Understanding California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Benefits
Discover essential information about California State Disability Insurance (SDI), including eligibility, payout details, and claiming process. Learn how SDI supports workers facing temporary disabilities through short-term benefits managed by the Employment Development Department. This guide covers qualification requirements, benefit periods, and important notices to ensure you're well-informed about accessing SDI when needed.
Understanding California State Disability Insurance (SDI) Benefits
California's State Disability Insurance (SDI) is a program managed by the Employment Development Department that provides short-term financial support to eligible workers. Funded through employee wages, SDI offers benefits when a person is unable to work due to physical or mental health issues that prevent usual work activities. The program typically covers 60% to 70% of the individual's wages for up to one year of disability.
Once a claim is filed, recipients can expect their first payment within two weeks, followed by biweekly checks until the benefit period ends.
To qualify for SDI, you must have paid into the system and meet certain criteria:
- Experience a disability unrelated to your job.
- Be unable to work due to pregnancy-related issues.
- Require Paid Family Leave (PFL) to care for a sick relative or bond with a new child.
Additional eligibility requirements include:
- Being disabled or absent from work for more than seven days if employed.
- Actively seeking employment if unemployed and applying for SDI.
- Having earned at least $300 during the base period.
- Receiving care from a medical professional during the first eight days of disability.
Note that injuries related to work should be claimed through Workers’ Compensation, separate from SDI benefits.
