Filing for Disability in California
When disability claims are medically reviewed in California, 33.6% are approved — below the national average of 36.7%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.
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.
Nat'l avg: 36.7%
Nat'l avg: 38.7%
Nat'l avg: 42.1%
Know Your Numbers
California approves 33.6% of initial disability claims. That’s 3.1 percentage points below the national average of 36.7%. 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.
Get Your Free GuideWhat You Could Receive
National payment amounts by program. Individual amounts vary based on earnings history and state supplements.
Avg New SSDI Award
$1,821/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 – Feb 2026 (monthly).
California's medical approval rate has fallen from 38.0% to 33.6% over this period.
At a Glance — February 2026
Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office
Approval Rate
33.6%
Claims Filed
15,768
Determinations
15,885
Pending Claims
77,048
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 OfficeFresno · 2 judges · 10.0 months wait · 976 pending
approval
Long Beach
Hearing OfficeLong Beach · 4 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,159 pending
approval
Los Angeles, CA (Downtown)
Hearing OfficeLos Angeles · 4 judges · 9.0 months wait · 932 pending
approval
Los Angeles, CA (West)
Hearing OfficeLos Angeles · 5 judges · 9.0 months wait · 1,436 pending
approval
Moreno Valley
Hearing OfficeMoreno Valley · 7 judges · 9.0 months wait · 1,305 pending
approval
Norwalk
Hearing OfficeNorwalk · 5 judges · 8.0 months wait · 883 pending
approval
Oakland
Hearing OfficeOakland · 7 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,276 pending
approval
Orange
Hearing OfficeOrange · 4 judges · 10.0 months wait · 1,327 pending
approval
Pasadena
Hearing OfficePasadena · 5 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,371 pending
approval
Sacramento
Hearing OfficeSacramento · 6 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,469 pending
approval
San Bernardino
Hearing OfficeSan Bernardino · 5 judges · 8.0 months wait · 958 pending
approval
San Diego
Hearing OfficeSan Diego · 7 judges · 9.0 months wait · 1,390 pending
approval
San Francisco
Hearing OfficeSan Francisco · 6 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,175 pending
approval
San Jose
Hearing OfficeSan Jose · 4 judges · 8.5 months wait · 834 pending
approval
San Rafael
Hearing OfficeSan Rafael · 3 judges · 7.0 months wait · 706 pending
approval
Santa Barbara
Hearing OfficeSanta Barbara · 3 judges · 8.0 months wait · 684 pending
approval
Stockton
Hearing OfficeStockton · 4 judges · 7.0 months wait · 884 pending
approval
Detailed Breakdown
Initial Rates
- Concurrent
- 19.0%
- Disabled Child
- 58.9%
SSDI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 6,232
- Approved
- 2,242
SSI Volume
- Claims Reviewed
- 6,384
- Approved
- 2,483
SSDI + SSI Combined
- Claims Reviewed
- 3,269
- Approved
- 620
Disabled Child (SSI)
- Claims Reviewed
- 1,992
- Approved
- 1,173
What to Do Next
Review California's medical approval rates above to understand how your state compares.
Gather your medical records, treatment notes, and any test results that document your condition. See our evidence guide →
Consider getting a free case review from a disability advocate who knows your state's process.
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.
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