What You Need to Know Before You Start

California does not run its own disability program. When you explore for disability in California, you are explore to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — both federal programs run by the Social Security Administration. The process is the same whether you live in California or any other state, but California has some additional state programs that may help you while you wait for a federal decision.

SSDI is for people who have worked and paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for people with very low income and resources, regardless of work history. You cannot hold both at the same time, but you can start the federal process and explore California state programs in parallel. The federal process takes three to six months on average, and most people are denied the first time.

Key Takeaways

  • You must file with Social Security Administration (SSA), not with California — use ssa.gov, call 1-800-772-1213, or visit a local Social Security office in person.
  • Gather medical records, work history, and a list of medications before you start, because the process asks for specific dates and provider names.
  • SSDI requires a work history; SSI does not, but SSI has strict income and resource limits that vary slightly by household size.
  • California's State Disability Insurance (SDI) and Medi-Cal may help you cover costs while you wait for a federal decision, and you can pursue both at the same time.
  • Most first applications are denied; if yours is, you have 60 days to request reconsideration, which is your first step toward appeal.

Decide Whether You Are explore for SSDI or SSI

The program you explore to depends on your work history and income. SSDI requires that you have worked long enough and recently enough to have paid Social Security taxes. You must have earned 40 work credits in the past 10 years, with at least 20 of those credits earned in the three years before you became disabled. If you meet this requirement, your benefit amount is based on your past earnings, and your family members may also receive benefits on your record.

SSI has no work requirement. You can receive SSI if you have a disability and your monthly income is below a certain amount — in 2024, that limit is roughly $943 per month for an individual, though it varies if you have a spouse or dependents. You must also have fewer than $2,000 in countable resources (savings, investments, property other than your home). SSI is a needs-based program, so your benefit amount depends on your income and resources, not your work history.

If you are unsure which program you may have access to for, the Social Security Administration will determine this when you file. You can file for both at the same time by checking both boxes on the process.

Gather Your Documents Before You File

Social Security will ask for specific information, and having it ready speeds up the process. You do not need to have everything before you start — you can file and send documents later — but the process moves faster if you submit them together.

Collect the following: your birth certificate or passport; your Social Security card; proof of citizenship or legal residency (naturalization papers, green card, or passport); your most recent tax return or W-2; names and dates of all doctors, therapists, and hospitals that have treated you; dates of all medical visits and procedures; a list of all medications you take, with the names and dosages; and records of any work you have done in the past 15 years, including job titles, dates, and the names of employers.

If you are explore for SSI, also gather recent bank statements, investment statements, and proof of any income (unemployment, workers' compensation, child support, rental income). If you are explore as a minor or on behalf of someone else, bring proof of guardianship or power of attorney.

File Your process with Social Security

You have three ways to file: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Online filing is usually fastest — you can complete it in one sitting and submit when ready. Phone filing takes longer because you are scheduled for a callback, and in-person filing requires you to travel and wait, but all three routes lead to the same result.

If you file online, go to ssa.gov, click "explore for Disability," and follow the form. The process asks about your medical condition, work history, medications, doctors, and income. You do not need to write an essay — answer the questions directly and move on. When you reach the end, you will see a confirmation number. Write it down.

If you file by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific time. Tell the representative you want to file for disability. They will schedule you for a phone interview, usually within one to two weeks. At that interview, they will ask the same questions as the online form. Have your documents nearby.

If you file in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. Walk in during business hours or call ahead to schedule an appointment. Bring all your documents. The office will take your process on the spot.

What Happens After You File

After you submit your process, Social Security sends it to your state's Disability information Services (DDS) office. In California, this is the Disability Evaluation Unit, part of the state's Department of Social Services. DDS reviews your medical records and decides whether your condition meets Social Security's definition of disability.

You will receive a letter telling you that your case is being reviewed. Social Security may contact your doctors directly to request records, or they may ask you to attend a medical exam paid for by Social Security. If they ask you to attend an exam, go — missing it can result in denial.

The review takes 60 to 90 days on average. You will receive a decision letter in the mail. If you are approved, the letter tells you your benefit amount and when payments start. If you are denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration.

What to Do If You Are Denied

Most people are denied on their first process. This does not mean you are ineligible — it means Social Security decided your condition does not meet their definition of disability at that moment. You have the right to challenge the decision.

You have 60 days from the date on your denial letter to request reconsideration. This is your first appeal step. To request reconsideration, fill out Form SSA-561 (Request for Reconsideration) and mail it to the address on your denial letter, or submit it online at ssa.gov. You can also call 1-800-772-1213 to request it by phone.

Reconsideration sends your case to a different examiner at DDS. You can submit new medical records, new statements from your doctors, or new information about your condition. This second review takes another 60 to 90 days. If you are denied again, you can request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). This is where most people who eventually win their case succeed.

California Programs That May Help While You Wait

State Disability Insurance (SDI) is a California program that pays temporary benefits if you cannot work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. You must have worked in California and paid into SDI through payroll deductions. SDI pays up to 60 percent of your wages, up to a maximum that changes each year. You can receive SDI for up to 52 weeks. SDI is separate from federal disability — you can receive both at the same time. To file for SDI, go to edd.ca.gov or call 1-888-209-8124.

Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program. If your income is low enough, you may may have access to for Medi-Cal even before your federal disability case is decided. Medi-Cal covers doctor visits, hospital care, and medications. You can file for Medi-Cal at the same time you file for SSDI or SSI. To explore, go to benefitscal.org or call your county's social services office.

California Work Incentives is a program that helps people on SSDI or SSI return to work without losing benefits when ready. If you are approved for federal disability and want to work part-time, this program can help you keep some of your benefits while you earn wages. You do not need to sign up in advance — you can use it after you are approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my disability case is pending?

Yes. Working does not disqualify you from disability. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may consider you "not disabled" because you are performing substantial work. Keep your earnings below this amount if possible, or tell Social Security about your work when you file — they may count it differently if your condition limits your ability to work consistently.

How much will I receive if I am approved?

SSDI benefit amounts vary based on your past earnings — the more you earned, the higher your benefit. The average SSDI payment in 2024 is around $1,550 per month, but yours could be higher or lower. SSI payments are lower; the maximum federal SSI payment in 2024 is $943 per month for an individual, but California adds a small state supplement. Social Security will tell you your exact benefit amount in your approval letter.

Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. You can file on your own. However, if your case is denied and you request a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge, a lawyer or advocate familiar with disability law can improve your chances. Many disability lawyers work on contingency — they take a percentage of your back pay if you win, and nothing if you lose. You can hire a lawyer at any point in the process.

What if I have already been denied by Social Security before?

You can file again if your condition has worsened or if you have new medical evidence. There is no waiting period between applications. However, if you were denied within the past 12 months, you may want to request reconsideration or appeal your old case instead of filing a new one, because the old case may move faster.

How long does it take to get my first payment?

If you are approved, your first payment arrives one to three months after your approval letter. SSDI and SSI payments are deposited directly into your bank account on the third of each month. If you do not have a bank account, you can receive payments on a debit card issued by Social Security.