FAQ – Workers’ Compensation

• What is the difference between Workers’ Compensation (WC) benefits and State Disability Insurance (SDI) benefits?
• I was hurt at work. Can I still file for SDI?
• I am not sure if I should pursue this as a work-related disability. Who can I talk to?
• I was told to file an appeal with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). What is it, and what does it do?
• I am receiving rehabilitation benefits (or maintenance allowance). Can I still get SDI benefits?

What is the difference between Workers’ Compensation (WC) benefits and State Disability Insurance (SDI) benefits?
SDI pays a weekly benefit when an injury or illness is NOT caused by or related to your work. SDI benefits are paid for a temporary period of time only. WC helps workers when their injury or illness is work-related. WC may also pay medical bills, benefits for temporary or permanent disabilities, and retraining benefits.

I was hurt at work. Can I still file for SDI?
You can file an SDI claim, but usually you cannot be paid both WC and SDI benefits for the same period of time except in limited situations. For example, we may pay interim benefits if your employer or your employer’s WC insurance carrier denies or delays WC payment, or we may also pay the difference in rates if your WC benefits are less than your SDI benefits. If SDI does pay you benefits while your WC case is pending, we will file a lien to recover those benefits when you resolve your WC case.

I am not sure if I should pursue this as a work-related disability. Who can I talk to?
Your doctor may be able to help you determine if the cause of your disability is work-related. If you believe you have suffered a work-related disability, you must report it to your employer and have your doctor submit a medical report to your employer’s WC insurance company.

I was told to file an appeal with the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). What is it, and what does it do?
If you, your employer, or your employer’s WC insurance carrier disagrees over issues regarding your WC claim and you wish to appeal that disagreement, contact the Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB), the California state agency through which you file your appeal. A judge from the WCAB will hear both your side and your employer’s side of the issue and make a determination regarding your case. The information and Assistance Officer at the WCAB can provide more information about the WC appeal process and your right to file an appeal.

I am receiving rehabilitation benefits (or maintenance allowance). Can I still get SDI benefits?
If you are receiving Temporary Disability, Vocational Rehabilitation Temporary Disability, or Maintenance Allowance from your employer’s WC carrier, you generally cannot receive SDI benefits. However, if your WC benefits are less than your SDI benefits, you may be able to receive the difference between the two rates. Contact SDI for further information.