1. Basic SSDI Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for SSDI in California, you must meet two main sets of requirements:

A. Work History Requirements

SSDI is based on your work record. You need:

• Sufficient work credits: In 2025, you earn one credit for every $1,730 in wages or self-employment income, up to four credits per year.
• Generally, you need 40 credits total, with 20 earned in the last 10 years before you became disabled.
• Younger workers may qualify with fewer credits, depending on their age at disability onset.

B. Disability Requirements

SSA considers you disabled if:

• You have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment
• Your condition prevents you from performing substantial gainful activity (SGA), defined in 2025 as earning more than $1,550 per month (or $2,590 if blind)
• Your disability has lasted or is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death

2. Medical Eligibility Requirements

SSA uses a five-step sequential evaluation process to determine if you are disabled:

Step 1: Are You Working Above SGA?

If you are working and earning over the SGA limit, SSA will usually deny your claim. If not, they continue to Step 2.

Step 2: Is Your Condition Severe?

Your impairment must significantly limit your ability to perform basic work activities, such as standing, sitting, remembering instructions, or interacting with others.

Step 3: Does Your Condition Meet or Equal a Listing?

SSA has a Listing of Impairments (Blue Book) that includes severe medical conditions. If your impairment matches a listed condition and meets the criteria, you are automatically considered disabled.

Step 4: Can You Perform Your Past Relevant Work?

If your condition does not meet a listing, SSA assesses whether you can perform any of your past jobs from the last 15 years. If you can, your claim is denied.

Step 5: Can You Perform Any Other Work?

If you cannot do past work, SSA evaluates whether you can adjust to other work based on your age, education, work experience, and residual functional capacity (RFC). If you cannot perform any other work, you are found disabled.

3. California State Disability Insurance (SDI) vs. SSDI

Many Californians confuse SSDI with California State Disability Insurance (SDI):

• SDI is a state program that provides short-term disability benefits for up to 52 weeks for conditions preventing work.
• SSDI is a federal program for long-term or permanent disabilities and is based on your work history under Social Security.

If your condition lasts beyond SDI coverage, you can apply for SSDI for continued financial support.

4. Medical Documentation Requirements

To prove SSDI eligibility, you must provide:

• Complete medical records from your treating doctors, hospitals, and clinics
• Results of tests, imaging, and lab work supporting your diagnosis
• Statements from your physicians explaining your limitations and inability to work
• Records of treatments, medications, and therapy attendance

5. Non-Citizen Eligibility for SSDI in California

You may qualify for SSDI as a non-citizen if you are:

• A lawfully present immigrant with a valid work history, or
• A permanent resident who paid into Social Security during your employment

Eligibility depends on your work record and immigration status.

6. How Long Does SSDI Eligibility Determination Take in California?

On average, initial decisions in California take 3 to 6 months, but delays can occur based on:

• SSA workloads
• Completeness of your medical evidence
• Whether consultative examinations are required