FAQs – Physicians/Practitioners

• How many days must my patient be off work to receive SDI benefits?
• Will DI benefits cover my patient for elective or cosmetic surgery?
• Will DI benefits cover my patient for substance abuse and/or addiction?
• Can I charge my patients for completing the SDI forms?
• How will the patient’s documents and information be used?

How many days must my patient be off work to receive SDI benefits?
Since every claim for SDI has a seven-day, non-payable waiting period, the patient must be disabled at least eight calendar days to collect DI benefits.

Regarding Paid Family Leave (PFL), every claim has a seven-day, non-payable waiting period; the patient needs to be a caregiver of a sick child, spouse, parent, registered domestic partner or the parent bonding with a new child to collect PFL benefits. The only exception to the waiting period is when a woman transitions from an SDI claim for pregnancy to a PFL claim for bonding with her newborn.

Will DI benefits cover my patient for elective or cosmetic surgery?
Elective and cosmetic surgeries are covered by SDI. The patient must meet the eligibility requirements.

Will DI benefits cover my patient for substance abuse and/or addiction?
Disabilities caused by substance abuse and/or addiction are covered by SDI. There may be some limitations specific to these claims.

Can I charge my patients for completing the SDI forms?
There is no law that prohibits this.

How will the patient’s documents and information be used?
The SDI follows HIPAA, and both state and federal laws in the handling of medical records and information.