California Disability Advocates

The Basics About Disability Benefits

The SSDI program pays benefits to you and certain family members This means that you worked long enough – and recently enough - and paid Social Security taxes on your earnings. The SSI program pays benefits to adults and children who meet our requirements for a qualifying disability and have limited income and resources.

While these two programs are different, the medical requirements are the same. If you meet the non-medical requirements, monthly benefits are paid if you have a medical condition

expected to last at least one year or result in death.

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The Disability Application Process

Whether you apply online, by phone, or in person, the disability benefits application process follows these general steps:

• You gather the information and documents you need to apply. We recommend you print and review the Adult Disability Checklist It will help you gather the information and documents you need to complete the application.

Checklist for Adult Disability Application

Date and Place of Birth — If you were born outside the United States or its territories

Marriage and Divorce
Names and Dates of Birth of Children
U.S. Military Service
Employer Details for Current Year and Prior 2 Years (not self-employment)
Self-Employment Details for Current Year and Prior 2 Years
Direct Deposit — Domestic bank (USA)
Direct Deposit — International bank (non-USA)
Alternate Contact

List of your Medical Conditions

Information About Doctors, Healthcare Professionals, Hospitals, and Clinics
Job History
Education and Training

We can help you complete and submit your application.
We review your application to make sure you meet our basic requirements
We confirm you worked enough years to qualify.
We evaluate any current work activities.
We process your application and forward your case to the Disability Determination Services office in your state.
This state agency makes the disability determination decision.

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Once You've Applied

Processing time for disability applications vary depending on the nature of the disability, necessary medical evidence or examinations, and applicable quality reviews.

Once we receive your application, we’ll review it and contact you if we have questions. We might request additional documents from you before we can proceed.