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 federal program that provides cash payments to individuals who are aged 65 or older, or blind, or disabled, and who have little or no income or 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 created 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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You can initially apply for SSI or SSDI via the federal Social Security website. Some people choose to get help an attorney who specializes in disability law, and who normally charge you only if you win your SSI or SSDI claim. People receiving General Assistance through the County who want to apply for SSI can ask for help from SSI advocates (County social workers who assist disabled General Assistance clients through the Social Security application and/or appeal process).

If you are denied SSI or SSDI, or you believe your benefits have been unlawfully terminated, you can contact the following non-profit legal aid organizations for free legal assistance with appeals:

• Law Foundation of Silicon Valley – Health/Mental Health Program – Telephone: 408-280-2420 Phone intake hours: Monday -Thursday, 1 pm – 4 pm)
  Walk-in 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 Santa Clara County residents who identify as having a mental health disability. The Health Program can assist with public benefits such as SSI/SSDI denials, overpayments, and terminations.
• Bay Area Legal Aid – Telephone: 800-551-5554 (Legal Advice Line hours: M/Th 9:30am-3pm, Tu/W 9:30am-1pm) – Assists low-income residents with disabilities appeal denial, termination or overpayments of SSI, SSDI, CAPI and related benefits.