California State Disability and California Social Security Disability

There are two public disability benefit programs for disabled Californians.

               One program is administered by the State of California Employment Development Department (EDD). It is referred to as California State Disability. Disabled Californians who have paid into the system are eligible for benefits under California State Disability for up to one year.

               The other program is administered by the Federal Government through Social Security. It is referred to as Social Security Disability. Disabled Californians who have paid into the Social Security Disability system are eligible for lifetime benefits under Social Security Disability. The Federal Social Security Disability Program in California is sometimes referred to as California SSD.

Differences between State Disability and California Social Security Disability:

• California State Disability is temporary (≤1 year)
• To get California State Disability you must show that you cannot do your past work
• California Social Security Disability is permanent
• To get California Social Security Disability you must show that you cannot do your past work or other type of work

               Many disabled Californians are confused as to when they should apply for California State Disability or California Social Security Disability. If you are disabled and cannot work you should apply for both California State Disability and California Social Security Disability as soon as you stop working. Some disabled Californians feel that they must wait until their California State Disability has expired before they apply for California Social Security Disability, this is not correct. You may apply for both benefits at the same time. Waiting to apply for your California Social Security Disability until your California State Disability expires will delay the processing of your California Social Security Disability Claim.

California SSD is more difficult to win than California State Disability. For that reason, you should consult with an experienced Social Security Disability attorney to help you with your claim.