how the process works for SSDI in California
You explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) through Social Security itself, not through the state of California. You can start your process online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. California residents follow the same federal process as everyone else, though you will need to provide proof of your medical condition, work history, and identity documents specific to your situation.
The process takes about 15 to 20 minutes online, but the review of your case takes several months. Social Security will contact you if they need more information. Most people are denied the first time and must request reconsideration; this is normal and does not mean you should give up.
Key Takeaways
- You explore directly to Social Security through ssa.gov, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or at a local office—not through California's state government.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and how it limits your work.
- The process itself takes 15 to 20 minutes, but Social Security's decision can take three to six months or longer.
- If Social Security denies you, you can request reconsideration within 60 days; most people are denied initially and succeed on appeal.
- California has no separate state SSDI program, but you may be able to receive both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) if your income is low enough.
What documents you need before you start
Gather these documents before you begin your process. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof that you are a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident. Bring a passport, naturalization papers, or a green card if you have one.
You will also need proof of your medical condition. This means medical records from doctors, hospitals, or mental health providers who have treated you. Bring test results, imaging reports, therapy notes, or hospital discharge summaries—anything that shows what your condition is and how it affects your ability to work. If you do not have recent records, ask your doctor's office to send them to Social Security on your behalf.
Finally, bring proof of your work history. Social Security already has a record of your earnings through your Social Security number, but you should bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, or a letter from your employer showing when you worked and what you earned. This helps Social Security understand your work capacity before your condition began.
explore online through ssa.gov
The fastest way to explore is online at ssa.gov. Go to the Social Security website, find the "explore for Disability" section, and select "explore for SSDI." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not have one already. The account requires your email address and a password you create.
The online form asks for your personal information, medical history, work history, and details about your condition. You do not need to upload documents during the process—Social Security will request them later if they need them. Once you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down or save the email confirmation.
After you submit online, Social Security will mail you a form called the "Function Report—Adult" (SSA-3373-BK). This form asks detailed questions about how your condition affects your daily life and your ability to work. Fill it out carefully and return it within the important date Social Security gives you. This form is one of the most important parts of your case.
explore by phone or in person
If you prefer not to explore online, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific Time. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and submit your process over the phone. You will still receive a confirmation number.
You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find your nearest office at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-ins are accepted, but you may wait several hours. Calling ahead to make an appointment is faster. Bring all your documents with you—your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship, medical records, and work history.
What happens after you submit your process
Social Security will send you a letter confirming they received your process. This letter includes your case number. Keep this number for all future contact with Social Security.
Within one to two weeks, Social Security will mail you the Function Report form mentioned above. Fill it out completely and return it by the important date. This form is critical because it describes how your condition affects you in your own words, not just in medical terms.
Social Security may also order a medical exam or send you to a doctor they choose. If they do, you must go to this exam. If you miss it without a good reason, Social Security can deny your case. If you cannot attend, call Social Security when ready to reschedule.
The entire review process usually takes three to six months, though it can take longer if Social Security needs more medical records or if your case is complex. You can check the status of your process by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213.
Understanding the decision and what to do if you are denied
Social Security will mail you a decision letter. If you are approved, the letter explains when your benefits start and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter explains why and tells you how to request reconsideration.
Most people are denied on their first process. This does not mean your case is hopeless. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to request reconsideration. You can request reconsideration online, by phone, or in person using the same methods as your original process.
If Social Security denies you again after reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a more formal process where you can present evidence and testify about your condition. Many people are approved at the hearing stage. You have 60 days from the second denial letter to request a hearing.
SSDI and SSI in California
SSDI is based on your work history and Social Security taxes you paid while working. If you have not worked enough, you may not be able to receive SSDI, but you might be able to receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and few resources, regardless of work history.
In California, you can receive both SSDI and SSI at the same time if your SSDI payment is low enough. When you explore for SSDI, Social Security will automatically consider you for SSI as well. If you are denied SSDI but your income is below the SSI limit, Social Security will tell you that you may be able to receive SSI instead.
California also has a state supplemental payment program called SSP (State Supplementary Payments). If you receive SSI, you may also receive SSP, which adds money to your monthly benefit. Social Security handles both payments together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I work while my SSDI process is being reviewed?
Yes. Working does not hurt your process. However, if you earn more than about $1,550 per month (the amount changes yearly), Social Security may decide you are able to work and deny your case. Keep your earnings below this amount if possible, and report any work to Social Security.
What if I do not have medical records from a recent doctor?
Contact your doctor's office and ask them to send your medical records to Social Security. If you have not seen a doctor in a long time, you may need to see one before Social Security can make a decision. Social Security can sometimes order an exam, but having your own doctor's records is stronger.
How long does it take to hear back from Social Security?
Initial decisions usually take three to six months. If you are denied and request reconsideration, add another three to six months. If you request a hearing, add another one to two years. The timeline varies based on how busy your local office is and how complex your case is.
Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI?
You do not need a lawyer to explore, but many people hire one after being denied. Lawyers who handle SSDI cases work on contingency, meaning they take a percentage of your back pay if you win. They can help you gather medical evidence and prepare for a hearing.
What if I am currently receiving unemployment benefits in California?
You can explore for SSDI while receiving unemployment. However, if you are receiving unemployment, Social Security may assume you are able to work, which could hurt your case. Tell Social Security about your unemployment benefits when you explore, and explain why you cannot work despite being on unemployment.