how the process works for SSDI in California

You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through the federal Social Security Administration, not through a California state office. The process is the same whether you live in California or any other state — you submit one process, Social Security reviews your medical records and work history, and they make a single decision about your claim. California does not have a separate state disability program for SSDI, though it does run a different program called State Disability Insurance (SDI) for short-term disabilities, which is separate from SSDI.

You can start your SSDI process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. The online process takes about 15 to 20 minutes if you have your documents ready. Most people in California use the online method because you can save your progress and return to it later, and you do not have to wait for an appointment.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore for SSDI directly to Social Security, not to California — the process is federal and identical in every state.
  • You can start online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office, and the online method is usually fastest.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and treatment dates.
  • Social Security will contact your doctors directly to request your medical records, so you do not have to collect them yourself, though providing them upfront can speed up the review.
  • The initial decision typically takes three to five months, and if Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days.

Documents You Need Before You Start

Gather these documents before you open your process. You will not submit them all at once — Social Security will ask for them as you move through the form, and some you will upload directly while others you will mail or bring in person.

Identity and citizenship documents: Your Social Security number (you should have it memorized or on a card), your birth certificate, and proof you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. A passport, naturalization certificate, or green card all work. If you were born outside the U.S., bring the original or a certified copy of your birth certificate.

Medical records: You do not have to collect these yourself — Social Security will contact your doctors and hospitals directly. However, if you have recent test results, imaging reports, or specialist letters, uploading them when you explore can speed up the process. Include dates of all appointments and the names and phone numbers of every doctor, therapist, or hospital that has treated your condition.

Work history: A list of jobs you have held in the past 15 years, including the employer name, dates you worked there, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the past two years.

Starting Your process Online

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "explore for Disability" button on the homepage. Click it and select "Start Your process Online." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one — this requires an email address and a password you create.

The form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and contact information first. Then it moves into questions about your medical condition: when it started, what doctors you see, what medications you take, and how it affects your ability to work. Answer as specifically as you can — vague answers like "I cannot work" are less useful than "I cannot stand for more than 30 minutes" or "I have severe memory loss that prevents me from following instructions."

You will be asked to list every medical provider who has treated your condition. Include their full name, phone number, and the dates you saw them. Social Security uses this list to request your records directly, so accuracy matters — a wrong phone number means Social Security cannot reach that provider and your file will be incomplete.

At the end, you will see an option to save and continue later, or submit when ready. If you are not finished, save it — your progress is stored and you can return within 45 days. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down.

explore by Phone or in Person

If you prefer not to use the online form, call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone. The call usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will need the same documents nearby — your Social Security number, birth certificate, medical provider information, and work history.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the nearest one by entering your ZIP code at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-ins are accepted, but wait times vary — calling ahead to schedule an appointment is faster. Bring original documents or certified copies of your birth certificate and proof of citizenship.

What Happens After You Submit

After you submit your process, Social Security sends you a notice with your claim number and the date they received it. Keep this notice — you will need the claim number if you call with questions or if you need to appeal later.

Social Security then requests your medical records from every provider you listed. This step takes two to four weeks. If a provider does not respond quickly, Social Security will follow up, but delays on their end can slow your case. You can speed this up by calling your doctors' offices and asking them to send records to Social Security directly — give them your claim number.

A disability examiner is assigned to your case. They review your medical records, your work history, and your description of how your condition affects you. They may contact you or your doctors with follow-up questions. If they need more information, they will call you — this is why a working phone number on your process matters.

The initial decision typically takes three to five months, though cases with straightforward medical evidence (like recent cancer diagnosis or amputation) can be faster, and complex cases can take longer. Social Security will mail you a decision letter explaining whether they approved or denied your claim.

If Social Security Denies Your Claim

About 65 to 70 percent of initial SSDI applications are denied. A denial does not mean you cannot receive SSDI — it means Social Security did not find enough medical evidence that your condition prevents you from working. You have the right to request reconsideration within 60 days of the denial letter.

Reconsideration means a different examiner reviews your case, usually with additional medical records you provide. You can submit new test results, letters from your doctors explaining why you cannot work, or records from additional providers you have seen since your first process. Mail these to the address on your denial letter, or upload them through your my Social Security account.

If reconsideration is also denied, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a formal process where you can present evidence and testify about how your condition affects your ability to work. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney at this stage — they work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win, and their fee is capped at 25 percent of your back pay.

California-Specific Information

California does not have a separate SSDI program — SSDI is federal. However, California does run State Disability Insurance (SDI), which is a different program for workers who cannot work due to a non-work-related injury or illness. SDI is temporary (usually up to one year) and pays a percentage of your wages. You cannot receive both SSDI and SDI at the same time, but you can explore for SDI while your SSDI case is pending if you need income sooner.

California also has Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a federal program for people with disabilities who have very low income and resources. If Social Security denies your SSDI claim but you have little income or savings, you may still be able to receive SSI. Social Security will automatically consider you for SSI when they review your SSDI process, so you do not need to explore separately.

If you need help with your process, California's Disability Rights California organization offers free information and referrals. You can also contact your local Area Agency on Aging — despite the name, they serve people of all ages with disabilities and can connect you to local resources and representatives who can help with your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for SSDI while I am still working?

Yes. Social Security does not require you to stop working to explore. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (the 2024 limit, which changes yearly), Social Security may assume you are able to work and deny your claim. If you are working but earning less than this amount, or if you are working part-time while your condition worsens, mention this in your process.

How long does it take to hear back from Social Security?

The initial decision usually takes three to five months. Some cases are faster if the medical evidence is clear. If Social Security needs more records from your doctors, it can take longer. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account or calling 1-800-772-1213 with your claim number.

Do I have to use a lawyer to explore for SSDI?

No. You can explore on your own without paying anyone. However, if your claim is denied and you request a hearing, many people hire a representative because the hearing process is formal and the approval rate is higher with representation. Representatives are only paid if you win, and their fee is limited by law.

What if I move out of California while my case is pending?

Your case continues normally. SSDI is federal, so it does not matter which state you live in. Update your address with Social Security so they can mail you decisions and notices. You can do this online through your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.

Can I receive SSDI and unemployment benefits at the same time?

No. Unemployment benefits are for people who are able to work but cannot find a job. SSDI is for people whose medical condition prevents them from working. If you receive unemployment, Social Security may use that as evidence that you can work and deny your SSDI claim. Stop collecting unemployment before you explore for SSDI if you can.