How to apply for disability in California
SSDI and SSI are federal programs, so the rules are the same everywhere. What changes by state is which agency reviews your medical evidence and whether your state adds money on top of federal SSI.
Who decides your claim in California
You file with the Social Security Administration, but the medical decision is made by California Disability Determination Service Division (DDSD), a state agency applying SSA's rules. California adds a State Supplementary Payment (SSP) to federal SSI, so the monthly amount is higher than the federal benefit rate alone.
Because California pays a state supplement, your monthly SSI payment can be higher than the federal benefit rate alone.
Filing steps in California
1. Check whether SSDI, SSI, or both fit your situation
SSDI depends on your work credits, SSI depends on income and resources. Our free eligibility screener sorts this out in about two minutes so you don't fill out the wrong forms.
2. Gather identity, work, and medical information
You'll need your Social Security number, birth or naturalization record, W-2s or self-employment tax returns, the names and dates of every doctor, clinic, and hospital, your medications, and your job history for the last five years.
3. Describe your condition in function terms
SSA decides whether you can still do work-like activity. Instead of only naming a diagnosis, describe how long you can sit, stand, lift, concentrate, or keep a schedule — and what happens on a bad day.
4. Complete the SSA forms
Adults typically file SSA-16-BK (SSDI) and/or SSA-8000-BK (SSI), plus the Disability Report SSA-3368-BK, Work History Report SSA-3369-BK, and the medical release SSA-827. Child SSI uses SSA-8000-BK with the child disability report.
5. File, then track your deadlines
Submit online at ssa.gov, by phone, or at a local office. Keep every notice. If you are denied, the reconsideration clock is 60 days plus 5 mailing days from the date on the notice.
If California DDS denies you
You generally have 60 days from the date on the notice, plus 5 mailing days, to file a Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA-561-U2) with the Disability Report — Appeal (SSA-3441-BK). Miss the window and you usually restart from scratch.
Check your eligibility free
Two minutes, no account needed — find out whether SSDI, SSI, or a child SSI claim fits your situation before you fill out a single form.
We are not the SSA and not a law firm. Verify all requirements at ssa.gov.