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Filing for Disability in California

When disability claims are medically reviewed in California, 36.7% are approved — above the national average of 36.5%. This rate measures how often claims are approved at medical review, not all applications filed.

Data through July 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.

Overall36.7%

Nat'l avg: 36.5%

SSDI38.4%

Nat'l avg: 38.5%

SSI43.0%

Nat'l avg: 42.2%

Know Your Numbers

California approves 36.7% of initial disability claims. That’s 0.2 percentage points above the national average of 36.5%. 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

$1,810/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 – Jul 2026 (monthly).

California's medical approval rate has fallen from 38.0% to 36.7% over this period.

At a Glance — July 2026

Monthly activity and current caseload at the state DDS office

Approval Rate

36.7%

Claims Filed

20,753

Determinations

17,233

Pending Claims

77,121

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 · 9.0 months wait · 1,137 pending

58.4% Approved30.1% Denied11.5% Dismissed
58.4%

approval

Long Beach

Hearing Office

Long Beach · 5 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,843 pending

44.8% Approved34.9% Denied20.3% Dismissed
44.8%

approval

Los Angeles, CA (Downtown)

Hearing Office

Los Angeles · 4 judges · 9.0 months wait · 1,308 pending

58.3% Approved23.1% Denied18.6% Dismissed
58.3%

approval

Los Angeles, CA (West)

Hearing Office

Los Angeles · 5 judges · 8.5 months wait · 2,150 pending

48.3% Approved30.5% Denied21.1% Dismissed
48.3%

approval

Moreno Valley

Hearing Office

Moreno Valley · 5 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,467 pending

46.2% Approved36.0% Denied17.8% Dismissed
46.2%

approval

Norwalk

Hearing Office

Norwalk · 5 judges · 8.0 months wait · 853 pending

55.6% Approved28.5% Denied15.9% Dismissed
55.6%

approval

Oakland

Hearing Office

Oakland · 8 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,804 pending

54.8% Approved27.4% Denied17.8% Dismissed
54.8%

approval

Orange

Hearing Office

Orange · 5 judges · 8.0 months wait · 2,071 pending

48.7% Approved32.7% Denied18.5% Dismissed
48.7%

approval

Pasadena

Hearing Office

Pasadena · 5 judges · 8.5 months wait · 1,091 pending

56.3% Approved26.8% Denied16.9% Dismissed
56.3%

approval

Sacramento

Hearing Office

Sacramento · 8 judges · 8.0 months wait · 2,505 pending

59.7% Approved24.2% Denied16.1% Dismissed
59.7%

approval

San Bernardino

Hearing Office

San Bernardino · 4 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,194 pending

51.7% Approved32.7% Denied15.6% Dismissed
51.7%

approval

San Diego

Hearing Office

San Diego · 7 judges · 9.0 months wait · 2,520 pending

49.6% Approved32.5% Denied17.9% Dismissed
49.6%

approval

San Francisco

Hearing Office

San Francisco · 7 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,445 pending

38.9% Approved42.4% Denied18.7% Dismissed
38.9%

approval

San Jose

Hearing Office

San Jose · 4 judges · 9.0 months wait · 931 pending

44.0% Approved32.4% Denied23.6% Dismissed
44.0%

approval

San Rafael

Hearing Office

San Rafael · 3 judges · 10.0 months wait · 708 pending

51.0% Approved32.2% Denied16.8% Dismissed
51.0%

approval

Santa Barbara

Hearing Office

Santa Barbara · 3 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,005 pending

54.5% Approved27.9% Denied17.5% Dismissed
54.5%

approval

Stockton

Hearing Office

Stockton · 3 judges · 8.0 months wait · 1,235 pending

32.7% Approved48.2% Denied19.1% Dismissed
32.7%

approval

Detailed Breakdown

Initial Rates

Concurrent
20.3%
Disabled Child
65.2%

SSDI Volume

Claims Reviewed
7,247
Approved
2,783

SSI Volume

Claims Reviewed
6,661
Approved
2,867

SSDI + SSI Combined

Claims Reviewed
3,325
Approved
676

Disabled Child (SSI)

Claims Reviewed
1,966
Approved
1,281

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