How to file for California SDI
You file for California State Disability Insurance (SDI) through the Employment Development Department (EDD), not through Social Security. The process starts with a claim form that your doctor must complete, along with your own process. You can file online through the EDD website, by mail, or by phone. The whole process typically takes two to four weeks from the time the EDD receives a complete process, though some claims take longer if the EDD needs more medical information.
SDI covers temporary disabilities — usually up to 52 weeks for a single illness or injury. If your condition lasts longer, you may need to explore other programs like Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) instead. SDI pays a portion of your lost wages, not a flat amount, so the payment depends on what you earned in the year before you became disabled.
Key Takeaways
- You must file through the California EDD, not Social Security, and your doctor must complete a medical certification form as part of your claim.
- SDI covers temporary disabilities lasting up to 52 weeks; if your condition will last longer, you should also look into SSDI or SSI.
- You can file online, by mail, or by phone, and the EDD will tell you within two to four weeks whether your claim is approved.
- SDI pays a percentage of your regular wages, calculated from your earnings in the 12 months before you stopped working.
- You must stop working or reduce your hours due to a medical condition; SDI does not cover job loss, layoffs, or voluntary time off.
What you need before you file
Gather your Social Security number, driver's license or state ID, and information about your job — including your employer's name, address, and the dates you worked there. You will also need to know your last day of work and the reason you cannot work (the medical condition). Have your doctor's contact information ready, because the EDD will send them a form to complete.
If you have worked for more than one employer in the past 12 months, write down all of them. The EDD uses your earnings from all jobs to calculate your benefit amount. If you are self-employed or have been unemployed recently, note that as well — it affects how the EDD calculates your wages.
Filing online through the EDD website
Go to the EDD website (edd.ca.gov) and look for the SDI claim section. 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 date your disability began. You answer questions about whether you are still unable to work and whether you have other income coming in.
At the end of the online process, the EDD gives you the option to have a medical certification form sent directly to your doctor's office, or you can print it and deliver it yourself. The form is called the Physician's Certification of Disability. Your doctor must complete it and return it to the EDD within 20 days. If your doctor does not return it in time, the EDD will deny your claim, so follow up with your doctor's office after a week or two.
After you submit your online process, the EDD sends you a confirmation number. Keep this number — you will need it if you call the EDD with questions about your claim.
Filing by mail or phone
If you prefer not to file online, you can request a paper process by calling the EDD at 1-888-209-8124. They will mail you the form, which you fill out and return. This method takes longer because of mail time, so your claim will not start processing until the EDD receives your completed form.
You can also call the EDD to file over the phone. A representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and will arrange for your doctor's certification form to be sent to your doctor's office. Phone filing is useful if you have questions while you are filling out the form, but wait times can be long, especially early in the week.
What happens after you file
Once the EDD receives your complete process and your doctor's certification, they review your claim. If everything is in order, you will receive a notice of approval within two to four weeks. The notice tells you your weekly benefit amount and when payments will start. Payments are usually made by debit card (the EDD issues a card automatically) or by direct deposit if you set that up.
If the EDD denies your claim or approves you for less than you expected, you will receive a notice explaining why. You have the right to appeal within 30 days of the notice date. To appeal, you file a form called a Request for Reconsideration with the EDD. If you disagree with the reconsideration decision, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge.
While you are receiving SDI, you must report your status every two weeks. The EDD sends you a form to complete, asking whether you worked, earned any money, or are still unable to work. If you return to work or your condition improves, you must report that when ready — continuing to collect SDI when you are able to work is fraud.
How much SDI pays and for how long
SDI replaces about 55 to 60 percent of your regular weekly wages, up to a maximum amount that changes each year. The EDD calculates your benefit based on your earnings in the 12 months before your disability began. If you earned very little or were unemployed for part of that year, your benefit will be lower.
Most SDI claims last up to 52 weeks. Some conditions, like pregnancy-related disabilities, have a set duration (usually four to six weeks before your due date and six to eight weeks after). If your condition lasts longer than 52 weeks, SDI ends, and you would need to explore SSDI or SSI if you remain unable to work.
You can work part-time while receiving SDI, but your benefit is reduced by the amount you earn. If you earn enough to return to your regular job, SDI stops. The EDD does not penalize you for working — they straightforward adjust your payment based on what you earn that week.
SDI versus SSDI: which program applies to you
SDI is a state program that covers temporary disabilities lasting up to 52 weeks. SSDI is a federal program run by Social Security that covers disabilities expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. The two programs have different rules, different benefit amounts, and different process processes.
If your condition is expected to last longer than a year, you should file for both SDI and SSDI at the same time. You can receive SDI while your SSDI process is being reviewed. Once SSDI approves you, SDI usually stops because SSDI provides a higher benefit and is designed for longer-term disabilities. Some people receive both for a short overlap period, but that is rare.
If you are unsure whether your condition will last longer than a year, file for SDI now and contact Social Security to ask about SSDI. Social Security can tell you whether your condition might meet their definition of disability.
Common reasons claims are denied or delayed
The most common reason for delay is a missing or incomplete doctor's certification form. If your doctor does not return the form within 20 days, the EDD denies your claim. You can reapply once you have the form, but this adds weeks to the process. Call your doctor's office after one week to make sure they received the form and ask when they will return it.
Claims are also denied if the EDD determines you are still able to work. This happens when your doctor's form does not clearly state that you cannot work, or when the EDD believes the condition described does not prevent work. If this happens, you can appeal and provide additional medical evidence.
Another common issue is a mismatch between your reported earnings and what the EDD has on file from your employer. If you think your benefit amount is too low, ask the EDD to review your wage record. You can also provide pay stubs or tax returns to correct the record.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I file for SDI if I am still working but my hours have been reduced?
Yes, if your hours were reduced because of a medical condition and you cannot work your normal schedule. You must report your reduced earnings to the EDD, and your SDI benefit will be adjusted accordingly. If you are earning enough to support yourself, the EDD may determine you are not disabled and deny the claim.
What if my doctor will not fill out the certification form?
Contact your doctor's office and explain that the form is required for your SDI claim. If your doctor refuses, you can request that the EDD send the form to another doctor who has treated you for the same condition. If no doctor will certify your disability, your claim will be denied, and you can appeal.
How long does it take to get my first payment?
Once the EDD approves your claim, your first payment usually arrives within one to two weeks. The EDD pays by debit card or direct deposit, depending on what you set up. There is a one-week waiting period before any payment is made, so the earliest you can receive money is one week after your disability began.
Can I receive SDI and unemployment benefits at the same time?
No. SDI is for people who cannot work due to a medical condition. Unemployment benefits are for people who are able and willing to work but cannot find a job. You must choose one program or the other.
What happens if I go back to work before my 52 weeks are up?
SDI stops when you return to work. You do not have to repay any benefits you already received. If your condition gets worse and you have to stop working again within 12 months, you can file a new claim, and the EDD may extend your benefits beyond the original 52 weeks.