Written by:
Linda Cosme – Vice President of Disability Policy & Strategy, Citizens Disability
California Social Security Disability Claims
Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, is a critical federal benefit for people who cannot work because of a disabling condition. California’s particularly high cost of living means that SSDI is a vital financial resource for qualifying residents with disabilities.
Unfortunately, applying for these benefits can be difficult and has many pitfalls. Representation from an experienced and knowledgeable California SSDI lawyer can give you the best shot at successfully navigating the state-specific SSDI processes and receiving approval for the benefits you’re entitled to.
Finding a Disability Lawyer in California
A denial of your SSDI claim doesn’t necessarily mean you’re ineligible for benefits. Seeking legal assistance from a qualified California SSDI attorney can improve your chances of approval for the benefits you’re eligible for. Disability Advice can connect you with an experienced SSDI attorney in California to help you build a strong case and represent you at hearings if necessary. Reach out today for your free consultation.
How Disability Advice Can Help With Your California SSDI Claim
Disability Advice can assist you through the entire SSDI claims process. Our California attorneys can advise you about the claims process and assist you with submitting an initial application and appealing a claim denial. If your case requires a hearing, our lawyers can represent you before an administrative law judge, or ALJ, and help you appeal a hearing decision if necessary.
How To Apply for SSDI in California
Applying for SSDI in California can be complicated. It’s important to thoroughly prepare your documents and be ready to devote some dedicated time to completing your application.
You can apply for SSI online, by calling 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local SSA field office. You can find your nearest office using the SSA’s online office locator or the list of offices provided below.
Gathering required records is often the hardest part of an SSDI application. You’ll need to provide identifying documents, a complete medical record with evidence from all your providers, and a full job history from your last 15 years of work. Required documentation can include tax returns, bank information, a birth certificate, and more.
The SSA estimates that it takes slightly less than eight months to receive an initial decision on an SSDI application. After you get this, you have 60 days to file an appeal.
Working with a California disability lawyer streamlines the application process. Your attorney will ensure you don’t miss key deadlines or exclude critical evidence from your SSDI claim.
California SSDI Eligibility Requirements
SSDI is a federal benefit based on your work history. To receive SSDI, you must have accrued sufficient work credits with payroll taxes paid into the system to be “insured” for benefits. For workers over 30, you generally must have worked for at least five of the 10 years immediately preceding your disability. The SSA tests both for the amount of work credits attained in recent years and the amount attained over your entire career. The number of credits required varies depending on your age.
It’s possible to work and receive SSDI benefits, but your income must be lower than the $1,620 threshold.
You must also have a qualifying condition meeting the SSA’s criteria that is severe enough to prevent you from working for at least 12 months or is expected to result in death. Proving you have a qualifying disabling condition requires extensive medical evidence. Many applications are denied because the medical evidence provided with the initial application is incomplete.
California SSA Field Offices
There are over 120 SSA offices in California where SSDI applicants can get help with applications. The following are the local field offices in the Golden State:
Alhambra
900 S. Garfield Ave.
Alhambra, CA 91801
(866) 227-6561
Anaheim
900 S. Harbor Blvd.
Anaheim, CA 92805
(866) 657-3133
Antioch
2508 Verne Roberts Cir.
Antioch, CA 94509
(866) 331-2324
Auburn
11855 Edgewood Rd.
Auburn, CA 95603
(866) 931-6087
Bakersfield
- 2575 Haley St.
Bakersfield, CA 93305
(866) 366-9558 - 5300 Office Park Dr.
Bakersfield, CA 93309
(866) 476-1489
Berkeley
2045 Allston Way
Berkeley, CA 94704
(877) 531-4696
Brea
3230 E. Imperial Hwy., Ste. 150, 1st Fl.
Brea, CA 92821
(866) 593-2757
Burbank
1420 W. Olive Ave.
Burbank, CA 91506
(888) 748-7699
Campbell
770 W. Hamilton Ave.
Campbell, CA 95008
(866) 348-5832
Chatsworth
20439 Nordhoff St.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
(855) 727-3598
Chico
1370 E. Lassen Ave., Ste. 150
Chico, CA 95973
(866) 964-7585
Chula Vista
626 L St., Ste. 1
Chula Vista, CA 91911
(888) 487-9907
Compton
171 E. Compton Blvd.
Compton, CA 90220
(888) 472-6117
Crescent City
560 E. Hoover Ave.
Crescent City, CA 95531
(855) 727-3600
Daly City
355 Gellert Blvd., Ste. 201
Daly City, CA 94015
(888) 748-7702
Delano
2234 Girard St., Bldg. C
Delano, CA 93215
(866) 635-0287
El Cajon
846 Arnele Ave.
El Cajon, CA 92020
(866) 964-0012
El Centro
3007 N. Imperial Ave.
El Centro, CA 92243
(866) 593-5680
El Monte
9351 Telstar Ave.
El Monte, CA 91731
(866) 931-0340
Eureka
3144 Broadway
Eureka, CA 95501
(866) 828-1991
Fontana
10668 Sierra Ave.
Fontana, CA 92337
(866) 726-7865
Fountain Valley
17075 Newhope St., Ste. B
Fountain Valley, CA 92708
(877) 304-1566
Fremont
3100 Mowry Ave., Ste. 100
Fremont, CA 94538
(888) 632-7073
Fresno
- 5140 E. Olive Ave.
Fresno, CA 93727
(866) 366-4918 - 640 W. Locust Ave.
Fresno, CA 93650
(866) 931-9041
- 865 Fulton St.
Fresno, CA 93721
(877) 311-2640
Garden Grove
11900 Gilbert St.
Garden Grove, CA 92841
(877) 669-3115
Gilroy
1059 First St.
Gilroy, CA 95020
(877) 452-4198
Glendale
225 W. Broadway, Ste. 600
Glendale, CA 91204
(855) 886-9633
Glendora
1165 E. Route 66
Glendora, CA 91740
(866) 964-6045
Hanford
330 N. Harris St., Ste. 101
Hanford, CA 93230
(855) 207-4866
Hayward
24301 Southland Dr., Ste. 500
Hayward, CA 94545
(866) 964-5054
Hemet
3095 W. Devonshire Ave.
Hemet, CA 92545
(855) 207-7083
Hollywood
1122 N. Vine St.
Hollywood, CA 90038
(866) 613-2861
Huntington Park
6303 Rugby Ave.
Huntington Park, CA 90255
(866) 931-9941
Indio
46845 Monroe St.
Indio, CA 92201
(877) 319-5758
Inglewood
230 E. Spruce Ave.
Inglewood, CA 90301
(866) 331-7694
La Mesa
7961 University Ave.
La Mesa, CA 91942
(877) 405-1445
Lakeport
991 Parallel Dr., Ste. A
Lakeport, CA 95453
(888) 676-2666
Lakewood
4957 Paramount Blvd.
Lakewood, CA 90712
(866) 964-6484
Lancaster
42225 10th St. W.
Lancaster, CA 93534
(866) 964-1725
Lodi
1110 W. Kettleman Ln., Ste. 3
Lodi, CA 95240
(888) 257-2641
Long Beach
2005 Long Beach Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90806
(888) 256-2631
Los Angeles
- 1122 W. Washington Blvd., Ste. 200
Los Angeles, CA 90015
(866) 964-7401 - 12429 Avalon Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90061
(877) 836-1558 - 215 N. Soto St.
Los Angeles, CA 90033
(866) 964-2035 - 3840 Crenshaw Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90008
(877) 531-4693
- 4000 Wilshire Blvd., Wilshire Center
Los Angeles, CA 90010
(866) 964-7592 - 888 S. Figueroa St., Ste. 1070
Los Angeles, CA 90017
(877) 803-6308 - 11500 W. Olympic Blvd., Ste. 300
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(866) 964-4779
Madera
348 E. Yosemite Ave.
Madera, CA 93638
(877) 405-1453
Manteca
510 Commerce Ct.
Manteca, CA 95336
(866) 320-2587
Merced
600 W. Olive Ave.
Merced, CA 95348
(888) 632-7069
Mission Viejo
26051 Acero Rd.
Mission Viejo, CA 92691
(888) 306-9878
Modesto
1521 N. Carpenter Rd., Ste. E1
Modesto, CA 95351
(888) 748-7698
Montebello
2216 W. Beverly Blvd.
Montebello, CA 90640
(866) 964-7435
Moreno Valley
22815 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos
Moreno Valley, CA 92553
(888) 590-2705
Mountain View
701 N. Shoreline Blvd., 1st Fl.
Mountain View, CA 94043
(877) 319-0161
Napa
1850 Soscol Ave., Ste. 102
Napa, CA 94559
(877) 836-1559
National City
700 E. 24th St., Ground Fl.
National City, CA 91950
(866) 331-2203
Needles
1502 Bailey Ave.
Needles, CA 92363
(866) 596-7946
Norwalk
12440 E. Imperial Hwy., Ste. 170
Norwalk, CA 90650
(866) 331-3281
Oakland
- 360 22nd St., Ste. 400
Oakland, CA 94612
(866) 964-7420 - 7200 Bancroft Ave., Eastmont Town Center
Oakland, CA 94605
(888) 527-9329
Oceanside
2160 S. El Camino Real
Oceanside, CA 92054
(855) 287-4793
Ontario
1100 E. Holt Blvd.
Ontario, CA 91761
(866) 331-2216
Oroville
115 Table Mountain Blvd.
Oroville, CA 95965
(866) 331-7130
Oxnard
2000 Outlet Center Dr., Ste. 250
Oxnard, CA 93036
(866) 931-8352
Palm Springs
4201 E. Ramon Rd.
Palm Springs, CA 92264
(877) 873-9105
Panorama City
14500 Roscoe Blvd. Ste. 207
Panorama City, CA 91402
(866) 341-0785
Pasadena
104 N. Mentor Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91106
(877) 255-1508
Placerville
3916 Missouri Flat Rd., Ste. A
Placerville, CA 95667
(877) 545-5497
Pomona
2130 N. Garey Ave.
Pomona, CA 91767
(888) 808-5486
Porterville
890 W. Morton Ave.
Porterville, CA 93257
(866) 388-8903
Redding
2660 Park Marina Dr., Ste. A
Redding, CA 96001
(866) 964-1236
Redwood City
601 Allerton St., 2nd Fl.
Redwood City, CA 94063
(888) 860-5582
Richmond
3164 Garrity Way
Richmond, CA 94806
(877) 877-3116
Riverside
10000 Magnolia Ave.
Riverside, CA 92503
(866) 931-4495
Roseville
910 Cirby Way
Roseville, CA 95661
(866) 348-7830
Sacramento
- 2424 Arden Way, Ste. 200
Sacramento, CA 95825
(855) 782-9153 - 40 Massie Cir.
Sacramento, CA 95823
(866) 708-3208
- 8581 Folsom Blvd., Ste. A
Sacramento, CA 95826
(877) 274-5419
Salinas
928 East Blanco Rd., Ste. 155
Salinas, CA 93901
(877) 600-2857
San Bernardino
605 N. Arrowhead Ave., Ste. 101
San Bernardino, CA 92401
(866) 331-7132
San Diego
- 1333 Front St.
San Diego, CA 92101
(855) 820-0097 - 8505 Aero Dr.
San Diego, CA 92123
(866) 331-6397
San Fernando
456 S. F Mission Blvd.
San Fernando, CA 91340
(888) 383-1599
San Francisco
- 1098 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
(866) 755-6323 - 560 Kearny St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
(877) 319-3070
- 90 7th St. Annex, 1st Fl.
San Francisco, CA 94103
(866) 964-5051
San Jose
- 2500 Fontaine Rd.
San Jose, CA 95121
(866) 931-4496 - 280 S. First St., Rm. 244, 2nd Fl.
San Jose, CA 95113
(866) 331-2235
- 6140 Cottle Rd.
San Jose, CA 95123
(888) 383-1180
San Leandro
320 Davis St.
San Leandro, CA 94577
(866) 331-2181
San Luis Obispo
3240 S. Higuera St.
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(855) 207-4865
San Marcos
800 S. Claremont St., Ste. 101
San Mateo, CA 94402
(866) 726-8193
San Rafael
99 Smith Ranch Rd., Ste. 200
San Rafael, CA 94903
(866) 331-7761
Santa Ana
1851 E. First St., Fifth Fl.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
(888) 366-6146
Santa Barbara
122 W. Figueroa St.
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
(866) 695-6285
Santa Cruz
169 Walnut Ave.
Santa Cruz, CA 95060
(800) 593-8523
Santa Maria
2436 Professional Pkwy.
Santa Maria, CA 93455
(866) 331-2316
Santa Rosa
2099 Range Ave., Bldg. A
Santa Rosa, CA 95401
(877) 870-6384
Sonora
745 Morning Star Dr.
Sonora, CA 95370
(888) 397-4125
Stockton
4747 Feather River Dr.
Stockton, CA 95219
(877) 803-6314
Suisun City
700 Main St., Ste. 220
Suisun City, CA 94585
(866) 964-5021
Susanville
2603 Riverside Dr.
Susanville, CA 96130
(855) 420-8563
Thousand Oaks
322 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Ste. 110
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360
(888) 397-4807
Torrance
20000 Mariner Ave., Ste. 150
Torrance, CA 90503
(877) 319-0732
Ukiah
521 S. Orchard Ave.
Ukiah, CA 95482
(888) 590-2706
Valencia
27200 Tourney Rd., Ste. 320
Valencia, CA 91355
(888) 632-7072
Vallejo
106 Plaza Dr., Ste. A
Vallejo, CA 94591
(888) 808-5487
Ventura
6477 Telephone Rd., Ste. 1
Ventura, CA 93003
(877) 651-7118
Victorville
13955 Park Ave.
Victorville, CA 92392
(877) 405-1435
Visalia
1901 E. Noble Ave.
Visalia, CA 93292
(866) 344-8475
Walnut Creek
1111 Civic Dr., Ste. 180
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
(877) 319-6042
Watsonville
180 Westgate Dr., Ste. 301
Watsonville, CA 95076
(800) 521-3385
West Covina
501 S Vincent Ave., Ste. 201
West Covina, CA 91790
(866) 964-0162
West Sacramento
825 Riverside Pkwy., Ste. 1000
West Sacramento, CA 95605
(866) 726-8136
Whittier
7200 Greenleaf Ave., Ste. 200
Whittier, CA 90602
(866) 336-2187
Yreka
1960 S. Oregon St.
Yreka, CA 96097
(888) 366-6145
Yuba City
355 Percy Ave.
Yuba City, CA 95991
(866) 331-5449
Yucca Valley
56492 29 Palms Hwy.
Yucca Valley, CA 92284
(877) 325-7417
SSDI Approval Rates in California
SSDI application approval rates for California residents are roughly the same or slightly higher than the national average. Acceptance rates vary by the stage of the application process. In 2024, California’s SSDI approval rates exceeded the national average at all stages of the process, as follows:
| Initial Application | Reconsideration | ALJ Hearing | |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 40.5% | 18.7% | 60.0% |
| National Average | 39.5% | 15.1% | 57.7% |
| State Difference: | 1.0% | 3.6% | 2.3% |
California SSDI Facts
California residents received roughly $11 billion in disability benefits in 2024, with 514,660 disabled workers in the state receiving benefits. The majority of California SSDI recipients received between $900 and $2,100 in monthly payments. An SSDI attorney can estimate how much you may be eligible to receive in monthly SSDI benefits based on your circumstances.
What To Do if Your SSDI Claim Is Denied in California
If your SSDI claim is denied, you have the right to file an appeal. You have 60 days after receiving a claim denial to appeal the decision.
There are four possible stages of an SSDI appeals claim. If your claim is denied at one level, you may appeal again at the next level.
- Request for Reconsideration: After filing a request for reconsideration, your claim is reviewed by an SSA officer other than the team that originally considered your claim. This officer will examine all medical evidence you initially applied with and any additional evidence you include in your appeal.
- Administrative Law Judge Hearing: If your claim is denied after reconsideration, you can request a hearing before an ALJ.
- Review Hearing Decision: If the ALJ's hearing decision is unfavorable, you can request that the decision be reviewed by the SSA Appeals Council.
- Lawsuit in Federal District Court: If the Appeals Council denies your claim after review of the hearing decision, you can file a lawsuit in federal district court.
Requesting a Hearing with an ALJ in California
You can file a request for a hearing before an ALJ after receiving a denial of your request for reconsideration. However, be prepared to wait a while until the hearing takes place. In March 2025, the average wait time for a hearing was slightly under nine months in California.
During an appeal hearing, the judge will ask questions about the medical and work evidence you provided. You may need to call medical or occupational experts to appear and explain how your evidence indicates your disability. If you appear at a hearing on your own, be prepared to present your case to the judge and discuss how your condition prevents you from working.
Legal representation can significantly improve your chances of receiving a favorable decision before an ALJ. An SSDI attorney will appear at your hearing, question any witnesses, and argue why your claim should be approved. Representation by a skilled and experienced attorney can alleviate your burden and ensure you don’t miss key evidence or run afoul of any administrative requirements. Disability Advice can connect you with a California disability lawyer to represent you on appeal.
Additional Disability Benefits in California
California residents who qualify for SSDI may also qualify for additional state-provided benefits, including California State Disability Insurance, the State Supplemental Payment program, and various other state assistance programs. These programs help disabled people afford food, health care, and more.
California State Disability Insurance (SDI)
State Disability Insurance, or SDI, is a short-term state benefit for those with disabling conditions that prevent them from working. Full SDI benefits are available for disabled workers for up to 52 weeks from the date they become disabled. If you receive partial or other benefits in addition to SDI, you may be able to collect benefits for a longer period until you reach the maximum you’re eligible to receive.
You may be eligible for SDI benefits if you meet the following criteria:
- You're unable to do your regular work for at least eight days.
- You've lost wages because of your disability.
- You're working or looking for work when your disability begins.
- You earned at least $300 with SDI deducted from your paycheck.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in California
California offers a higher SSI payment than most states through its State Supplemental Payment, or SSP, program. Any California resident who qualifies for SSI is also eligible to receive SSP benefits.
You may be eligible to receive SSI and SSP benefits if you meet the following criteria:
- You're 65 or older, blind, or disabled.
- You meet income and resource limits.
- You're a U.S. citizen, or a non-citizen resident lawfully admitted for permanent residence under certain conditions.
- You do not reside in a public institution.
- You've applied for benefits from all other programs for which you are eligible.
If you meet all other eligibility criteria for SSI and SSP but are ineligible due to your immigration status, California also offers the Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants, or CAPI. This program provides monthly benefits similar to SSI and SSP to qualifying immigrants residing in California.
Health Care and Other State Assistance Programs
If you receive SSDI in California, you may be eligible for additional benefits administered by the state. These include the following:
- Medi-Calis California’s Medicaid program. This program provides health insurance to qualifying individuals, including eligible SSDI and SSI recipients.
- CalFresh, also known as SNAP, provides food assistance to low-income California residents. SSI/SSP recipients became eligible for CalFresh in 2019.
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, or LIHEAP, is a state-administered federal program that helps low-income people cover energy bills.
A disability attorney can help you determine which benefits you may be eligible for to supplement your SSDI.
- Free case evaluation
- Assist with denied claims
- Ensure you have all documents
- Make the process easy for you
Written by:
Linda Cosme – Vice President of Disability Policy & Strategy, Citizens Disability
- Finding a Disability Lawyer in California
- How Disability Advice Can Help With Your California SSDI Claim
- How To Apply for SSDI in California
- SSDI Approval Rates in California
- California SSDI Facts
- What To Do if Your SSDI Claim Is Denied in California
- Additional Disability Benefits in California
- Additional Disability Benefits in California
“Professionalism at its best. From intake to getting my claim started, they are the ones you need. 100% recommend to everyone.”
Pablo P.
“Having never gone through this process before, it was very easy and straightforward. VERY professional and polite.”
Alan A.
“I had a great experience with my representative. She was very friendly and she made the process very easy. I’m glad I had the pleasure to work with her in filing my claim. She provided great customer service.”
Dana C.
“I was very nervous about reaching out for help with disability benefits. This experience was so much easier than what I thought it would be. They were understanding and supportive, and answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend them.”
Alice P.
“One of the best customer service experiences I have ever had. Patient and kind and couldn’t of made my experience better. Thank you for all the help.”
Jama M.
“I was very pleased and impressed by the advocate. I feel that my chances of receiving my disability benefits are more likely to come in a timely manner.”
Danny C.
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“Professionalism at its best. From intake to getting my claim started, they are the ones you need. 100% recommend to everyone.”
Pablo P.
“Having never gone through this process before, it was very easy and straightforward. VERY professional and polite.”
Alan A.
“I had a great experience with my representative. She was very friendly and she made the process very easy. I’m glad I had the pleasure to work with her in filing my claim. She provided great customer service.”
Dana C.
“I was very nervous about reaching out for help with disability benefits. This experience was so much easier than what I thought it would be. They were understanding and supportive, and answered all of my questions. I would highly recommend them.”
Alice P.
“One of the best customer service experiences I have ever had. Patient and kind and couldn’t of made my experience better. Thank you for all the help.”
Jama M.
“The person I spoke with was very knowledgeable and very thorough with answering all of my questions and making sure all my information was correct. He was very patient, kind, and was very helpful. I wasn’t sure if I would qualify, and he checked and took all of my information. The process was made very easy, thank you so much for your help.”
Patrice I.