How Much Do You Get Paid on Disability in California?
Demystify California disability payments. Learn how much you could receive and navigate the state's support system.
Understanding the financial support available is a primary concern for many individuals facing an illness or injury that prevents work. This article aims to clarify how benefit payments are determined for those unable to work due to a non-work-related disability in California. It focuses on providing a clear overview of the state’s primary disability program, offering insights into its structure and how it can assist residents.
Types of Disability Benefits in California
California residents have access to several disability benefit programs. The California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program provides short-term wage replacement for non-work-related illnesses or injuries, including pregnancy. This program is funded through employee payroll deductions, often appearing as “CASDI” on pay stubs. SDI benefits are paid for up to 52 weeks, designed to bridge income gaps during temporary periods of inability to work.
Federal programs, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), offer different types of support. SSDI provides monthly payments to individuals with disabilities who have a qualifying work history and have paid Social Security taxes. SSI is for disabled individuals with low income and limited resources, and it does not require a prior work history.
Calculating California State Disability Insurance Payments
California SDI benefits replace a portion of lost wages when an eligible worker cannot perform their regular duties due to a non-work-related illness or injury. Weekly benefits are based on earnings during a “base period,” which covers the 12 months that ended about five to 18 months before the disability claim began. For example, a claim starting in January, February, or March of 2025 would use a base period of October 1, 2023, through September 30, 2024.
The SDI program identifies the calendar quarter within this base period where the claimant earned the highest wages. The weekly benefit amount is then a percentage of the average weekly wages from that highest-earning quarter. For claims beginning on or after January 1, 2025, wage replacement rates have increased. Individuals earning 70% or less of the state average quarterly wage can receive up to 90% of their average weekly wages. Other workers receive a benefit equal to 70% of their average weekly wages.
The weekly benefit amount has a set minimum and maximum. For 2025, the minimum weekly benefit is $50. The maximum weekly benefit amount for claims starting in 2025 is $1,681. This maximum applies regardless of how high an individual’s wages were, meaning even high earners are capped at $1,681 weekly.
The duration of SDI benefits is up to 52 weeks. The actual length of time benefits are received can vary based on medical provider recommendations and the nature of the disability. If partial benefits are received due to part-time work or other income, the total amount of benefits can be paid out over a period longer than 52 weeks. Report any income to SDI.
Eligibility for California State Disability Insurance
To qualify for California SDI benefits, individuals must meet specific criteria. An applicant must be unable to perform their regular work due to a non-work-related illness or injury lasting more than seven days. There is a seven-day, non-payable waiting period before benefits begin, with payments starting on the eighth day of disability.
A claimant must have earned at least $300 in wages during their base period, subject to SDI tax deductions. The individual must also be under the care and treatment of a licensed physician or accredited religious practitioner within the first eight days of their disability. Continued care and treatment are necessary to remain eligible.
The individual must have been employed or actively looking for work when the disability began. SDI is for non-work-related conditions; job-related injuries or illnesses fall under Workers’ Compensation. However, if Workers’ Compensation benefits are less than SDI would pay, or if there is a delay in a Workers’ Compensation claim, an individual may claim SDI to cover the difference or for interim support.
Applying for California State Disability Insurance
The process of applying for California SDI involves several procedural steps, often utilizing the SDI Online system provided by the Employment Development Department (EDD). Before starting the application, it is advisable to gather necessary information:
A valid California Driver License or ID card number
Social Security number
Most current employer’s business details
Last date worked or date reduced duties began
To file online, individuals must first create a myEDD account and then register for SDI Online, which may involve an identity verification process through ID.me. Once registered, applicants can log in and select “New Claim” to begin the Disability Insurance application. The system guides users through various sections, allowing them to choose their preferred payment option, such as direct deposit, a debit card, or a check.
After submitting the completed claimant’s statement (Part A), a receipt number is provided. This receipt number must be given to the licensed health professional who will then submit their medical certification (Part B) to the EDD. Claims can be filed as early as the first day of disability, but generally no earlier than nine days and no later than 49 days after the disability begins to avoid delays or disqualification. The EDD typically aims to process claims and determine eligibility within 14 days of receiving a complete application.