Disability Insurance Eligibility Requirements

In order to be eligible for DI benefits, you must:

• Be unable to do your regular or customary work for at least eight days.
• Have lost wages because of your disability.
• Be employed or actively looking for work at the time your disability begins.
• Have earned at least $300 from which State Disability Insurance (SDI) deductions were withheld during your base period. Learn more with Calculating Benefit Payment Amounts.
• Be under the care and treatment of a licensed physician/practitioner or accredited religious practitioner within the first eight days of your disability. The date your claim begins can be adjusted if it does not meet this requirement. You must remain under care and treatment to continue receiving benefits.
• Complete and submit your Claim for Disability Insurance (DI) Benefits (DE 2501) no earlier than nine days after your first day of disability begins but no later than 49 days, or you may lose benefits.
• Have your physician/practitioner complete the medical certification portion of your disability claim.
  • A nurse practitioner may certify to a disability within their scope of practice.
  • A licensed midwife, nurse-midwife, or nurse practitioner may complete the medical certification for disabilities related to normal pregnancy or childbirth.
  • If you are under the care of an accredited religious practitioner, you may download and print the Claim for Disability Insurance Benefits-Religious Practitioner’s Certificate (DE 2502) (PDF).

A note for misclassified workers: If you think your employer has misclassified you as an independent contractor, you should still apply for DI and let us decide your eligibility.

Additional Information

• Citizenship and immigration status do not affect eligibility.
• Your employer will be notified that you have submitted a DI claim. However, your medical information is confidential and will not be shared with your employer.
• School employees are not eligible for DI benefits when receiving full wages or for school break periods unless they normally work another job during the school break for extra income. Visit Disability Insurance – Eligibility FAQs or Contact DI for more information.

Note: An independent medical examination to determine your initial or continuing eligibility may be required.