Applying for SSI/SSDI

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides monthly payments to people who have a disability that limits their ability to work. You may be eligible for SSDI if you are under 65, have a disability or blindness, and enough of  a work history (you’ve earned a certain number of “work credits.”). After receiving SSDI for two years, you will become automatically eligible for Medicare.. The amount of the monthly benefit is based upon your earnings, much like Social Security retirement benefits.  For more information, see the Social Security Disability web page.

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Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based program, based on income and assets. To qualify for SSI disability, an adult or child must meet all of the following requirements:

• Have a disability, blindness, or be age 65 or older
• Have limited income
• Have limited resources

The monthly payment is based strictly on financial need and varies up to the maximum federal benefit rate. Some states add money to federal SSI payments. Approval for benefits generally takes three to six months. Once you are approved for SSI, you will get benefits retroactive to the date of your application. In most states, persons granted SSI are automatically eligible for Medicaid (called Medi-Cal in California). For more information on SSI, see the Social Security Supplemental Security Income (SSI) web page.

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• Click here to learn how to apply for SSI.
• Click here to learn how to apply for SSDI.

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Applying for SSI and SSDI can be difficult due to how long a claim can take and the high chance of being denied. According to the Social Security Administration, in 2025 64% of all SSDI and SSI claims filed in California were denied based on the initial application. But applicants who are denied can and often should file an appeal. You do not have to give up if your initial claim is denied! To better your chances of winning your initial claim or your appeal, learn everything you can about the approval process. Here is an online information website that offers useful advice on SSI/SSDI:

• The consumer legal advice organization NOLO hosts a website called Disability Secrets. Disability Secrets was started by a Social Security claims examiner in 2004 to help guide people through the (frequently confusing) Social Security disability process. It can help to visit this site before submitting a disability claim, and certainly if you have been denied and wish to appeal.

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When you initially apply for SSI or SSDI, you may also choose to hire an attorney who specializes in disability law (disability lawyers should normally charge you only if you win your SSI or SSDI claim). If you are denied and wish to appeal, you can often get free legal assistance from non-profit legal aid organizations. If you are denied SSI or SSDI, or you believe your benefits have been unlawfully terminated, you can contact the following agencies:

Law Foundation of Silicon Valley – Health/Mental Health Program – Telephone: 408-280-2420
(phone intake hours: Monday -Thursday, 1 pm – 4 pm)
Address: 4 N Second St, Suite 1300, San Jose 95113
(Walk-in hours: Tuesdays 1 pm – 3 pm)
Health/Mental Health Program provides free legal services to individuals living in Santa Clara County and who identify as having a mental health disability. The Mental Health Program can assist with public benefits, such as SSI/SSDI denials, overpayments, and terminations.

The County General Assistance (GA) office – Telephone: 408-758-3100. People receiving GA should ask for help with SSI from SSI advocates. The program has social workers who assist disabled General Assistance clients through the Social Security application and/or appeal process.