All employees are required to contribute to the cost of the California
State Disability program. Below is a brief overview of the benefits you
are entitled to through the State of California.
California State Disability
A disability is defined as any mental or physical illness or
injury which prevents you from performing your regular or customary work
(California Unemployment Insurance Code, Section 2626). State Disability
Insurance is designed to provide an employee with a percentage of their wages
based upon the amount of wages earned in a 12 month period of time. This time is
known as your base period.
To be eligible to receive State Disability Insurance
benefits, you must meet all of the following requirements:
- Be unable to perform your regular or customary work.
- Have a loss of wages because of your disability.
- Be disabled at least eight calendar days
- Be under the care and treatment of a doctor or practitioner who certifies
that you are disabled.
- Files a claim with in 48 days of the date you become disabled. (This time
frame may be extended if you establish good cause for filing late)
- Be employed or actively looking for employment when your disability
begins.
- Have earned at least $300 from which SDI taxes were withheld during a
previous 12-month base period.
Current weekly benefit amount ranges from $50 to $490, with a maximum of 52
times this weekly benefit or the total wages earned in your base period,
whichever is less. Note that the first seven days of a disability claim are not
payable. The first step in applying for SDI benefits is to complete a SDI claim
form, DE 2501 and have your medical provider certify that you can no longer
perform your regular job duties. Once submitted, a check is normally received
within 14 days.
For further information and materials related to SDI, please contact your
local Employment Development Department (EDD):
Oakland (510) 577-2300
Sacramento (Customer Service
Center) (916) 227-0220
San Francisco (415) 749-7400
San Jose (408)
277-9499
Santa Rosa (707) 576-2095
Or online at www.edd.cahwnet.gov
SDI - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I have to be working for a certain amount of days/ months/
years to be eligible for SDI?
A: Eligibility for SDI is based in the earnings shown in your base
period. Your base period does not include wages paid at the time your disability
begins.
Q: Are self-employed individuals eligible for SDI?
A: Self-employed individuals or employers may be eligible for SDI under
a program called Disability Insurance Elective Coverage (EC). EC premiums are
based on the net profit you reported on IRS schedule SE for the previous tax
year. Weekly benefit amounts range from $50 to $490, up to a maximum of 39 weeks
and are determined using the quarterly income credits as reported on the IRS
Form 1040, Schedule SE. EC applications may be obtained through your local
Employment Tax Customer Service Office (ETCSO) or EDD Tax Branch.
Q: How many days must you be off work to receive SDI
Benefits?
A: You must be disabled at least 8 calendar days (this includes the 7
day waiting period) to collect benefits.
Q: How do you determine my weekly benefit amount for SDI? How much
will I receive?
A: Weekly benefit amounts are calculated using a base period. A base
period covers 12 months and is divided into four consecutive quarters or three
months each. The following chart will help you determine the base period for
your claim:
|
If your claim begins in February, March or April
& |
Your base period is the 12 months ending last September
30. |
|
If your claim begins in May, June or July & |
Your base period is the 12 months ending last December
31. |
|
If your claim begins in August, September or October
& |
Your base period is the 12 months ending last March
31. |
|
If your claim begins in November, December or January
& |
Your base period is the 12 months ending last June
30. |
Q : My doctor says I will be disabled for over a year. How long can
I collect SDI benefits?
A: You may collect up to 52 weeks of full SDI benefits, or the amount
of wages in your base period, which ever is less.
Q: If I am pregnant, can I file a claim for SDI benefits? Is so, for
how long?
A: Yes. The usual disability period for a normal pregnancy is up to
four weeks before the expected delivery date and up to six weeks after the
actual delivery date. However, the doctor may certify a longer period if the
delivery is accomplished by Cesarean section, if there are medical
complications, or if the claimant is unable to perform her regular job
duties.
Q: I was on disability for a few weeks and now my doctors tell me I
can return to work part-time. Will I still receive SDI benefits?
A: Yes, SDI will pay benefits up to your regular salary, limited to the
amount of your weekly benefit. That is, SDI will "make up" the difference
between your "regular" salary and your new wage loss. However, this will never
be in excess of your weekly benefit rate. Since each situation is different, if
you return to work on a part-time basis, please contact SDI for
clarification.
Q: If I regularly work part-time, am I still eligible for SDI
benefits?
A: You may receive benefits as long as you have at least $300 in gross
wages in your base period, are suffering a loss of wages, and meet other basic
eligible requirements.
Q: If I know of someone who is defrauding the SDI program, what
should I do?
A: If you suspect or know of SDI fraud, contact SDI or call the EDD
Fraud Tip Hot-Line at 1-800-229-6297.
