What you need to know before you start

California residents with disabilities can pursue benefits through two main paths: Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), which is federal, or Supplemental Security Income (SSI), also federal but with different rules. You cannot explore to California for disability directly—the state does not run its own disability program. Instead, you explore to Social Security, which processes claims the same way nationwide. However, California has specific rules about income and resources that affect SSI, and the state runs programs that work alongside Social Security benefits.

The process process takes the same steps whether you live in Los Angeles or rural Northern California. You start with Social Security, provide medical evidence, and wait for a decision. What changes by location is what other support you may be able to layer on top—CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, and other state programs have their own rules and their own process processes.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore for SSDI or SSI through Social Security directly, not through California, by phone, online, or in person at a local Social Security office.
  • Social Security will ask for medical records, work history, and details about your condition, and the process typically takes three to six months for an initial decision.
  • If Social Security denies your claim, you can request reconsideration or appeal to an administrative law judge, a step many people take.
  • California residents on SSI or SSDI may also be able to receive Medi-Cal, CalFresh, or other state benefits that require a separate process.
  • A disability advocate or attorney can help you gather evidence and represent you in appeals, and many work on contingency so you pay nothing upfront.

How to start an SSDI or SSI process

You have three ways to begin: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or in person at your local Social Security office. Online is fastest if you have a Social Security number and basic information ready. The phone line has wait times but a representative can walk you through what you need. In-person appointments let you ask questions face-to-face, though you may need to schedule ahead.

When you start, Social Security will ask whether you want SSDI, SSI, or both. If you have worked and paid Social Security taxes, SSDI is usually the better choice because it has no resource limit and the benefit amount is based on your earnings record. If you have never worked much or your work history is short, SSI may be your only option. If you are unsure, say you want to be considered for both—Social Security will sort out which one you may have access to for.

Have these items ready when you explore: your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and the names and dates of your doctors and hospitals. You do not need to have all your medical records yet—Social Security will request them directly from your providers—but having contact information speeds things up.

What Social Security will ask you to prove

Social Security needs three things: that you have a medical condition severe enough to prevent substantial work, that the condition has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death, and (for SSDI) that you have enough work history. The medical part is the hardest to prove because Social Security has its own definition of disability—it is not the same as what your doctor says or what your state considers a disability.

You will need medical evidence from doctors, hospitals, or mental health providers who have treated you. This includes test results, imaging, therapy notes, medication lists, and descriptions of how your condition limits what you can do. If you have not seen a doctor recently, Social Security may refer you to one they choose and pay for the exam. Bring or send any records you already have; Social Security will request the rest from your providers, but this takes time.

For work history, Social Security needs to know where you worked, when, and how much you earned. If you are explore for SSDI, you need enough work credits—generally 40 credits total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years. If you are explore for SSI, work history does not matter, but your income and resources do.

Timeline and what happens after you explore

After you submit your process, Social Security sends you a notice with your case number. Keep this number—you will use it to check status and appeal if needed. Social Security then requests your medical records, which can take four to eight weeks depending on how many providers you have seen and how quickly they respond.

An examiner reviews your file and makes a decision, typically within three to six months from the date you applied. You will receive a letter in the mail explaining whether you were approved or denied. If approved, the letter tells you when benefits start and how much you will receive monthly. If denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to appeal.

Many people are denied on the first process. This is normal and does not mean you cannot win on appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration, which sends your case to a different examiner. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge, which is where many cases are approved.

Using a representative to help with your claim

You can hire a disability attorney or a non-attorney representative (called a disability advocate) to help you gather evidence, prepare for a hearing, and represent you before Social Security. Many work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay (usually 25 percent, capped at $6,000) only if you win. You pay nothing upfront.

Finding a representative: The Social Security Administration keeps a list of approved representatives at ssa.gov/representation. You can also contact your local legal aid office or a disability rights organization in California. Some organizations offer free help if your income is low; others charge a fee.

A representative is especially useful if you have been denied and are appealing, because hearings involve presenting evidence and testimony in a way that takes practice. They also know which medical evidence matters most and can help you get it from your doctors.

California state programs that work with Social Security benefits

Once you receive SSDI or SSI, you may be able to receive other California benefits. Medi-Cal (California's Medicaid program) is available to most SSI recipients automatically and to SSDI recipients who meet income limits. CalFresh (food information) is available to both SSDI and SSI recipients. CalWORKs (cash information) is available in some cases. These are separate applications with their own rules, but Social Security will tell you about them when your benefits start.

To explore for Medi-Cal or CalFresh, go to benefitscal.org or call your county social services office. The website can tell you which county office serves your area. Having your Social Security award letter (the letter saying you were approved) makes the process faster because it proves your income.

What to do if your process is denied

A denial does not end the process. You have the right to appeal, and you have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. Write a letter or call Social Security and say you want to appeal. Include your case number and the date of the denial letter.

At reconsideration, a different examiner looks at your file and any new medical evidence you have gathered. If you have seen a doctor since you applied, send those new records. If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge within 60 days of that second denial letter. This is a formal process where you can present evidence and testify, and where a representative is most helpful.

The hearing process takes several months, but many people win at this stage. After the hearing, the judge issues a written decision. If the judge denies you, you can appeal to the Appeals Council, and then to federal court, though most people stop after the hearing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my process is being reviewed?

Yes. Working does not hurt your process as long as your earnings are not too high. For SSDI, you can earn up to $1,550 per month (in 2024) without it affecting your case. For SSI, the limit is lower. If you are approved, you can continue working under the Ticket to Work program, which lets you test your ability to work without losing benefits right away.

How much will I receive if I am approved?

For SSDI, the amount depends on your earnings record—the higher you earned, the higher your benefit. The average is around $1,500 monthly, but it varies widely. For SSI, the maximum is set by federal law and is the same for everyone, though California adds a small supplement. Social Security will tell you the exact amount when you explore.

What if I do not have medical records from a doctor?

Tell Social Security during your process. They can refer you to a doctor they pay for, and that exam becomes part of your file. Having your own medical evidence is stronger, but if you cannot afford a doctor, Social Security's referral is better than nothing. If you have been to a hospital emergency room or a community health center, ask for those records even if you did not see a regular doctor.

Do I need to live in California to explore?

No. You explore to Social Security the same way from any state. If you move to California after you are approved, your benefits continue. If you move out of California, your SSDI continues, but SSI rules change by state, so contact Social Security before you move.

Can I explore if I am not a U.S. citizen?

It depends on your immigration status. U.S. citizens and permanent residents can explore. Some other visa holders can also explore. During your process, Social Security will ask about your status. If you are unsure, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask before you explore.