How to Apply for Disability in California

If you can no longer work due to a serious medical condition, applying for Social Security disability benefits can provide the financial support you need. To apply for disability benefits, you will need to submit an application to the Social Security Administration (SSA). The application process involves completing the application form and gathering supporting documentation, such as detailed medical records, employment history, and personal information.

In this step-by-step guide, you’ll learn exactly how to apply for disability in California. We’ll walk you through your application options, the documents you’ll need, how to submit your claim, and how to increase your chances of approval. Whether you’re applying for SSDI, SSI, or both, read on for everything you need to get started with confidence.

Get Your Free Case Review

Key Takeaways

• You can apply for disability online, by phone, or in person, depending on what’s most convenient for you.
• Gathering detailed medical and work history information is essential for a strong application.
• The SSA-16 form is required and must be filled out completely and honestly, including medical conditions, treatment, and past employment details.
• California offers State Disability Insurance (SDI) for short-term disabilities.
• A disability attorney can improve your chances of approval by helping you avoid mistakes, submit complete documentation, and guide you through appeals if needed.

Who Can Apply for Disability Benefits?

There are 2 main federal disability programs available to individuals who are unable to work due to a qualifying medical condition.

• Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI): Designed for individuals who have a qualifying disability and a sufficient work history, meaning they have worked and paid into the Social Security system through payroll taxes.
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Available to individuals with limited income and financial resources, regardless of their work history. SSI is a need-based program and often helps those who haven’t worked enough to qualify for SSDI.

You may qualify for one or both programs depending on your unique financial situation and employment history. The good news is that you only need to complete 1 application to be considered for both SSDI and SSI, and the SSA will determine your eligibility for each.

How to Apply for Disability: Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’re applying for SSDI or SSI, follow these steps to start your disability application in California.

1. Choose How to Apply

You can apply for disability benefits in 3 ways:

• Online: Visit the SSA’s website to apply for disability online. You can save your progress and upload documents.
• By phone: Call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. An SSA representative will help you with your application.
• In person: Visit your local SSA office. Find the nearest location using the Social Security Office Locator.

2. Gather Necessary Information

Before starting your Social Security disability application, make sure you collect the following:

Personal Information:

• Social Security number
• Birth certificate or proof of age
• Contact details for you and a close relative

Medical Information:

• Names and contact information for your doctors and clinics
• Dates of treatment
• Medical records and test results
• List of current medications

Work History:

• Job titles and duties for the last 15 years
• W-2 forms or tax returns
• Dates you stopped working

Pro Tip: Use the Adult Disability Starter Kit provided by the SSA. It includes a helpful checklist and worksheet to help gather and organize this information.

3. Complete the Application (Form SSA-16)

The Social Security disability application (Form SSA-16) is the official form used to apply for SSDI or SSI benefits. This form gathers important details about your condition and work history to help the SSA determine if you qualify.

Here’s what the application will ask for:

• A full description of your disabling condition(s), including diagnosis and symptoms
• How long you’ve had the condition and how it limits your daily activities and ability to work
• A list of all medical providers, including doctors, clinics, hospitals, and therapy services
• A detailed record of all treatments, test results, and prescribed medications
• Your employment history for the past 15 years, including job titles, duties, and dates worked
• Information about your education and any training or vocational programs you’ve completed

You can fill out this form online, by phone, or in person. It’s important to answer every question completely and honestly. If you’re unsure how to respond, consider working with a disability attorney to help you avoid delays or mistakes.

4. Submit the Application

If you apply for disability benefits online, you can upload your medical documents electronically through the SSA’s secure portal. This is often the fastest and most efficient method, allowing you to track your submission and receive confirmation that your documents have been received.

If you apply by phone or in person, a Social Security representative will explain how to submit your medical records and supporting documents. You may be instructed to mail them to your local SSA office or bring them in during a scheduled appointment. Be sure to keep copies of all documents for your own records.

It’s essential to submit all required paperwork promptly. Missing or incomplete documentation is a common reason applications are delayed or denied. If you’re unsure whether you’ve submitted everything needed, consider calling the SSA or consulting a disability lawyer for assistance.

5. Wait for a Decision

Once your disability application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the SSA and the California Disability Determination Service. This review process can take several months, depending on the complexity of your case and the availability of medical evidence.

During this waiting period, the SSA may contact you to request additional information, clarification on your work history, or updated medical records. In some cases, you may be required to attend a consultative exam with a doctor hired by the SSA.

It’s important to respond quickly to any requests from SSA to avoid delays or denial due to missing information.

Pro Tip: To monitor the progress of your claim, create or log in to your My Social Security account on the SSA’s website. This account allows you to track the status of your disability application, review correspondence from SSA, and receive important updates about your case in real time.

Tips to Improve Your Disability Application

Filing for disability benefits can be stressful, but following a few important tips can help improve your chances of approval:

• Be Thorough and Accurate: Provide complete and detailed responses on your application, especially regarding your medical condition and how it affects your ability to work.
• Use a Checklist: Organize your documents using a checklist to ensure nothing is missed, including your ID, work history, and full medical documentation.
• Keep Copies of Everything: Make copies of every form you submit and save all communication from the SSA for future reference.
• Follow Up Regularly: Monitor your case status using your My Social Security account and respond promptly to any SSA requests or correspondence.
• Get Professional Help: A qualified disability attorney, like Dr. Bill LaTour, can assist with submitting your application, gathering the right evidence, and representing you if your claim is denied.

Get Your Free Case Review

Applying for California State Disability

In addition to federal SSDI and SSI, California offers State Disability Insurance (SDI) for short-term disability. SDI is administered by the California Employment Development Department (EDD) and is designed to support workers who are temporarily unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy.

Here are a few key differences:

• SDI is short-term, typically covering up to 52 weeks of wage replacement.
• Eligibility for SDI depends on paying into the program through state payroll taxes (usually shown as “CASDI” on your pay stub).
• SSDI and SSI are federal programs and require proof of long-term disability expected to last at least 12 months or result in death.

You can apply for both SDI and SSDI if you qualify for each. For example, many Californians begin receiving SDI while waiting for their federal disability application to be processed.

To apply for SDI, visit the EDD website and file your claim through their online portal.

Need Help Applying? Contact Our California Disability Lawyers

Applying for disability in California can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with a serious medical condition. At The Law Offices of Dr. Bill LaTour, we’re committed to guiding you through every step of the process.

• We assist with SSDI, SSI, and disability appeal cases at every stage.
• We help gather strong medical evidence and ensure your application is fully completed and accurate.
• We work to avoid common mistakes that lead to delays or denials.
• We offer free consultations and charge nothing upfront.

Our team has helped thousands of Californians successfully apply for disability benefits. Let us take the stress off your shoulders. Reach out to us today to get started and take the first step toward securing benefits.