California Disability Benefits

California residents who need disability services can choose from a number of social programs. On the federal level, there’s both Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Though federally funded, these programs are administered by state agencies. Applications go through California's Disability Determination Service Division (DDSD), a branch of the California Department of Social Services.

Californians also have access to many state-run assistance programs such as State Disability Insurance, Medicaid, and unemployment benefits. Assistance is available to all residents, including students with disabilities and seniors in independent living or who require long-term housing care.

Facts About California

California is the most populous state in the country, yet the state boasts fewer residents with disabilities than the national average. Only 23% of California residents have some type of disability compared with 25.6% nationwide.

Even so, Californians with disabilities still have disproportionately more negative health outcomes than non-disabled adults, making access to benefits and services essential. The state spends over $38 billion a year on disability healthcare expenditures and has numerous disability rights groups to help individuals access available benefits.

How To Qualify for SSDI in California

Since SSDI is a federally operated insurance program, the criteria for qualifying does not change from state to state. However, initial approval is determined at the state level. California approves approximately 37% of all first-time applications. If your first application is rejected, there is an appeals process that may overturn the initial decision.

Typically, qualified applicants must have a work history showing they have fully paid into the Social Security tax system. While you are allowed to have a job at the time of applying, you can’t earn more than $1,310 a month.

SSDI is reserved for those with disabilities severe enough to impact their ability to work for at least 12 months. Additionally, your disability must be found in the Blue Book compiled by the SSA. These intellectual, physical, and developmental disabilities have all been classified as severe conditions.

If you have a disability that still allows you to work in some capacity, you are protected from discrimination as an employee. Under California law, employers must make any “reasonable accommodation” to assist workers in completing their jobs.

How To Apply for SSDI in California

Individuals wishing to apply for Social Security Disability should start with the Social Security Administration (SSA). Applications can be made online, over the phone, or in person.

As an applicant, you should prepare important documents ahead of time. The necessary documents can vary based on the specific Social Security disability benefits you qualify for, but the following are typically required:

• Personal information about you, your spouse, and any minor children including date and place of birth, and marriage and divorce records
• Military records if applicable
• Basic employment information if you’re currently working
• Bank account and direct deposit information
• Personal references (doctors, family, friends) who can verify your disability claim
• Basic medical records relating to your disability including diagnosed medical conditions and tests
• Job and education history

You can apply online at SSA.gov, or you can call the federal Social Security office directly at 800-772-1213. There is also the option of applying in person at one of the dozens of California Social Security field offices. Find the nearest location on the list below and call first to make an appointment.

After your application is reviewed by DDS, you’ll receive your determination. Know that there are other limiting factors such as receiving a workers' compensation benefit that can affect eligibility.

How To Appeal a Denial in California

California is similar to other states with its low initial approval percentage. Many applicants have to go through one or more levels of the appeals process to get their benefits approved. If your initial disability claim request was denied, you can follow these steps to appeal.

Level 1: Reconsideration - This is the easiest level of appeals since your application will stay in the DDSD office – only this time, it will be reviewed by a new representative. You can request that your application be reviewed within 60 days of your denial.

Level 2: Disability Hearing - If your reconsideration was also denied, you now have 60 days to request a disability adjudication with an administrative law judge. California has 19 Hearing and Appeals Offices throughout the state, and you will likely have to appear in person. You will be asked to bring additional documentation to support your case. At this second level of appeals, you may want to seek advice from a qualified lawyer.

Level 3: Appeals Council - The next level of redress is to apply for an appeal online with the Social Security Appeals Council. This must be submitted within 60 days of your previous denial.

Level 4: Federal Court - If all three previous levels of appeal were unsuccessful, you can always file a lawsuit with one of four district federal courts in California. At this stage, you should retain an attorney versed in disability law who can provide legal advice and representation.

More California Benefits

SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is another federal insurance program specifically for those with lower incomes. It is available to everyone regardless of age, but applicants must meet disability and income requirements. SSI is also available to seniors who meet the income requirements, regardless of disability status. SSI payments cannot exceed the Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) which is currently set at $794 per month for an individual.

SDI

The California Disability Insurance (SDI) program is a short-term disability insurance program for those who need to take time off work. It provides Disability Insurance (DI) and provides Paid Family Leave (PFL)

for those who qualify.

To receive benefits for lost wages you must be unable to work due to an illness or injury that is not work-related. Those seeking a PFL will need to have recently had a child, be taking care of an ill family member, or missing work due to a family’s military deployment to a foreign country.

There are several requirements to become eligible for SDI benefits. If you think you qualify, you should apply online at the Employment Development Department (EDD) website. Eligible employees should check the EDD website for a list of types of claims that SDI covers such as a workers' compensation claim, pregnancy disability leave, or a voluntary plan that covers the same disability insurance benefits that SDI does.

California Medicaid

The income requirements for SSI are similar to California Medicaid (Medi-Cal), and many who qualify for one will qualify for the other. Medi-Cal provides medical insurance benefits for anyone if they meet certain income requirements ($17,131 per year for an individual). Some individuals will have to pay a small co-pay or premium, but most recipients will have no out-of-pocket expenses.

California Unemployment

The EDD also oversees California Unemployment benefits which provide temporary financial help to eligible workers as they seek new employment. The program has a maximum yearly payout of $11,700 for individuals who have received employee wages within the last 18 months. Benefits can last up to 26 weeks. Through the EDD those receiving unemployment can also qualify for California Training Benefits (CTB). CTB provides support for continuing education, and skills training to help residents get back into the workforce.

California Veterans Benefits

California Veterans enjoy a long list of benefits from the state in addition to federal benefits provided by the VA. California veterans benefits include educational program, disability benefits, small business loans and grants, job training, and much more. Benefits are provided through CalVet, formally known as the California Department of Veterans Affairs.

California Social Security Offices

California Hearing and Appeal Offices

California is in Region 9 (San Francisco), which services Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada.