The process process for SDI disability starts with your doctor

To explore for State Disability Insurance (SDI) in California, you need a medical certification from your doctor showing you cannot work for at least eight consecutive days. You then submit that form to the Employment Development Department (EDD) along with your claim. The EDD does not accept applications by mail or phone — you must file online through your SDI account or in person at an EDD office.

The entire process typically takes four to six weeks from the time the EDD receives your complete claim. During that time, the EDD will contact your employer and your doctor to verify the information. You do not need to wait for approval before stopping work — you can stop as soon as your doctor says you cannot work — but your benefits will only cover the period after the EDD approves your claim.

Key Takeaways

  • Your doctor must complete a medical certification form stating you cannot work for at least eight consecutive days due to a medical condition, pregnancy, or childbirth.
  • You file your claim online through your EDD SDI account or at an EDD office, not by mail or phone.
  • The EDD will contact your employer and doctor to verify your information, which usually takes two to four weeks.
  • SDI benefits are based on your wages from the past 12 months and replace about 55 to 60 percent of your regular pay, up to a maximum amount that changes each year.
  • You must report any work or income you earn while receiving SDI, even if it is part-time or temporary.

What your doctor needs to provide

Your doctor (or any licensed healthcare provider treating you) must complete the Physician's Certification of Disability form, also called the DI 484 form. This form asks your doctor to state the date your condition began, when you became unable to work, and when you might be able to return to work. The form does not need to explain your diagnosis in detail — your doctor only needs to confirm that you cannot perform your regular work duties.

Your doctor can submit this form directly to the EDD, or you can bring the completed form with you when you file your claim. If your doctor submits it directly, make sure they have your correct Social Security number and date of birth so the EDD can match it to your claim. You can ask your doctor's office for a copy for your own records.

How to file your claim online

To file online, go to the EDD website and log into your SDI account. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one using your Social Security number and date of birth. Once you are logged in, select "File a New Claim" and choose "Disability Insurance" as the claim type.

The online form will ask for your personal information, your employer's name and address, the date you stopped working, and the reason you cannot work. You will also need to upload or attach your doctor's certification form. The EDD recommends having your most recent pay stub and your employer's information ready before you start, so you can complete the form in one session.

After you submit your claim online, you will receive a confirmation number. Write this down — you will need it if you contact the EDD about your claim status. The EDD will send you a letter within two weeks confirming that your claim was received.

Filing in person at an EDD office

If you prefer to file in person, you can visit any EDD office in California. Bring your Social Security card or other ID, your doctor's certification form, and a recent pay stub. You can find your nearest office on the EDD website and check the hours before you go, as some offices have limited hours or require an appointment.

When you arrive, tell the staff member you want to file an SDI claim. They will help you complete the form and answer questions about your work history and medical condition. Filing in person usually takes 30 to 45 minutes. You will receive a confirmation number on the spot.

What happens after you file

Once the EDD receives your claim, they will send you a letter with your claim number and the date they received it. This date is important because your benefits can only start from the date the EDD receives your complete claim, not from the date you stopped working.

The EDD will then contact your employer to verify your wages and employment status. At the same time, they will contact your doctor to confirm the information on the certification form. This verification step usually takes two to four weeks. If the EDD needs more information from you, they will call or send you a letter.

If your claim is approved, you will receive a letter stating your weekly benefit amount and the date your benefits begin. The first payment usually arrives within one to two weeks after approval. If your claim is denied, the letter will explain why and tell you how to appeal.

Your weekly benefit amount and payment schedule

Your SDI benefit is based on your wages during a 12-month period before you stopped working. The EDD calculates your weekly benefit by dividing your total wages by 52 and then paying you about 55 to 60 percent of that amount. The exact percentage depends on your situation — for example, if you are receiving workers' compensation at the same time, your SDI benefit may be reduced.

The maximum weekly benefit amount changes each year. In 2024, the maximum is $1,540 per week, but most people receive less because their wages are lower. The minimum is $50 per week. You can see the current maximum on the EDD website.

The EDD pays benefits by debit card (the EDD Debit Card) or by direct deposit to your bank account. You choose your payment method when you file your claim. Payments are usually made every two weeks on a schedule the EDD provides.

Reporting work or income while receiving benefits

If you work or earn any income while receiving SDI, you must report it to the EDD. This includes part-time work, self-employment income, or any other money you earn. The EDD does not automatically know about your income, so it is your responsibility to tell them.

You report income by logging into your SDI account or by calling the EDD. If you earn income during a week, your SDI benefit for that week may be reduced or eliminated, depending on how much you earn. The EDD will explain how this works in your approval letter.

If you do not report income and the EDD finds out later, you may have to repay the benefits you received for those weeks. This is called an overpayment, and the EDD can recover it by reducing future benefits or asking you to repay it directly.

What to do if your claim is denied

If the EDD denies your claim, the denial letter will explain the reason. Common reasons include: your doctor did not certify that you cannot work, you did not have enough wages in the past 12 months, or your condition does not meet the definition of disability under California law (which requires that you cannot perform your regular work for at least eight consecutive days).

You have 30 days from the date of the denial letter to file an appeal. To appeal, you can submit a written request to the EDD or call the number on your denial letter. An appeal hearing is usually held by phone within 30 to 60 days. You can bring documents or have your doctor provide additional information to support your appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I file for SDI if I am self-employed?

Self-employed workers in California can pay into SDI voluntarily and then file for benefits if they become disabled. If you are self-employed and did not pay into SDI, you cannot file for benefits. Check with the EDD to see if you have an SDI account and what your coverage status is.

How long can I receive SDI benefits?

SDI benefits can last up to 52 weeks within a 12-month period. If you are still unable to work after 52 weeks, you may be able to file for State Disability Insurance Extension (SDIE) for an additional 52 weeks, but only if you have a serious health condition. Your doctor must certify that you still cannot work.

What if my employer fires me while I am on SDI?

Your employer cannot legally fire you because you filed for SDI or took disability leave. If this happens, you may have a claim for wrongful termination. Contact the California Department of Industrial Relations or a lawyer who handles employment law to learn about your options.

Do I have to pay taxes on my SDI benefits?

SDI benefits are considered taxable income by the federal government, though California does not tax them. You may owe federal income tax on your benefits. The EDD does not automatically withhold taxes, so you may want to set aside money or make estimated tax payments. Talk to a tax professional about your situation.

Can I file for SDI if I am on workers' compensation?

You can file for SDI even if you are receiving workers' compensation, but your SDI benefit will be reduced. The EDD will coordinate your benefits so that the total you receive does not exceed your regular weekly wage. Your workers' compensation insurance company and the EDD will communicate with each other about your case.