Workers’ Compensation FAQs

Yes. You can apply for Disability Insurance (DI). However, usually you cannot be paid both workers’ compensation and DI benefits for the same period of time except in limited situations. If you aren’t sure if you’re eligible, file a claim anyway.

A physician/practitioner can help determine if your disability is work related. If you think you have a work-related disability, you must report it to your employer. A physician/practitioner must also submit a medical report to your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier.

Contact the Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Workers’ Compensation to learn more.

The Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) is a state agency that has the authority to resolve workers’ compensation claim issues between injured workers and their employer. If you, your employer, or your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier disagree over issues related to your injury claim, contact the WCAB for assistance. A WCAB judge will hear your side and your employer’s side of the issue and make a decision regarding your case. The Information and Assistance Unit at the WCAB can provide more information about the appeal process and your right to file an appeal.

If you have, or expect to receive, a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit (SJDB) retraining voucher as part of your workers’ compensation benefit, you can still apply for Disability Insurance (DI) benefits. Using your SJDB retraining voucher while you apply for DI benefits will not prevent you from qualifying.

In most cases, you cannot receive Disability Insurance (DI) or Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits for the same period you are receiving Temporary Disability or Permanent Disability benefits from your employer or employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier.

However, if your workers’ compensation weekly benefit is less than your DI or PFL weekly benefit, you could receive the difference between the two rates. Contact SDI for further information.