1. Initial Application Review (Weeks 1–4)

After submitting your SSDI application, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will confirm they received your documents and begin an initial review. They’ll check for:

• Completed forms
• Basic eligibility (work history, income limits)
• Medical evidence

In California, your claim is then sent to the Disability Determination Services (DDS) for a full medical review.

2. Medical Review & Consultative Exams (Weeks 4–16)

California’s DDS will examine the medical records you submitted. If more information is needed, they may schedule a Consultative Exam (CE) with a doctor hired by SSA. This exam helps determine how your condition affects your ability to work.

This stage often takes several weeks or months, depending on:

• The complexity of your condition
• Whether records are complete
• Doctor or hospital response times

3. Decision Stage (Months 3–6+)

Once DDS completes its evaluation, they’ll send their decision to the SSA. You’ll receive a notice in the mail stating whether your claim was:

• Approved — Benefits will begin after a five-month waiting period from the onset of your disability.
• Denied — The notice will include the reason and information on how to appeal.

Most initial SSDI applications are denied, especially if medical proof is lacking or forms were incomplete.

4. Payment Processing (If Approved)

If approved, you can expect:

• Retroactive payments (back pay) for eligible months
• Monthly benefit checks via direct deposit or mail
• Potential enrollment in Medicare (after 24 months of SSDI eligibility)

5. Reconsideration or Appeal (If Denied)

If your claim is denied, you have 60 days to file an appeal. The first step is called reconsideration, followed by a hearing with an administrative law judge if necessary. The appeal process can take months or even years, depending on the case backlog in California.