What Temporary Disability Is and Who Can explore

Temporary Disability Insurance (TDI) in California replaces part of your wages if you cannot work because of a non-work injury, illness, or pregnancy. The state runs the program through the Employment Development Department (EDD). You do not explore to a private insurer or your employer—you explore directly to the state, and the state pays you, not your employer.

You can receive TDI if you have worked in California, paid into the system through payroll deductions, and now cannot work for a temporary reason. The program covers pregnancy and childbirth, surgery recovery, illness, and injury—but not job-related injuries, which are covered by workers' compensation instead. TDI typically replaces about 55 to 60 percent of your regular wages, up to a maximum amount that changes each year.

You must have earned enough wages in the past 12 months to meet the program's threshold. In 2024, you need to have earned at least $300 in wages during a single quarter in the past 12 months, though the exact requirement may vary by year. If you were self-employed, you do not may have access to unless you elected to pay into TDI voluntarily.

Key Takeaways

  • You explore to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), not your employer or a private company, by filing a claim form online, by mail, or by phone.
  • You must have worked in California and paid into the system through payroll deductions to receive TDI benefits.
  • The state typically pays 55 to 60 percent of your regular wages, with a maximum weekly amount that the EDD updates each year.
  • You need a doctor's statement confirming you cannot work and the expected length of your disability before you submit your claim.
  • The EDD usually makes a decision within two to three weeks, though some claims take longer if the department requests more information.

Gather Your Documents Before You File

Before you start your claim, collect the documents the EDD will ask for. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and information about your employer—the company name, address, and the dates you worked there. If you have worked for more than one employer in the past 12 months, list all of them.

You will also need a medical statement from your doctor. The EDD has a specific form called the Claim Form for Disability Insurance (DE 2501), but your doctor can also write a letter on their letterhead that includes the date your disability began, the date you expect to return to work, and a statement that you cannot perform your regular job duties. The doctor does not need to use the state form, but the information must be clear and dated.

If you are filing for pregnancy-related disability, your doctor should state the expected due date or the date the disability began. If you are filing for surgery or another planned procedure, get the medical statement before your procedure date if possible, though you can also file after the procedure begins.

File Your Claim Online, by Mail, or by Phone

The fastest way to file is online through the EDD website at edd.ca.gov. Go to the "File a Claim" section and select "Disability Insurance." You will create an account or log in if you already have one. The online form asks for your personal information, work history, and the reason for your disability. You can upload your doctor's statement directly in the system.

If you prefer to file by mail, read the Claim Form for Disability Insurance (DE 2501) from the EDD website, fill it out, and mail it along with your doctor's statement to the address listed on the form. Mailing takes longer—allow at least one to two weeks for the EDD to receive and process your form.

You can also file by phone by calling the EDD at 1-800-480-3287. Have your Social Security number, driver's license, employer information, and doctor's statement details ready. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. Wait times are often long, especially early in the week.

What Happens After You File

Once the EDD receives your claim, they send you a notice by mail confirming they have it. This notice includes your claim number and the date they received your process. Keep this number for your records—you will need it if you have questions or need to check the status of your claim.

The EDD reviews your claim to confirm you have worked in California, paid into the system, and meet the wage requirement. They also verify your doctor's statement. If everything is in order, the EDD usually makes a decision within two to three weeks. If they need more information—for example, if your doctor's statement is incomplete—they will contact you by mail or phone and ask you to provide it.

If the EDD approves your claim, they send you a notice of information and begin paying you. Payments are deposited into your bank account or sent to a debit card, depending on how you set it up. If they deny your claim, the notice explains why and tells you how to appeal.

How Much You Receive and When Payments Start

The EDD calculates your weekly benefit amount based on your wages in the past 12 months. The program replaces about 55 to 60 percent of your regular weekly wages. There is a minimum weekly amount and a maximum weekly amount; both change each year. In 2024, the maximum weekly benefit is around $1,450, though you should check the EDD website for the current year's amount.

You typically receive your first payment one to two weeks after the EDD approves your claim. The EDD does not pay you for the first seven days you are unable to work—this is called the waiting period. After that, you receive weekly payments for as long as your doctor certifies you cannot work, up to a maximum of 52 weeks in a 12-month period.

If your disability lasts longer than expected, you may be able to extend your claim. Contact the EDD to discuss your situation. Some people also may have access to for Paid Family Leave (PFL), a separate program that covers time off to bond with a new child or care for a family member. If you are on TDI and later become a new parent, you may be able to switch to PFL without losing benefits.

Report Changes and Keep Your Claim Current

While you are receiving TDI, you must report any changes to the EDD. If you return to work, even part-time, tell the EDD when ready. If you work and earn wages, your TDI payment is reduced or stopped, depending on how much you earn. The EDD does not automatically know you have returned to work—you must report it.

You must also report if your address changes, if you move out of California, or if your doctor says you can return to work sooner than expected. You can report changes online through your EDD account, by mail, or by phone. Failing to report changes can result in overpayment, which the EDD will ask you to repay.

If your disability lasts longer than your doctor initially stated, ask your doctor for an updated statement and send it to the EDD. The EDD may extend your benefits if the medical evidence supports it. Do not wait until your current benefits run out—submit the updated statement as soon as you know your disability will continue.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

If the EDD denies your claim, the notice of information explains the reason. Common reasons for denial include not meeting the wage requirement, not having paid into the system long enough, or the EDD determining that your condition does not prevent you from working. You have the right to appeal.

To appeal, you must file a Request for Reconsideration within 20 days of the denial notice. You can file online through your EDD account, by mail, or by phone. Include any new medical evidence or documents that support your claim. If the EDD denies your appeal, you can request a hearing before a judge at the state's Division of Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, though this process takes several months.

If you believe the EDD made an error—for example, they did not count wages from a job you held—gather pay stubs or other proof and include them with your appeal. Be specific about what the EDD got wrong and provide documentation to back it up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work part-time while receiving TDI?

You can work part-time, but your TDI payment will be reduced or eliminated depending on how much you earn. The EDD allows you to earn up to a certain amount before your benefits are affected. Report all work to the EDD, even if you think it will not affect your payment. The EDD calculates the reduction, not you.

How long does TDI last?

TDI covers up to 52 weeks of disability in a 12-month period. If your condition lasts longer, you may be able to extend your claim with updated medical evidence. Some people also may have access to for Paid Family Leave after TDI ends if they are caring for a new child or family member.

What if my employer says I cannot come back to work after TDI ends?

TDI does not protect your job. Your employer can terminate you while you are on TDI if they have a lawful reason unrelated to your disability. However, California law does protect some workers under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). Contact the California Labor Commissioner's office if you believe you were fired because of your disability.

Do I have to tell my employer I am filing for TDI?

You do not have to tell your employer, but many people do so their employer knows why they are absent. Your employer cannot retaliate against you for filing for TDI. If you believe your employer punished you for filing, contact the California Labor Commissioner's office.

What if I moved out of California while on TDI?

You must report your move to the EDD. If you move out of state, your TDI typically ends, though there are limited exceptions. Contact the EDD to discuss your situation before you move. If you move within California, report your new address so the EDD can send notices and payments to the correct location.