Where to file and what to expect
You file for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with the federal Social Security Administration, not with California. California does not run its own disability program for these benefits — Social Security handles the decision for everyone in the state.
You can start the process three ways: online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. Most people start online because you can do it at your own pace and don't have to wait on hold. If you call, expect to wait 15 to 30 minutes during business hours, and the office can schedule you for an in-person appointment if you need one.
The entire process — from the moment you file to the moment you receive a decision — usually takes three to six months. Some cases take longer if Social Security needs more medical records or wants you to see a doctor they choose. You will not hear anything for the first 30 to 45 days after you file, which is normal.
Key Takeaways
- You file with Social Security, not California, by going to ssa.gov, calling 1-800-772-1213, or visiting your local office in person.
- You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records showing your condition and treatment history.
- Social Security will ask detailed questions about your work history, your medical condition, what you can and cannot do physically and mentally, and any medications or treatments you receive.
- The decision process takes three to six months on average, and you should not expect to hear anything for the first month or more.
- If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal, and most people who appeal with a lawyer's help succeed on the second or third try.
Documents you need before you start
Gather these documents before you file, whether online or by phone. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, and proof that you are a U.S. citizen or legal resident. If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport, green card, or visa.
Social Security will also ask for your work history — the names and dates of your last jobs, how much you earned, and what you did. You do not need to bring pay stubs, but having them makes the process faster. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns from the last two years.
The most important documents are your medical records. Bring records from every doctor, therapist, hospital, or clinic that has treated you for the condition you are filing about. Include test results, imaging reports, medication lists, and dates of visits. If you have not seen a doctor recently, Social Security will likely send you to one they choose, and you will have to pay for that visit out of pocket unless you may have access to for Medicaid.
What Social Security will ask you
When you file, Social Security asks about your medical condition in detail. They want to know when it started, what doctors you have seen, what medications you take, what treatments you have had, and whether you have been hospitalized. They also ask whether your condition is getting better, worse, or staying the same.
They will ask what you can and cannot do — can you sit for eight hours, stand for more than a few minutes, lift 10 pounds, remember instructions, work around other people, or handle stress. These questions matter more than your diagnosis. Two people with the same condition might have very different answers, and Social Security uses your answers to decide whether you can work.
You will also describe your work history in detail: what your job titles were, what you actually did each day, how much you lifted or carried, whether you worked with the public, and how much you earned. If you have not worked in several years, Social Security wants to know why and when you stopped.
How to file online
Go to ssa.gov and look for "explore for Disability." You will create a my Social Security account if you do not have one. The online form takes 15 to 20 minutes to complete, and you can save your progress and come back later if you need to.
The form asks for your personal information, your medical history, your work history, and your contact information. Answer every question — if a question does not explore to you, say so rather than leaving it blank. At the end, you will see a summary of what you entered. Review it carefully before you submit, because once you submit, you cannot change your answers online.
After you submit, you will receive a confirmation number. Write it down. Social Security will mail you a letter within two weeks confirming that your case has been opened. Keep that letter — you will need the case number if you call Social Security or visit an office later.
How to file by phone or in person
Call 1-800-772-1213 Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Pacific time. Have your documents nearby when you call. The representative will ask the same questions as the online form, and the call usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. At the end, they will give you a confirmation number and tell you what to expect next.
If you prefer to file in person, find your local Social Security office at ssa.gov/locator. You can walk in during business hours, but you may wait 30 minutes to an hour. Many offices now let you schedule an appointment online, which is faster. Bring all your documents with you — originals if possible, or copies if you cannot bring originals.
Whether you call or visit in person, Social Security will mail you a confirmation letter within two weeks. If you do not receive it after three weeks, call 1-800-772-1213 to confirm your case was opened.
What happens after you file
For the first 30 to 45 days, you will not hear anything. This is normal. Social Security is gathering your medical records from the doctors and hospitals you listed. If a doctor's office is slow to respond, the process takes longer.
After Social Security has your medical records, they send your case to a disability examiner. The examiner reviews everything and decides whether your condition prevents you from working. If they need more information — more recent records, test results, or a statement from your doctor — they will contact you by mail or phone.
Some cases go to a medical consultant who reviews your records and writes a report. You do not meet this person; they work for Social Security. If Social Security thinks they need to see you in person, they will send you to a doctor or psychologist they choose. You do not pay for this visit — Social Security pays for it.
You will receive a decision letter in the mail. It will say whether you were approved, denied, or approved for a different program than you applied for. The letter explains why Social Security made that decision and tells you what to do next if you disagree.
California-specific resources and support
California has programs that can help you while you wait for a Social Security decision. If you have very little income and resources, you may be able to get SSI payments right away while your SSDI case is being decided. SSI is a separate program with its own rules, and Social Security will tell you if you may have access to when you file.
California's Department of Social Services runs the SSI program in the state and can answer questions about SSI payments, Medicaid, and other state benefits. You can reach them through your county social services office or by calling 1-866-656-3900.
If you are working with a lawyer or advocate, make sure they are familiar with California's rules. Some lawyers specialize in SSDI cases and know the local Social Security offices and the judges who hear appeals. The Social Security Administration's website lists accredited representatives in California who can help you for free or for a fee.
What to do if your claim is denied
If Social Security denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. You have 60 days from the date on the denial letter to file an appeal. Do not wait — if you miss the important date, you have to start over from the beginning.
There are four levels of appeal. The first is called "reconsideration," and a different examiner reviews your case from scratch. Many people add new medical records at this stage. The second level is a hearing before an administrative law judge. The third is a review by the Appeals Council. The fourth is federal court.
Most people who are denied the first time succeed on reconsideration or at a hearing, especially if they have new medical evidence or a lawyer. If you are thinking about appealing, contact a lawyer who handles SSDI cases. Many work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win, and they take their fee from your back pay.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for disability if I am still working?
Yes. Social Security does not care whether you are working when you file. What matters is whether you can work at a substantial level — currently defined as earning more than about $1,470 per month. If you are earning less than that, you can file. If you are earning more, Social Security will likely deny your claim.
How much money will I get if I am approved?
SSDI payments vary based on your work history and earnings record. SSI payments are the same for everyone in California — currently $943 per month for an individual, though this amount changes each year. Social Security will tell you the exact amount you would receive if you are approved.
What if I cannot afford a doctor to document my condition?
Tell Social Security when you file. If you have no recent medical records, Social Security will usually send you to a doctor they choose and pay for the visit. You may also be able to get free or low-cost care through a community health center or county clinic while you wait for a decision.
Do I have to use a lawyer to file?
No. You can file on your own. Many people do. A lawyer is most helpful if your case is denied and you are appealing, because the appeal process is more formal and a lawyer knows how to present evidence to a judge.
Can I work while I am waiting for a decision?
Yes. You can work and earn money while your case is being decided. If you are approved, Social Security will count your earnings from the time you filed, so working does not hurt you. If you are denied, the work history helps Social Security understand what you were doing before you filed.