Disability Insurance – Eligibility FAQs

Yes, you may still be eligible if:

• Your job is based in California.
• You pay into State Disability Insurance (listed as CASDI on your paystub).
• You meet all the other eligibility requirements.

Where you live does not impact eligibility. If you think your are eligible, file a claim and let us decide.

Yes. You may get benefits if all your jobs fall in your base period and your employers take State Disability Insurance (SDI) out of your paychecks. Your paystubs will list this as CASDI. Your base period is wages you earned 5 to 18 months before your disability claim begins. You must have at least $300 in wages in your base period. If you think you are eligible, file a claim and list each job on your application and the last day you worked for each employer when you apply for benefits.

No. You may have wages from a prior job that qualifies. We base eligibility on the earnings shown in your base period. Your base period is wages you earned 5 to 18 months before your disability claim begins. You must have at least $300 in wages in your base period. Those wages must have been subject to the SDI tax deduction (withholding).

 If you think you are eligible for disability, file a claim. We will review your eligibility for benefits.

Legal precedent has determined certain seasonal workers may qualify if:

• Their disability starts in the off-season
• They have not left the labor market

If you think you qualify, file a claim. We will review your eligibility for benefits.

Yes. Health care providers may certify a patient as disabled for State Disability Insurance benefits if the patient’s job requirements pose a danger to the health of a pregnant patient or the fetus. If your licensed health professional finds that it is not medically safe for you to perform your normal or usual work due to exposure to pesticides, you can apply for disability.

No. You cannot receive Disability Insurance and Unemployment Insurance benefits at the same time.

State law requires the SDI program and contributions. You can only opt out of Disability Insurance (SDI) if you have an EDD approved:

• Voluntary Plan: Your employer or most employees at your company can apply for a Voluntary Plan to replace SDI. For more information visit: Voluntary Plan Information.
• Religious Exemption: If you follow the faith or teaching of a bona fide religious sect, denomination, or organization whose creed, tenets, or principles depend on only prayer for healing, you may request an exemption. Complete and mail the Religious Exemption Certificate (DE 5067) to the address on the form. If we grant this exemption, you will not be eligible to receive SDI benefits.

Some public entity workers may be eligible if their employer or bargaining unit elects State Disability Insurance (SDI) coverage. This can include city and county public agencies, public school employees, and community college districts. To find out, ask your employer or review your collective bargaining contract.

State of California workers should refer to the State Employees FAQs.

You may still qualify even if your current employer doesn't take part in SDI. If you have wages from a different employer in your base period, you may be eligible for benefits. You can always file a claim and let us decide.

You may be eligible for Disability Insurance benefits during a school break if:

• You are scheduled to work and can provide proof, such as summer school or tutoring records.
• You have a second job during the school break that is not with your school employer.

You are not eligible for benefits if:

• You are receiving full wages and do not have a wage loss.
• You are on a school break period and do not normally work for extra income by teaching summer school, tutoring or working another job.

Yes. Elective and cosmetic surgeries may qualify for Disability Insurance. Your physician/practitioner must certify that you are unable to do your usual job duties because of the surgery.

If you think you qualify, file a claim. We will review your eligibility for benefits.

First Seven Days: The first seven days of your DI claim is a non-payable waiting period. Any wages paid by the employer during the waiting period do not conflict with DI benefits.

After the first seven days:

Vacation Pay: Yes, you can receive Disability Insurance (DI) benefits at the same time.

Sick Pay: You cannot receive DI benefits if you’re receiving full sick leave wages. If you receive partial sick leave, you may be eligible for full or partial DI benefits.

Other Pay (including holiday pay): Report all other types of pay to confirm eligibility.

Note: You can ask your employer if they can coordinate benefits with DI. Learn more at Combined Wages With Benefits.

You may qualify for up to 30 days of disability benefits if:

• You live at an approved, residential alcohol rehabilitation facility.
• Your physician/practitioner recommend the rehab facility.
• The facility has a license and certification from the state where it is located.

You may receive an extra 60 days of payments if:

• You stay in the facility for longer treatment.
• Your physician/practitioner certifies that you need the continued residential services.

You may qualify for up to 45 days of disability benefits if:

• You live at an approved, residential drug-free rehabilitation facility.
• Your physician/practitioner must recommend the rehab facility.
• The facility must have a license and certification from the state where it is located.

You may receive an extra 45 days of payments if:

• You stay in the facility for longer treatment.
• Your physician/practitioner must certify that you need the continued residential services.

No, you can’t receive disability benefits if you are in a rehabilitation center due to a criminal violation. This restriction applies to:

• Federal, state, or city penal institutions
• Jails
• Medical facilities
• Public or private hospitals