Understanding California State Disability Benefits

California State Disability Insurance (SDI) is a program managed by the Employment Development Department that provides short-term disability payments to eligible workers. Funded through employee payroll deductions, SDI covers disabilities caused by physical injuries or mental health conditions that prevent an individual from performing their usual job duties. The program offers wage replacement of approximately 60% to 70% for up to one year to support those unable to work due to disability.

Once a claim is filed, recipients typically receive their initial benefit check within two weeks. Follow-up payments are issued biweekly until the benefit period concludes.

Your benefit period ends on the date specified by your healthcare provider in the claim form. Recipients might receive a "continued claim certification" form with their payments, requiring updates on their disability progress, return to work status, or other income sources. Failing to submit this information may lead to overpayment recovery demands by SDI.

If you have contributed to SDI through payroll deductions, you may qualify for benefits if:

You experience a non-work-related disability.

You are unable to work due to pregnancy.

You need Paid Family Leave (PFL) to care for a sick family member or bond with a new child.

Additional eligibility requirements include:

Being disabled or unable to work for more than seven days as an employee.

If unemployed, actively seeking employment to qualify for SDI.

Having earned at least $300 during the base period.

Being under medical supervision for the first eight days of your disability.

Note that injuries related to work can be claimed separately through Workers’ Compensation benefits.