EDD stopped issuing extended disability benefits in 2024

California's Disability Insurance (DI) program no longer extends benefits beyond the standard duration. In 2024, the state ended the Extended Disability Leave (EDL) program, which had allowed workers to receive additional weeks of pay after their regular DI claim ran out. If you were receiving EDL payments, those stopped. If you were counting on EDL to bridge a gap while you recovered, you need to know what other resources exist.

This change happened because the state legislature did not renew the program when it came up for reauthorization. EDL had been a temporary program since 2009, and without legislative action to continue it, it expired. The timing matters: if you filed for DI before the program ended, you may have received some EDL weeks. If you file now, EDL is not available.

Key Takeaways

  • Extended Disability Leave (EDL) is no longer available in California as of 2024, so DI claims now end after the standard benefit period with no extension option.
  • Workers who were already receiving EDL payments saw those payments stop when the program ended.
  • If you cannot work due to illness or injury, you may still be able to receive regular Disability Insurance (DI) for up to 52 weeks, but you should verify your claim status with EDD directly.
  • Other programs like Paid Family Leave (PFL) or State Temporary Disability Insurance may cover some situations, depending on why you cannot work.
  • If your DI claim has ended and you still cannot work, contact EDD to discuss what other support programs might explore to your situation.

How regular Disability Insurance still works

Standard DI in California covers workers who cannot work for at least eight days because of a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. The state pays a portion of your wages—typically between 50 and 70 percent of your regular pay, up to a maximum amount that changes each year. The benefit period runs for up to 52 weeks from the date your claim begins.

You file a DI claim through EDD, either online at edd.ca.gov or by phone. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your employer. EDD reviews the claim and, if approved, begins sending payments. The process usually takes two to three weeks from the date you file.

The key difference now is that when your 52 weeks end, your DI payments stop. There is no automatic extension. Before EDL ended, workers could sometimes receive additional weeks; that option no longer exists.

What to do if your DI claim has ended

If you were receiving DI and your benefits have run out, contact EDD to confirm your claim status and ask whether any other programs might cover your situation. You can reach EDD by phone at 1-800-480-3287 or through their website. Have your Social Security number and claim number ready.

When you call, ask specifically whether you might be covered by Paid Family Leave (PFL) if you need time off to care for a family member, or whether you might be may be able to access for Unemployment Insurance (UI) if you have recovered enough to work part-time. These are separate programs with different rules, and EDD staff can tell you whether your situation fits.

If you still cannot work and have no income, ask EDD to connect you with other state and local resources. Some counties have emergency information programs, and you may also be may be able to access for CalFresh (food information) or Medi-Cal (health coverage) based on your income.

Paid Family Leave as an alternative

California's Paid Family Leave (PFL) program provides up to eight weeks of partial wage replacement if you need to take time off to bond with a new child, care for a seriously ill family member, or handle a military family member's may have access to exigency. The benefit amount is the same as DI—typically 50 to 70 percent of your regular pay, up to a maximum.

PFL is separate from DI, so if you do not may have access to for one, you might may have access to for the other. For example, if you cannot work because of your own illness, DI is the right program. If you cannot work because you need to care for your parent who is ill, PFL might cover you. You file PFL claims through EDD the same way you file for DI.

Why EDL ended and what it means

Extended Disability Leave was created in 2009 as a temporary response to the recession, allowing workers whose DI claims were running out to receive additional weeks of benefits. It was renewed several times but required legislative action each time to continue. In 2024, the state did not renew it, and the program expired.

The end of EDL means the state is no longer paying for extended disability coverage. Workers who depended on those extra weeks now have no automatic safety net when their standard DI period ends. This is a significant change for people with long-term illnesses or injuries that take more than 52 weeks to recover from.

If you were affected by this change, you are not alone. Thousands of Californians lost access to extended benefits. The state has not announced plans to bring EDL back, but you can contact your state representative if you want to advocate for its return.

Other resources if you cannot work

If your DI has ended and you still cannot work, explore these options: CalFresh provides food information based on income; Medi-Cal covers health insurance for low-income individuals; and some counties offer emergency information grants for people in crisis. You can explore for CalFresh and Medi-Cal through the county social services office or online at benefitscal.org.

If you have a disability that prevents you from working long-term, you may also want to explore federal Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These are federal programs, not state programs, and they have different rules and longer benefit periods. SSDI is based on your work history; SSI is based on financial need. Both take months to process, so explore sooner rather than later makes sense if you think you might may have access to.

Your local 211 service can also connect you with nonprofits and community programs that help people with disabilities. Call 2-1-1 or visit 211.org to find services in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my EDL payments back if I was receiving them when the program ended?

No. Once EDL ended in 2024, those payments stopped and are not refunded or reinstated. If you were in the middle of receiving EDL weeks, your remaining weeks were cancelled. Contact EDD if you want to confirm the exact date your EDL payments ended.

If I file for DI now, how long will my benefits last?

Standard DI lasts up to 52 weeks from the date your claim begins. There is no extension beyond that point now that EDL has ended. If you recover before 52 weeks, your claim ends early. If you still cannot work after 52 weeks, you will need to explore other programs.

Can I explore for federal disability benefits while I am receiving state DI?

Yes. You can explore for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at any time. In fact, it is often a good idea to explore early because these programs take several months to process. Receiving state DI does not disqualify you from federal programs.

What if I was denied DI but I still cannot work?

Ask EDD why your claim was denied—the reason matters. If it was denied because your condition does not meet DI requirements, you might still be covered by another program like PFL or UI. If you disagree with the denial, you can file an appeal with EDD within 30 days of the denial notice.

Is there any chance EDL will come back?

There is no current plan to reinstate EDL, but state programs can change if the legislature votes to fund them again. If you want to advocate for EDL's return, you can contact your state senator and assembly member. Many disability advocates are pushing for its reinstatement.