What the Fresno County Disability Office does

The Fresno County Department of Social Services runs a disability office that handles state disability programs — mainly Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and State Disability Insurance (SDI) — along with related programs like food information and Medi-Cal for people with disabilities. This is not the same as the Social Security Administration's local office, which handles federal SSDI. The county office processes state applications, manages ongoing cases, and connects you to other support programs you may be may have access to to.

If you live in Fresno County and need to report a change in your case, submit documents, or ask about your state benefits, you will work with this office. They also handle overpayment disputes, work incentive questions, and referrals to employment services if you are receiving benefits and want to work.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fresno County Disability Office handles state programs (SSI and SDI), not federal SSDI — you contact Social Security directly for SSDI questions.
  • You can reach the office by phone, mail, or in person; phone lines are often busiest early in the week and in the morning.
  • Bring your case number, Social Security number, and any documents related to your question when you visit or call.
  • If you are on SSI or SDI and want to work, the office can refer you to work incentive programs and help you understand how earnings affect your benefits.
  • Changes in income, living situation, or household composition must be reported within 10 days to avoid overpayment or case suspension.

How to contact the Fresno County Disability Office

The main disability intake and case management unit is part of the Fresno County Department of Social Services. You can reach them by phone at (559) 600-3000 during business hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Phone wait times are typically shorter on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons. Have your case number and Social Security number ready when you call.

You can also visit in person at the main office located at 2220 Fresno Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Bring your ID, case number, and any documents related to your question. If you need to mail documents, send them to the same address with your case number clearly written on the envelope.

For questions about a specific program (SSI, SDI, food information, or Medi-Cal), mention the program name when you call or visit. This helps the staff route you to the right unit faster.

What documents to bring or have ready

When you contact the office or visit in person, have these items available: your case number (found on your benefit notice), your Social Security number, and your driver's license or state ID. If your question is about a specific issue — a change in income, a new living situation, or a work-related question — bring documents that support that change, such as a pay stub, lease, or letter from an employer.

If you are reporting a change in your case, the office will ask for proof. For example, if you moved, bring your new lease or a utility bill showing your new address. If your income changed, bring recent pay stubs or a letter from your employer. Having these ready before you call or visit speeds up the process.

Reporting changes to your case

You are required to report certain changes within 10 days. These include a change in your address, a new job or change in hours, an increase or decrease in income, a change in your living situation (such as moving in with someone else), or a change in your household composition (such as a family member moving in or out). Failing to report within 10 days can result in an overpayment notice or suspension of your benefits.

You can report changes by phone, mail, or in person. The fastest way is usually by phone — call the main number and tell them you need to report a change. They will ask you questions and may request documents by mail. Keep a record of the date and time you reported the change, and the name of the person you spoke with if possible.

Work incentives and employment support

If you are receiving SSI or SDI and want to work, the Fresno County office can refer you to Work Incentive Planning and information (WIPA) programs and Protection and Advocacy for Beneficiaries of Social Security (PABSS). These programs help you understand how work affects your benefits, plan your return to work, and connect with job training or placement services.

The office can also explain the Plan to Achieve Self-Support (PASS), which allows you to set aside income and resources for a work goal without losing SSI benefits. A PASS is complex and requires a written plan, but the WIPA program can help you develop one. Call the main office and ask to be connected to the work incentive specialist or to receive a WIPA referral.

Overpayment disputes and appeals

If you receive a notice saying you were overpaid, you have the right to dispute it or request a hearing. The notice will explain why the office believes you were overpaid and how much you owe. You have 30 days from the date of the notice to request a hearing or submit a written response explaining why you disagree.

Contact the office when ready if you receive an overpayment notice. Ask to speak with a supervisor or the overpayment unit. Explain your situation — for example, if you reported a change on time but the office did not process it, or if you believe the calculation is wrong. The office may waive the overpayment if you can show you were not at fault, or they may set up a repayment plan you can afford.

Difference between the county office and Social Security

The Fresno County Disability Office handles state programs only: SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SDI (State Disability Insurance). The Social Security Administration handles the federal program SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance). If your question is about SSDI, you must contact Social Security directly, not the county office. You can reach Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office in Fresno.

Some people receive both SSI and SSDI, or both SDI and SSDI. If you are unsure which program you are on, look at your benefit notice — it will say "SSI" or "SDI" at the top. If you receive multiple benefits, you may need to contact both the county office and Social Security for different questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I cannot reach the office by phone?

Try calling early in the week (Wednesday or Thursday) in the afternoon, when lines are typically shorter. If you cannot reach anyone, visit the office in person at 2220 Fresno Street during walk-in hours. You can also mail a written request to the same address, but mail takes longer — include your case number and a clear description of what you need.

Do I need an appointment to visit the office in person?

No appointment is required for walk-in visits. The office accepts walk-ins Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Arrive early if possible, as wait times can be long in the afternoon. Bring your ID, case number, and any relevant documents.

What happens if I miss the 10-day important date to report a change?

Report the change as soon as you realize you missed the important date. The office may still process it, but you could face an overpayment notice if the change affected your benefit amount. Contact the office right away and explain the delay. They may waive the overpayment if you can show you had a good reason for the delay.

Can the county office help me with SSDI questions?

No. The county office handles only state programs (SSI and SDI). For SSDI questions, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. If you receive both SSI and SSDI, you will need to contact both offices for different questions.

How do I know if I am on SSI or SDI?

Check your benefit notice — it will clearly state which program you are on at the top of the page. SSI is a needs-based program for people with low income and resources. SDI is an insurance program based on work history. Some people receive both, in which case your notice will show both program names.