Where to start: California's two main disability programs

California has two separate disability programs, and which one you contact depends on where your disability came from. If your disability is work-related—an injury or illness that happened because of your job—you file with California's Division of Workers' Compensation. If your disability is not work-related, you file with California's State Disability Insurance (SDI) program, which is part of the Employment Development Department.

Most people in California who need disability support file with SDI, since it covers illnesses and injuries that are not connected to work. The process is different for each program, and filing with the wrong one will delay you. The first step is figuring out which program covers your situation.

If you are unsure whether your condition is work-related, start by contacting your employer's human resources or benefits department. They can tell you whether workers' compensation is the right path. If it is not work-related, SDI is where you go.

Key Takeaways

  • California State Disability Insurance (SDI) covers non-work-related disabilities and is run by the Employment Development Department, not Social Security.
  • You can file for SDI online through the EDD website, by mail, or by phone, and the process takes about two to three weeks from submission to first decision.
  • You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID, and medical records showing your condition and why you cannot work.
  • SDI provides partial wage replacement—typically 55 to 66 percent of your regular wages—for up to 52 weeks, depending on your condition.
  • If your disability is work-related, you file with California's Division of Workers' Compensation instead, and the process and benefits are different.

How to file for California State Disability Insurance online

The fastest way to file for SDI is through the Employment Development Department's online portal. Go to edd.ca.gov, select "File for Disability Insurance," and create an account if you do not already have one. You will need your Social Security number, California driver's license or ID number, and your date of birth to log in.

Once you are logged in, you will fill out the Claim for Disability Insurance form. The form asks about your work history, your medical condition, the date your disability began, and whether you have seen a doctor. Be as specific as possible about when you became unable to work—the exact date matters because your benefits start from that date, not from when you file.

After you submit the form online, the EDD will send you a confirmation number. Keep this number. The EDD will also mail you a form called the "Physician's Certification of Disability" (PCD-1). You must have your doctor fill this out and return it to the EDD within 49 days of filing. Without your doctor's signature, your claim will be denied.

Filing by mail or phone if you cannot use the online system

If you do not have internet access or prefer to file by mail, you can request the paper Claim for Disability Insurance form by calling the EDD at 1-888-209-8124. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific time. Tell them you want to file for SDI, and they will mail the form to you.

Fill out the form completely and mail it to the address the EDD provides. Include copies of your driver's license or ID and any medical records you already have. Mail it certified or with tracking so you know when it arrives. The EDD receives thousands of forms each week, and tracking helps if your paperwork gets lost.

You can also file by phone with an EDD representative, though wait times are often long. Call the same number and ask to file over the phone. The representative will ask you the same questions as the online form and will create your claim while you are on the call.

What documents and medical records you need

Before you file, gather these documents: your Social Security number, your California driver's license or ID number, your date of birth, and the dates you worked for your current employer. You will also need the name and phone number of your doctor or the clinic where you have been treated for your condition.

The most important document is the Physician's Certification of Disability (PCD-1), which your doctor must complete. This form asks your doctor to confirm that you have a medical condition, describe what that condition is, and state that you are unable to work because of it. Your doctor does not need to write a long letter—the PCD-1 form itself is what the EDD needs. Ask your doctor's office how long it takes them to complete this form; some offices take weeks.

If you have already seen a doctor about your condition, ask them for copies of your medical records and any test results. You do not have to send these with your claim, but having them ready speeds things up if the EDD asks for more information. Medical records show the date you first reported your symptoms and what your doctor found, which helps prove your claim is real.

How long the process takes and what happens next

From the day you submit your claim to the day you get a decision usually takes two to three weeks. The EDD will review your form and your doctor's certification. If everything matches up and your doctor confirms you cannot work, the EDD will approve your claim and send you a Notice of information in the mail.

Once approved, you will receive a debit card in the mail—not a check. This card is loaded with your weekly benefit amount. SDI in California pays you weekly, and the amount is typically 55 to 66 percent of your regular weekly wages, up to a maximum amount that changes each year. The exact percentage depends on how much you earned before your disability began.

Your benefits last for up to 52 weeks from the date your disability began, not from the date you filed. If you are still unable to work after 52 weeks, you may be able to extend your claim, but you will need new medical certification from your doctor.

If the EDD denies your claim, they will send you a Notice of information explaining why. You have the right to appeal within 30 days. An appeal means asking the EDD to reconsider, usually with additional medical evidence or a written explanation of why you disagree with their decision.

The difference between SDI and workers' compensation

If your disability is work-related, you file with California's Division of Workers' Compensation, not with SDI. Workers' compensation covers medical treatment and lost wages if you are injured or become ill because of your job. The process is different: you report the injury to your employer, your employer files a claim with their workers' compensation insurance, and you work with an insurance adjuster rather than the EDD.

Workers' compensation typically pays a higher percentage of your wages than SDI does, and it can last longer than 52 weeks. However, you cannot file for both programs at the same time for the same disability. If you are unsure whether your condition is work-related, ask your employer or call the Division of Workers' Compensation at 1-800-736-7401.

What to do if your claim is denied

The EDD denies claims most often because the doctor's certification is incomplete or because the medical evidence does not show that you are unable to work. If your claim is denied, read the Notice of information carefully—it will tell you exactly why.

You have 30 days from the date on the notice to file an appeal. To appeal, fill out the form included with the notice and mail it back to the EDD, or call the EDD and ask to appeal over the phone. When you appeal, you can submit additional medical records, a letter from your doctor explaining your condition in more detail, or a written statement from you explaining why you believe the decision was wrong.

If you appeal and the EDD still denies your claim, you can request a hearing before an administrative law judge. This is a more formal process, and you may want to talk to a lawyer or a disability advocate. Many legal aid organizations in California offer free help with disability appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work part-time while receiving SDI?

You can work part-time, but your SDI benefit will be reduced by the amount you earn. If you earn more than a certain amount per week, you may not receive any SDI that week. Report any work you do to the EDD, because failing to report earnings can result in overpayment and you will have to repay the money.

What if I do not have a regular doctor?

You can see any licensed physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant to get the Physician's Certification of Disability form completed. If you do not have a doctor, contact your local health department or a community health center to find a provider. Some clinics offer low-cost or free visits for people without insurance.

How much money will I receive each week?

Your weekly benefit is 55 to 66 percent of your regular weekly wages, up to a maximum amount set by the state each year. The EDD will calculate this based on your earnings in the year before your disability began. The exact amount will be in your Notice of information after your claim is approved.

Can I file for SDI if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can file for SDI if you have a valid Social Security number and have worked in California. Citizenship is not required. If you do not have a Social Security number, you cannot file for SDI.

What happens if I recover before 52 weeks?

If you return to work before your 52 weeks are up, tell the EDD right away. Your benefits will stop, and you will not receive payments for weeks you are working. If you do not report that you have returned to work, you may be overpaid and will have to repay the money.