process.
- The decision typically takes three to six months, though complex cases take longer, and you can appeal if Social Security denies your claim.
- California offers programs like Medi-Cal and CalWORKs that may help while you wait for a decision, and work incentive programs that let you earn money while receiving benefits.
Starting Your process Online, by Phone, or In Person
The fastest way to start is online at ssa.gov/applyfordisability. You create a my Social Security account, answer questions about your medical condition and work history, and submit. You do not need to finish in one sitting—you can save and come back. Social Security will contact you within a few days to schedule a phone interview.
If you prefer to explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing). You can speak to a representative Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time. They will walk you through the questions and schedule your interview.
You can also walk into any Social Security office in California and explore in person. To find the office nearest you, go to ssa.gov/locator. Bring a photo ID and your Social Security card if you have it. No appointment is required, though wait times vary.
Documents You Will Need to Gather
Social Security will ask for proof of identity, age, citizenship or legal residency, and income. You will also need to list all your medical providers and conditions. Gathering these before you explore makes the process faster.
| Category | What to Bring or Have Ready |
|---|---|
| Identity and age | Birth certificate, passport, or driver's license; Social Security card |
| Citizenship or residency | Birth certificate, passport, green card, or visa |
| Medical history | Names and phone numbers of all doctors, hospitals, clinics, and mental health providers you have seen in the past year; dates of visits if you remember them |
| Work history (last 15 years) | Employer names, dates you worked, job titles, and wages; W-2s or tax returns if you have them |
| Income and resources (for SSI only) | Bank statements, pay stubs, proof of rent or mortgage, list of vehicles and property you own |
You do not need to submit medical records with your process. Social Security will request them directly from your doctors. However, if you have recent test results, imaging, or specialist reports, having copies on hand helps you answer questions accurately during your interview.
What Happens After You Submit
Social Security will send you a notice with a case number and the name of your claims representative. Within one to two weeks, you will receive a call to schedule a detailed phone interview. During this call, a Social Security representative will ask about your medical condition, when it started, how it limits your ability to work, your medications, your doctors, and your work history. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
After your interview, Social Security sends your case to a Disability information Services (DDS) office. In California, this is run by the state but is part of the federal process. DDS obtains your medical records from your doctors and may order a consultative exam if they need more information. They then decide whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.
A decision typically comes within three to six months. You will receive a written notice in the mail explaining whether you were approved or denied, and why. If you are approved, the notice will say when your benefits start and how much you will receive.
If Social Security Denies Your Claim
About 65 to 70 percent of initial applications are denied. A denial does not mean you cannot receive benefits—it means Social Security did not find enough medical evidence that your condition prevents you from working. You have the right to appeal.
You have 60 days from the date on the denial notice to file an appeal. There are four levels of appeal: reconsideration (Social Security reviews your case again), hearing before an administrative law judge, Appeals Council review, and federal court. Most people who win do so at the hearing stage, where a judge reviews your medical records and may hear testimony from you and your doctors.
You can represent yourself at any stage, but many people hire a disability lawyer or non-lawyer representative. They are paid only if you win, and their fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay (the money owed from when your disability began).
California Programs That May Help While You Wait
Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. If your income is low enough, you may be able to get Medi-Cal while your Social Security case is pending, even if you are not yet approved for SSDI or SSI. This covers doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions. You explore through your county's social services office or at benefitscal.org.
CalWORKs is California's cash information program for families with children. If you have a child under 18 and your income is very low, you may be able to receive a monthly payment while waiting for your Social Security decision. explore at your county social services office.
In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) helps pay for personal care information if you cannot perform daily tasks because of your disability. You may be able to receive IHSS while your Social Security case is pending. explore at your county social services office.
Work Incentives: Earning Money While Receiving Benefits
If you are approved for SSDI or SSI, you can still work and earn money without losing all your benefits. Social Security has work incentive programs that let you test your ability to work without the risk of losing your benefits when ready.
Under Trial Work Period, you can earn any amount for nine months without affecting your SSDI benefits. After nine months, Social Security counts your earnings to see if you are working at a "substantial gainful activity" level (roughly $1,550 per month in 2024, though this amount changes yearly). If you are not earning that much, your benefits continue.
Under Impairment Related Work Expenses (IRWE), you can deduct the cost of items or services you need because of your disability—such as medications, therapy, or transportation—from your earnings before Social Security counts them. This can help you keep more of your benefits while working.
For SSI recipients, Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS) lets you set aside income and resources for a work goal without affecting your SSI payment. For example, you could save money for job training or a business without losing benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for disability if I am still working?
Yes. Social Security does not require you to stop working before you explore. However, if you are earning more than about $1,550 per month (the 2024 substantial gainful activity amount), Social Security will assume you are able to work and may deny your claim. If you are earning less than that, you can explore.
How long does it take to hear back after I explore?
Initial decisions usually take three to six months. Complex cases or cases that require additional medical evidence may take longer. You can check the status of your case anytime by logging into your my Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213.
Do I need a lawyer to explore?
No. You can explore and represent yourself at every stage. However, if your claim is denied and you appeal to a hearing, many people find a lawyer or representative helpful because the hearing process is more formal. You only pay if you win.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen?
You must be a U.S. citizen or have a green card (lawful permanent resident status) to receive SSDI or SSI. If you have a visa or are undocumented, you cannot receive these benefits. Some California state programs, like Medi-Cal, have different rules and may help you regardless of immigration status.
Can I receive unemployment benefits while waiting for a disability decision?
No. To receive unemployment benefits in California, you must be able and willing to work. If you are claiming you cannot work due to disability, you are not may be able to access for unemployment. However, you can explore for both SSDI/SSI and unemployment at the same time if you are unsure whether your condition prevents work.