What Disability EDD Is

Disability Insurance (DI) is a California state program that pays part of your wages if you cannot work because of a non-work-related illness or injury. It is run by the Employment Development Department, which is why people call it Disability EDD. The program replaces roughly 55 to 66 percent of your regular wages, up to a maximum amount that changes each year.

You do not have to be permanently disabled to receive payments. DI covers temporary disabilities — a broken leg that will heal, surgery recovery, pregnancy and childbirth, or a condition that will improve with treatment. The program also covers partial disability, meaning you can work part-time and still receive a reduced payment.

DI is funded by payroll deductions from your paychecks if you work in California. You cannot choose to opt out. If you have worked in California and paid into the system, you may be able to draw from it when you cannot work.

Key Takeaways

  • Disability EDD replaces part of your wages during a temporary or partial disability caused by illness or injury not related to your job.
  • You must have worked in California and paid DI taxes to be covered, and you typically need a doctor's statement saying you cannot work.
  • The program pays a percentage of your regular wages, with a maximum weekly amount that the state sets each year.
  • You can file a claim online, by mail, or by phone, and the state usually makes a decision within two to three weeks.
  • If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal and request a hearing before a judge.

Who Can Receive Disability EDD Payments

To receive DI, you must meet three basic requirements. First, you must have worked in California and paid into the DI program through payroll deductions. Second, you must be unable to work because of a medical condition — pregnancy, childbirth, a temporary illness, an injury, or a condition that your doctor says will improve. Third, your doctor must certify that you cannot work or can only work part-time.

You do not have to be a California resident to collect DI, but you must have earned wages in California while covered by the program. If you worked in California for only a few weeks and then moved, you may still be covered if you paid into the system during that time.

DI does not cover disabilities caused by work — those are handled by workers' compensation instead. It also does not cover disabilities that are permanent and total, which may fall under Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) instead.

How Much Money You Receive

DI pays you a weekly benefit amount based on your average earnings during a specific period before you filed your claim. The state calculates this by looking at your highest quarter of earnings in the year before your claim started. The weekly payment is roughly 55 to 66 percent of what you earned during that quarter, but it cannot exceed a maximum amount.

The maximum weekly benefit amount changes each year. In 2024, the maximum is set by the state and published on the EDD website. Your actual payment will be lower if your earnings were lower than the maximum threshold.

You can receive DI for up to 52 weeks in a 12-month period. If your disability lasts longer, you may be able to extend your claim, but this depends on the type of disability and whether you continue to meet the program's requirements.

How to File a Claim

You can file a DI claim online through the EDD website, by mail, or by phone. The online method is usually the fastest. You will need your Social Security number, driver's license or ID number, and information about your employer and your earnings.

When you file, you must also submit a medical certification form — usually called a Physician's Certificate — signed by your doctor. This form states that you cannot work or can only work part-time, and it explains why. Your doctor does not need to send this form directly; you can include it with your claim.

After you file, the EDD will send you a notice telling you whether your claim was accepted or denied. This usually takes two to three weeks. If your claim is accepted, you will receive your first payment within two weeks of approval.

What Happens While You Receive Payments

Once your claim is approved, you will receive a debit card in the mail. The state deposits your weekly payment onto this card every week. You can use the card to withdraw cash, pay bills, or make purchases like any other debit card.

You must report any changes to the EDD, including if you return to work, even part-time. If you work while receiving DI, your weekly payment will be reduced based on how much you earn. The EDD has a formula for this: if you earn more than a certain amount per week, your DI payment decreases.

You may also be required to provide updates about your medical condition. The EDD can ask for a new doctor's statement at any time to confirm that you still cannot work. If you do not provide this statement, your payments may stop.

What to Do If Your Claim Is Denied

If the EDD denies your claim, you will receive a written notice explaining the reason. Common reasons for denial include: you did not work in California long enough, you did not pay enough into the DI program, your doctor's statement does not show that you cannot work, or your condition is not covered by the program.

You have the right to appeal a denial. You must file your appeal within 20 days of the denial notice. You can appeal by mail or online through the EDD website. When you appeal, you can submit new medical evidence, a letter from your doctor, or other documents that support your claim.

If you appeal, the EDD will hold a hearing. You can attend the hearing by phone or in person, and you can bring a representative or lawyer if you want. A judge will listen to your case and make a new decision. This process usually takes several weeks to a few months.

How Disability EDD Differs From Other Programs

Disability EDD is a short-term program for people who cannot work temporarily. Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal program for people whose disabilities are expected to last at least 12 months or result in death. If your disability is permanent, SSDI may be a better fit, though you can receive both programs at the same time.

Workers' Compensation covers disabilities caused by your job or a workplace injury. If you were hurt at work, you should file a workers' compensation claim instead of a DI claim.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a federal program for people with disabilities who have very low income and few assets. Unlike DI, SSI is not based on work history. You may be able to receive both DI and SSI, but the programs have different rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I work part-time while receiving Disability EDD?

Yes. DI covers partial disability, so you can work part-time and still receive a reduced payment. The EDD will reduce your weekly benefit based on how much you earn. You must report all work income to the EDD, even if it is only a few hours per week.

How long does it take to get my first payment?

The EDD usually makes a decision on your claim within two to three weeks. If your claim is approved, you will receive your first payment within two weeks after that. In total, you should expect to wait four to five weeks from the time you file until you receive your first payment.

What if my doctor says I can work but I still cannot find a job?

DI only pays if your doctor certifies that you cannot work due to a medical condition. If your doctor says you are able to work, DI will not pay you, even if you are unemployed. Unemployment benefits may be available instead, but those are a different program.

Can I receive Disability EDD and Social Security Disability at the same time?

Yes, you can receive both programs. However, if you receive both, your DI payment may be reduced by the amount you receive from Social Security. The EDD will coordinate the two payments so you do not receive more than your regular wage replacement amount.

What happens to my DI claim if I move out of California?

You can continue to receive DI payments even if you move out of California, as long as you remain unable to work and meet all other program requirements. You must keep the EDD informed of any changes to your address or contact information.