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Filing for Disability in California

When disability claims are medically reviewed in California, 35.1% are approved — below the national average of 37.0%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.

Data through March 2026Prototype State

In prototype states, denied claims skip reconsideration and go directly to a hearing. The 10 prototype states are: Alabama, Alaska, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, and Pennsylvania. Learn how prototype states differ →

Your Chances at the Initial Level

Medical approval rate = allowances / completed medical determinations at DDS.

Overall35.1%

Nat'l avg: 37.0%

SSDI36.4%

Nat'l avg: 38.9%

SSI40.7%

Nat'l avg: 42.3%

Know Your Numbers

California approves 35.1% of initial disability claims. That’s 1.9 percentage points below the national average of 37.0%. Understanding your state’s data before you file helps you prepare.

Get your free personalized Approval Guide with your local approval data, condition context, and next-step guidance.

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What You Could Receive

National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.

Avg New SSDI Award

$1,824/mo

Max SSDI Benefit

$4,152/mo

SSI Individual Rate

$994/mo

SSI Couple Rate

$1,491/mo

SSDI amounts based on your earnings record. SSI is the 2026 federal rate; some states add a supplement. How benefits are calculated →

Medical Approval Rate Over Time

Monthly medical approval rates (allowances / determinations at DDS) for California vs. the national average. Data covers Feb 2021 – Mar 2026 (monthly).

California's medical approval rate has fallen from 38.0% to 35.1% over this period.

At a Glance — March 2026

Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office

Approval Rate

35.1%

Claims Filed

17,531

Determinations

15,604

Pending Claims

76,847

If Your Claim Is Denied

Hearing

In prototype states, denied claims skip reconsideration and go directly to a hearing. Hearing office assignment is based on your ZIP code, not state lines — some residents may be assigned to an office in a neighboring state.

Fresno

Hearing Office

Fresno · 2 judges · 10.0 months wait · 976 pending

57.1% Approved32.4% Denied10.5% Dismissed
57.1%

approval

Long Beach

Hearing Office

Long Beach · 4 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,159 pending

43.6% Approved39.2% Denied17.3% Dismissed
43.6%

approval

Los Angeles, CA (Downtown)

Hearing Office

Los Angeles · 4 judges · 9.0 months wait · 932 pending

52.9% Approved31.3% Denied15.8% Dismissed
52.9%

approval

Los Angeles, CA (West)

Hearing Office

Los Angeles · 5 judges · 9.0 months wait · 1,436 pending

49.3% Approved29.3% Denied21.5% Dismissed
49.3%

approval

Moreno Valley

Hearing Office

Moreno Valley · 7 judges · 9.0 months wait · 1,305 pending

44.4% Approved39.0% Denied16.6% Dismissed
44.4%

approval

Norwalk

Hearing Office

Norwalk · 5 judges · 8.0 months wait · 883 pending

55.3% Approved28.4% Denied16.3% Dismissed
55.3%

approval

Oakland

Hearing Office

Oakland · 7 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,276 pending

54.4% Approved29.6% Denied16.0% Dismissed
54.4%

approval

Orange

Hearing Office

Orange · 4 judges · 10.0 months wait · 1,327 pending

50.8% Approved31.5% Denied17.7% Dismissed
50.8%

approval

Pasadena

Hearing Office

Pasadena · 5 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,371 pending

56.0% Approved28.5% Denied15.6% Dismissed
56.0%

approval

Sacramento

Hearing Office

Sacramento · 6 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,469 pending

55.2% Approved29.1% Denied15.7% Dismissed
55.2%

approval

San Bernardino

Hearing Office

San Bernardino · 5 judges · 8.0 months wait · 958 pending

53.1% Approved31.3% Denied15.7% Dismissed
53.1%

approval

San Diego

Hearing Office

San Diego · 7 judges · 9.0 months wait · 1,390 pending

47.0% Approved35.0% Denied18.0% Dismissed
47.0%

approval

San Francisco

Hearing Office

San Francisco · 6 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,175 pending

37.8% Approved45.6% Denied16.7% Dismissed
37.8%

approval

San Jose

Hearing Office

San Jose · 4 judges · 8.5 months wait · 834 pending

46.7% Approved34.0% Denied19.3% Dismissed
46.7%

approval

San Rafael

Hearing Office

San Rafael · 3 judges · 7.0 months wait · 706 pending

52.0% Approved32.7% Denied15.3% Dismissed
52.0%

approval

Santa Barbara

Hearing Office

Santa Barbara · 3 judges · 8.0 months wait · 684 pending

59.1% Approved21.9% Denied19.0% Dismissed
59.1%

approval

Stockton

Hearing Office

Stockton · 4 judges · 7.0 months wait · 884 pending

36.8% Approved46.8% Denied16.3% Dismissed
36.8%

approval

Detailed Breakdown

Initial Rates

Concurrent
21.5%
Disabled Child
61.1%

SSDI Volume

Claims Reviewed
6,299
Approved
2,295

SSI Volume

Claims Reviewed
6,146
Approved
2,500

SSDI + SSI Combined

Claims Reviewed
3,159
Approved
680

Disabled Child (SSI)

Claims Reviewed
1,855
Approved
1,134

What to Do Next

1

Review California's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.

2

Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →

3

Get a free case review — we can connect you with a disability advocate who handles claims in California. Start here →

Learn More

Filing for Disability in California?

Claimants who understand their state’s approval data and process are better prepared. Get a free, personalized Approval Guide with your state’s rates, local offices, and a documentation checklist.

Get Your Free Approval Guide