FAQs – Part-time, Intermittent, or Reduced Work Schedule

I am currently working, but my doctor tells me I must reduce my working hours due to my disability. Can I file a claim for SDI benefits?
Yes. If you are suffering a wage loss, we suggest that you file a claim. After we receive your properly completed claim, we will determine if you are otherwise eligible for SDI benefits.

I was on disability for a few weeks, and now my doctor tells me I can return to work part-time. Will I still get State Disability Insurance benefits?
If you return to work part time and still suffer a loss of wages, we can pay benefits equal to your wage loss but not more than your weekly benefit rate. We will look at what you earned on a weekly basis before your claim began, then subtract what you’re currently earning working part-time. The difference between the two figures is your wage loss, or the amount of wages you are losing by working part-time. If your wage loss is greater than your weekly benefit amount, you will receive benefits at your full SDI rate. If the wage loss is less than your weekly rate, you’ll receive the amount of your wage loss only. For an example of this breakdown, see Part-time Worker.

I regularly work part-time. Am I still eligible for SDI benefits?
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 eligibility requirements.

Can I receive accrued vacation from my employer and still receive SDI benefits?
Yes. Vacation benefits are not in conflict with SDI.

Can I receive sick leave from my employer and still receive SDI benefits?
You cannot receive SDI benefits for any period for which you also receive sick leave wages that are equivalent to your full (or regular) salary. If you are receiving only partial sick leave wages, however, you may be eligible for full or partial SDI benefits.

Can I receive SDI benefits if my employer offers me unallocated leave or paid time off (PTO)?
No. PTO payments are considered the same as sick leave wages if the payments are made as a replacement for sick leave when you are disabled. However, if you are receiving partial PTO and still suffering a wage loss you may be entitled to full or partial SDI benefits.

Can my employer terminate me while I am on disability?
The Employment Development Department has no jurisdiction over issues involving wages, hours of work, or conditions of employment.
You may want to contact the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing, who has responsibility over the above employment and disability issues, including termination during a disability.

If I am terminated while on SDI, will it affect my SDI benefits?
Termination will not interfere with your entitlement to SDI benefits as long as you continue to meet the other eligibility requirements.

My health benefits were discontinued while I was on SDI. What can I do?
The Employment Development Department has no jurisdiction over issues involving the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA). This program, administered by the United States Department of Labor (DOL), provides temporary continuation of health benefits at group rates for certain former employees. For information you may contact DOL at 1-866-275-7922, TTY 1-877-889-5627. In addition, you may wish to read or download the pamphlet about the COBRA program. You may need to download the free Adobe Reader to view and print linked documents.