The basic steps to explore for SSDI in California

You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in California through three routes: 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 and you can save your work and return to it later. If you explore by phone, a representative will walk you through the questions. If you go in person, bring the documents listed below and ask for an appointment—walk-ins may have long waits.

No matter which route you choose, Social Security will ask the same questions about your medical condition, work history, and current income. The process itself does not determine whether you receive benefits; it starts the review process, which typically takes three to six months. During that time, Social Security will request medical records from your doctors and may send you to a doctor they choose for an examination.

California does not have a separate state SSDI program. SSDI is a federal program run by Social Security, so the process is the same whether you live in San Francisco or San Diego. However, California does run a separate program called State Disability Insurance (SDI) for workers with short-term disabilities, which is different from SSDI and has its own rules.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or at your local Social Security office in California.
  • Bring or have ready your Social Security card, birth certificate, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and medical records from your doctors.
  • The process asks about your medical condition, work history, and current income, but Social Security makes the final decision based on medical evidence they gather.
  • The review process usually takes three to six months, and Social Security may request additional medical records or send you to a doctor for examination.
  • California's State Disability Insurance (SDI) is a separate program for short-term disabilities and is not the same as SSDI.

Documents you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin your process, whether online or by phone. You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency (passport, green card, or visa), and your driver's license or state ID. If you were born outside the United States, bring your immigration documents.

You will also need information about your medical condition and the doctors or hospitals that have treated you. Write down the names, addresses, and phone numbers of each provider, along with the dates you saw them. If you have recent medical test results, imaging reports, or hospital discharge papers, have those nearby—you do not need to upload them during the process, but Social Security will ask for them later.

Finally, gather information about your work history for the past 15 years. You will need the names of employers, dates you worked, and the type of work you did. If you are self-employed, bring tax returns or business records. Social Security uses this information to confirm that you have paid enough into the system to be insured for disability benefits.

explore online through ssa.gov

Go to ssa.gov and look for the "explore for Retirement, Family, and Survivors Benefits" link. Even though the link mentions retirement, it is the same process used for SSDI. You will create a my Social Security account if you do not already have one. This requires your email address, a password, and answers to security questions.

Once you are logged in, select "explore for Disability" and choose "Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)." The form will ask about your medical condition, when it began, and how it affects your ability to work. Answer honestly and in as much detail as you can. If a question does not explore to you, you can skip it. The process saves automatically, so you can close your browser and return to it later using your my Social Security login.

After you submit the process online, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down or save the email confirmation. Social Security will contact you within a few days to confirm receipt and may ask follow-up questions by phone or mail. You can check the status of your process anytime by logging into your my Social Security account.

explore by phone or in person in California

To explore by phone, call 1-800-772-1213 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. Have your documents ready before you call. A representative will ask the same questions as the online form and will take about 30 to 45 minutes. Ask for a confirmation number at the end of the call and write it down.

To explore in person, find your local Social Security office by visiting ssa.gov/locator or calling 1-800-772-1213. Many offices now require appointments, which you can schedule online or by phone. Bring your original documents or certified copies—Social Security staff will review them and may make copies. Bring the documents listed in the "Documents you need before you start" section above.

If you are unable to go to an office or make a phone call due to your disability, you can ask a family member or representative to explore on your behalf. That person will need to bring a signed letter from you authorizing them to represent you, along with their own ID and your documents.

What happens after you submit your process

After Social Security receives your process, they will send you a letter within two weeks confirming they have it. This letter will include a case number. Keep this number for your records and use it whenever you contact Social Security about your case.

Social Security will then request medical records from every doctor, hospital, and mental health provider you listed. This process can take several weeks. You can speed it up by contacting your providers directly and asking them to send records to Social Security. Give them your case number and the address shown in your confirmation letter.

If Social Security needs more information about your medical condition, they may schedule you for a consultative examination with a doctor they choose. This doctor will examine you and write a report for Social Security. You will not pay for this examination. If you cannot attend the appointment, call the number on the letter and ask to reschedule.

Timeline and what to expect during review

Most cases take three to six months from process to a decision. Cases involving mental health conditions or multiple medical issues may take longer. During this time, you will not hear from Social Security unless they need more information from you or your doctors.

You can check your case status by logging into your my Social Security account or by calling 1-800-772-1213 and providing your case number. Do not call repeatedly asking for updates; Social Security will contact you if they need something from you.

When Social Security makes a decision, they will send you a letter in the mail. The letter will say whether you have been approved, denied, or approved for a different benefit than you requested. If you are approved, the letter will explain when your benefits begin and how much you will receive each month. If you are denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to request a reconsideration or appeal.

If your process is denied

If Social Security denies your process, you have the right to request a reconsideration. You must request this within 60 days of the denial letter. A different Social Security employee will review your case and the medical evidence. You can submit new medical records or a statement from your doctor explaining why you cannot work.

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 testimony. Many people hire a disability representative or attorney for a hearing. Representatives are paid only if you win, and their fee is limited by law to 25 percent of your back pay, up to $7,200.

You can find a representative through the National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives (NOSSCR) or by asking your local legal aid office. Legal aid in California may help you for free if your income is low.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work while my SSDI process is being reviewed?

Yes. You can work and earn money while waiting for a decision. However, if you earn more than $1,550 per month (in 2024), Social Security may consider you able to work and deny your process. The amount changes each year. Report any work to Social Security when they ask, and be honest about how much you earn.

What if I do not have a my Social Security account?

You can create one for free at ssa.gov. You will need an email address, a phone number, and answers to security questions. Creating an account takes about 10 minutes. If you have trouble, call 1-800-772-1213 and a representative can help you or take your process over the phone instead.

Do I need a lawyer to explore for SSDI in California?

No. You can explore on your own without paying anyone. However, if your process is denied and you request a hearing, having a representative can improve your chances. You only pay if you win, and the fee is limited by law.

What is the difference between SSDI and California's State Disability Insurance?

SSDI is a federal program for people who have worked and paid into Social Security. State Disability Insurance (SDI) is a California program for workers with short-term disabilities who cannot work for up to one year. SDI is run through the California Employment Development Department, not Social Security. You explore for SDI separately.

How much will I receive each month if I am approved?

The amount depends on your work history and earnings record. The average SSDI payment in 2024 is around $1,550 per month, but payments range from about $700 to $3,800 depending on your situation. Social Security will tell you the exact amount in your approval letter. You can estimate your payment by using the benefit calculator at ssa.gov.