Applying for California SDI Benefits

This video gives an overview of California State Disability Insurance (SDI). First, I talk about the difference between SDI and other government programs. Then, I explain who’s eligible for SDI, the amount of benefits you can get, how long benefits last, how to apply, and how to appeal if your claim is denied.
0:00 Introduction
0:23 Different Government Programs
1:56 Eligibility
4:33 Benefit Amount and Duration
5:51 Applying
6:16 Appealing
SDI Benefits Calculator:
edd.ca.gov/Disability/PFL_Cal...
SDI Base Period:
www.edd.ca.gov/Disability/Cal...
This video only provides general legal information and is not legal advice. Laws are nuanced, frequently change, and vary by jurisdiction, so you should not rely on this information without consulting an attorney about your particular situation.
Thank you to Drea Núñez for helping this come together.
Matthew Junker is a civil rights attorney based in San Diego, California. He represents employees in cases of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and wage theft. You can reach him at [e-mail].

[@LonjeMarie7]

Thank you this was extremely helpful you made it very very simple and it wasn’t a very long video absolutely perfect. I don’t even need to search for another video.

[@stephenmontgomery4551]

Thanks Brother for making such good videos! Especially the speed and tone of speech helps ALOT👌

[@calilove6103]

This video is extremely helpful. It explains everything I needed to know.

[@robertlee3805]

Extremely good video best I’ve seen > thank you Matt !

[@abelvargas5473]

excelent information ! Thank you

[@sallycouponbeginer]

Very well articulated !

[@matthewjunker]

Thank you!

[@mariamagdalenaquijano1166]

Thank for your explaining that is clear.

[@ElyJaffeMusic]

very helpful video, thank you!

[@Sterling-rk3db]

Excellent information man. This was super helpful and answered almost all my questions. Thank You so much for this informative video. I learned quite a bit. Looking forward to more of such great content

[@matthewjunker]

Thank you so much for the very kind comment. I really appreciate the encouragement!

[@pattylovestocook4238]

Very helpful thanks

[@esmeraldarivera2262]

Thanks

[@Freddytacvbito]

Do you have a video tutorial on how to apply for FMLA ?

[@paularcher4338]

Hi question. I served the waiting period for 7 days and got first payment in week 2 .. so does SDI pay weekly? For up to my first month? Or do I need to file an extension every week?

[@otiladesper3923]

I was on disability for a back problem . I went back to work for 1month. It says online that since it was under 60 days and same back injury that I don’t have to refile. My Dr already sent the paperwork electronically to EDD. EDD received it. But is there anything that I have to do on my end? With EDD? Because no where on EDD’s website does it explain? And I spent 5hrs trying to call them. And if my union doesn’t get my disability paperwork from disability I can lose my job I have had for 29years.

[@rosachavez3933]

I have a question so my 14 days is up and it shows what I’m expect to receive but an activity where it shows like payments and stuff it shows seven days which I know I don’t get paid and then the other side it shows determination what does that mean

[@drooble5214]

Sustained a lower back injury on the job and the employer had no worker’s compensation or insurance coverage at the time of the incident, if I apply for DI who covers the benefits since the employer doesn’t pay “covered employment”?

[@jessejames5335]

Good morning sir. Just got approved for California State Disability. Im not protected by FMLA or CFRA. Ive only been working there for a little under 3 months. If im laid off due to not being able to perform my duties, am I eligible for medical or medicaid? We are given the choice for COBRA insurance but it's expenisve.

[@traildreamer...]

For eight days of disability that you mention at 2:34, does this only pertain to working days? For example if one works a particular job two days a week, then eight days of disability would be over the span of a month? Thank You...

[@salmendoza9482]

how do you send your medical for continued pay

[@marcoarias6048]

My SDI login won’t let me it says Something went wrong in our system try again later and every time I try it still says the same something went wrong with our system try again later what can I do

[@EG-mm8yl]

Hi Mathew, I have a question. Can you receive SDI and retirement benefits (Full retirement age reached) at the same time? Can you qualify in that kind of situation. Note: Workers' compensation 2 year period ended last month

[@kr568]

What if you were got injured on 9/08/2021 and you submit application on November 22?? Do You think they will approve me?

[@raulaquino468]

Hello Matthew, can I be eligible for SDI benefits or Paid Family Leave benefits if I miss work because I have to care for a parent who had surgery?

[@mackjones8409]

I'm currently on SDI and also just approved to start collecting my union pension, can I collect both simultaneously?

[@edwingone2682]

Can i use vacation pay and SDI benifits for the same pay perod even if it exceeds 100 percent of my salary?

[@waynegreen3854]

I missed the 49 day deadline due to medical condition vision issues and medical provider issues. Can I still apply, my application has been on file for over 49 days while getting certificate from physician.

[@TristanG21]

Greetings I plan on getting a surgery that involves my leg broken. I don’t have workers compensation. Should I apply before or after surgery? Your response is appreciated Kind regards

[@juansarabia7530]

Fall 2022 - expect delayed benefits or no access/benefits at all. I have given up on application.

[@rafaelsanchez6036]

Hello, great video. I need your help, my wife didn’t apply for sdi benefits while she was pregnant because we simply didn’t know about it. However, after our daughter was born, we learned about PFL and we applied for it but when we applied for PFL they told us we needed to apply for SDI first even when our daughter was already born. After applying for SDI we are being rejected because we didn’t apply when my wife was pregnant, so how can my wife get her PFL benefits if they want us to apply for SDI before applying for PFL but SDI keeps rejecting us?? Help please

[@compasscompassion]

Great Info. What if: I am applying for ca state disability but I had a different employer 5 months ago…do I give the state that info?

[@lovefello2000]

Morning, it's been over 14 days and I haven't received my determination for SSDI benefits is that normal? I've got the copy tatian but not the determination.

[@yeyeyeyesuh2]

I’m pregnant and need to go on disability leave. I know fmla requires that you’ve been at your job for 1250 hrs. I’ve been at my job for only 5 months. I switched jobs 5 months ago but have been working full time for years. Does DI require the 1250 hours at the same employer as well?

[@mae5407]

Is it possible to claim SDI if I choose to give birth outside the US? What’s the process for doing so? Can my doctor in California still provide the certification?

[@marcylovel4053]

How is the SDI calculation work? My company said they cover 10% and edd cover 60%. I thought sdi is something we contributed in our paystub. How is that 10% work provided by the company? Thanks,

[@chiso_pani]

Thanks for the great info! I have 2 questions for you- First one--I had an injury outside the work place. My employer asked me to file the claim with the EDD California even though i had short term disability insurance through my work. Is this something normal? And Second one is--i just received the denied letter because i was not able to file the claim within 49 days. I was injured outside the country while visiting the family and i was treated outside the country. When i came to California after the treatment of injury it was already more than 49 days. Do you think i have good reason for appeal? Thank you!!

[@matthewjunker]

It sounds like the employer has a Voluntary Plan. If that's the case, you still go through the EDD. Here is more information: edd.ca.gov/Disability/Employer_Voluntary_Plans.htm I have not faced that situation, but being out of the country sounds like a good reason for missing the deadline. Good luck!

[@lonelyheart3462]

@@matthewjunker When is SDI closing ??.. thanks

[@mizmilz6153]

Website never lets me file

[@ramiztobia6823]

I apply at the same day I don’t wait 8 days to apply

[@mias7078]

does the waiting period includes weekends too or just regular business day?

[@matthewjunker]

The seven-day waiting period includes weekends.

[@Daleko1r]

What's about the last week on being on disability, is that paid?

[@lChoqolatita]

Hi, thanks for this video! It was really helpful. I was given the physical form of Part A and B. But I have a question, can I fill out part A (my information) online, and then fill out Part B (practitioners part) by hand and send it by mail? Thank you!

[@AnDitaLee]

Yes you can. When using the online file option you should see a prompt that allows you to authorize provider access to your case. Be sure that you talk to your provider to find out exactly how this prompt should be completed. At our hospital, patients must authorize "AMCA" or "Highland Hospital" not the doctor by name. Once complete you will get a receipt number. Make note incase you or your doctor have trouble.

[@charlesbagsby4963]

Can I move to another state if I receive sdi in California

[@joshuajoshua7257]

I recently was denied paid family leave because I was told I had zero wages paid into SDI. I didn't know that was possible or that they were connected. I work for the state of ca I am surprised by the fact that I wasn't informed by the personnel office. Now I am stuck using my own time to bond. Doesn't seem right at all.

[@matthewjunker]

I'm sorry. It really is unfair. There should be a program to help people in your situation.

[@joshuajoshua7257]

@@matthewjunker thanks. It's manageable. I would imagine that EDD is cutting out a lot these days. I'm not starving.

[@Sophia-pd9ir]

Hi, thanks for making this helpful video. What happens if my formal employer doesn't respond the EDD notice(de2503) after my SDI claim is filed?

[@matthewjunker]

Thank you! The point of the DE 2503 form is to give the employer a chance to dispute any information you submitted to the EDD. So, if the employer doesn't respond, I believe the EDD will just assume what you told them is correct and continue processing your claim.

[@Sophia-pd9ir]

@@matthewjunker Thanks for your response! I applied SDI claim more than three weeks ago, and I haven't received any letter from EDD. It takes longer than normal processing time(14 days). I'm wondering the longer processing time is normal or not in this Covid-19 period.

[@matthewjunker]

@@Sophia-pd9ir Yeah, the EDD is really overwhelmed due to COVID, so that could be the issue.

[@Sophia-pd9ir]

@@matthewjunker I see.. I will wait for it. Thank you for your response again! :)

[@jaimeeellis2840]

so I am struggling I got fired because my attendance wasn’t stellar over the last 20 years. So I have over a a 50% or more percentage of hearing loss… basically 65 decibal range puts me in the range 40-60 moderate to severe and above that you are almost legally deaf. I have an audiologist since 2015 however she cat sign disability papers. So I go see urgent care great to meet pcp. I think going to pcp with copies of tests, files and more should be enough from audiologist from 2015 but no so what else can I do ? fishould have been enough . Pcp says specialist has to sign specialist says pcp

[@HienNguyen-je2rz]

Thank you for the info. Can I travel outside the US while getting SDI? If yes, how long is the max?

[@Michael9-23-15]

Good question, I was just wondering myself. I heard 1 month a year.

[@fabulousfinds1045]

Tou didnt mention applying while caring for a family member??

[@paulineanne2369]

Can't even get through on the phone and online systems sucks I can't even sign up

[@lisafarmen9367]

Hello Matthew, How much do you charge for a consultation please? I would like to schedule call appt. Please. Thank you, Lisa Farmen

[@tiffanysalling4272]

I'm on ADA medical leave and its job protected

[@destinychagolla9807]

What happens if you submitted your claim earlier than 9 days from when your disability began?

[@anastasiabeaverhousing8192]

Nothing

[@1969gph]

Thank you… Question… I’m having knee surgery, not work related. I have Short term disability insurance coverage from work. Can I receive both SSDI and my Short term DI from work?

[@victoriahernandez1700]

Did you find the answer to this question? I’m running into a similar situation.

[@1969gph]

The answer was no. You have to choose one. If you apply for both, you will find yourself with both cutting you off when they find out you are double dipping. And end up getting charged for what ever they gave you until you straighten out the mess. So choose wisely. I get more from my works temporarily disability insurance so that’s what I get. And I have no issues. Hope that helps.

[@KR-jc9ki]

Do acl and meniscus tears count as a disability, I’m have surgery soon and I can’t really work at my current job because of my injury

[@matthewjunker]

They count as a disability if they prevent you from doing your normal job for at least eight days. So, it sounds like the answer is yes. You can talk to your doctor if you're not sure what your limitations will be after the surgery.

[@KR-jc9ki]

@@matthewjunker I’ve on been medical leave Since July for majority of time, tried going back to work but it’s to physical for me even with a a accommodation, I just applied for disability through edd but I don’t know if they will approve me since I just started working in November of last year when I was 18 or so

[@matthewjunker]

​@@KR-jc9ki I hope it works out! Good luck.

[@lonelyheart3462]

@@matthewjunker When is SDI closing?

[@nayblue510]

Hi, I’m so new to this disability insurance. My check stub gets deducted a small portion as “SDI employee withheld” is that the deduction towards SDI insurance?

[@kattyhernadez7892]

Did you do the cash hack program yet I did cash hack and i got paid $20,000 in just a couple of hours

[@mikesou5112]

@@kattyhernadez7892 how

[@kattyhernadez7892]

@@mikesou5112 this is %100 legitimate this is a program I did a few days ago a friend of mine referred me to the lady who helped me with the program I invested in the program and I got my claim

[@kattyhernadez7892]

@@mikesou5112 you can reach out to the woman who got me paid be assured that she is going to get you paid trust me she is a life saver if you had seen the situation I was in before I got through to her

[@kattyhernadez7892]

She is on Instagram

[@alicialennox3762]

This video is very informative! Thank you :) If my employer doesn't respond to EDD form DE 2503, how will EDD know how much money I've made? Will they inform me to provide income verification?

[@kattyhernadez7892]

Did you do the cash hack program yet I did cash hack and i got paid $20,000 in just a couple of hours

[@ccagrad2002]

@@kattyhernadez7892 what is this program?

[@kattyhernadez7892]

@@ccagrad2002 This is %100 legitimate this is a program I did a few days ago a friend of mine referred me to the lady who helped me with the program I invested in the program and I got my claim

[@kattyhernadez7892]

@@ccagrad2002 you can reach out to the woman who got me paid be assured that she is going to get you paid trust me she is a life saver if you had seen the situation I was in before I got through to her

[@kattyhernadez7892]

She is on Instagram

[@hijackhickory]

Do you have to pay taxs on SDI?

[@matthewjunker]

California does not tax SDI benefits. The federal government usually does not either, but there is one exception. If you are receiving unemployment, then become ill or injured and start receiving SDI instead, your SDI is considered a substitute for unemployment benefits. This is the one situation where SDI is taxable by the federal government (but not California). If this situation applies to you and your benefits are taxable, you will usually receive a notice with your first payment and a Form 1099G for your federal tax return.

[@shannonjensen9754]

What happens to your claim if your doctor either doesn't fill out the medical form or provide a work status report? My doctor doesn't seem like she's going to.

[@matthewjunker]

Your claim will be denied if your doctor does not certify the disability and fill out the necessary paperwork.

[@shannonjensen9754]

@@matthewjunker I figured as much. There's nothing I can do is there?

[@matthewjunker]

@@shannonjensen9754 If you believe the doctor is not handling the situation correctly, you can try visiting another doctor.

[@melvabanks8973]

If you visit another doctor and Is waiting for a appointment and while you are waiting to see that doctor how can you get paid for that time u are waiting I got a letter of determination and was denied because they say I was not under a doctor's care

[@destinychagolla9807]

Did you have to make at least $300 from your job in your base period or did you have to have at least $300 taken away from your checks for SDI?

[@anastasiabeaverhousing8192]

Make

[@SmallnaCalifa]

hi, can international students who have a disability and live in california apply for one of these options?

[@matthewjunker]

Have you earned income in California?

[@shannonjensen9754]

Can you apply and receive UI benefits after your SDI claim ends?

[@matthewjunker]

Yes, if you meet all the requirements: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKPOkmiBYsaaj6s

[@shannonjensen9754]

@@matthewjunker another question I hope you can answer...when someone files for a DI claim do they continue to report to work as scheduled?

[@matthewjunker]

​@@shannonjensen9754 Usually no because the disability prevents the person from being able to do their job. So, it's common for people to stop reporting to work while they wait for their SDI claim to be approved. But if you are worried your claim will be denied and want to keep your job if your claim is denied, it makes sense to keep reporting to work until your claim is approved.

[@shannonjensen9754]

@@matthewjunker ok do you think reporting to work would hurt my chances of approval?

[@matthewjunker]

@@shannonjensen9754 It shouldn't. What matters is what your doctor says.

[@charlesbagsby4963]

If I moved to Arizona, can I still receive sdi from California?

[@tommythompson6263]

Not sure. your local field office would be the one to ask. However, when its time for your re-eval, the case will be transferred to an Arizona FO.

[@zerobob8586]

Dose anyone no if you can get this is you quit your job? unemployed?

[@kattyhernadez7892]

Did you do the cash hack program yet I did cash hack and i got paid $20,000 in just a couple of hours

[@tammycocagne2556]

Disabled?

[@tammycocagne2556]

HR! Help!!!

[@delirocks2909]

Hi, Can u plz help me. i m uber drive with 1099 so can i eligible for this leave or any i really need that. Next week we will have baby. please help me.

[@tommythompson6263]

Hi. congrats on the baby. your question is confusing. because SSI/SSDI is not a leave program it is for disabled people. If you have questions regarding if you qualify for disability benefits call your local social security office. if you have questions regarding FMLA, call your local EDD office. Best of luck to you.

[@tammycocagne2556]

I was work related bezcause of covid

[@MaiaMilaMax]

I don't qualify for FMLA or CFRA because I haven't work with my employee for 12 months. However, they do offer a private Short Term Disability option through a private company, my question is... Can I use both the STD and the CA SDI combined?

[@user-pt1tm6mb5c]

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[@tammycocagne2556]

Hey fu

[@tammycocagne2556]

Churchemployees????

[@tammycocagne2556]

Ughhhhh

[@tammycocagne2556]

Lol weekly benefits lol

[@tammycocagne2556]

Ughhhhhhhhh

[@tammycocagne2556]

Ugh

[@mervanesen1942]

LAN DAMADIN BURDA NE İŞİ VAR 😂😂

[@tammycocagne2556]

SDI ?lol

[@stephenmontgomery4551]

I have a question I was on long term unemployment because of because of coronavirus. the last day I worked my job was 4/15/20 .....I was on unemployment til 9/7/21 (last paycheck from U.I was on 9-13-21) So SDI sent me email called "Request for additional labor market information" D.I Rep. On phone said I had to fill out before they release 1st payment... But it's confusing to me I don't wanna put the wrong thing. it says " Have you recently been looking for work? yes or no? If no please explain why... Well my doctor says I can't go back to work till at least January January of next year So no I have not been looking for work recently (last day I looked for work was 9-12 -21/9-13-21, but I was on ununemployment ... should I put yes or no? And it did not show any of my wages from unemployment I've worked for 15 years 5 to 6 days a week minimum 10 hour days I have so much wages built up it's stupid but they only counted one month so my equis though my equipment fit amount is 167 instead of like 700 a week Yeah can they count my unemployment wages because it was coronavirus problem or can they do a special base period for me? I don't want to have paid into SDI for 15 years and made a lot of income just to be screwed and only have one month counted in my base. I don't want to have paid into SDI for 15 years and made a lot of income just to be screwed and only have one month counted in my base period... Plz help answer if possible 🙏

[@matthewjunker]

Sorry, this is a tough situation. Unemployment insurance is not counted for the base period. I can't give you specific advice on what to do, but, in general, it's important to be honest because if a claimant is not honest and receives benefits they are not eligible for, the EDD can collect the overpayments with a 30% penalty.

[@stephenmontgomery4551]

@@matthewjunker . I'm just wondering is there any way I can get an alternate base. Since I have worked a lot of years in a row and made a lot of income I would hate for that to not reflect on the one time in my life I'm gonna use this probably right now they're only counting 1 month's worth of income from my last job cuz I was on Unemployment for like 16.5 months.. For 15 years prior to this I don't have a Base period Quarter that's less than 13000 and right now they're counting 1 month that I actually worked only 15 days so 3000 in my highest quarter.. I just can't fathom that I'm gonna get a $165 a week instead of like 750 a week it says to call them immediately to discuss yeah it does recalculate base. But I can't get through to them I've been calling since 2 days before even filled out my claim to talk about this exact question Can I get ahold of my local state representative like you can with unemployment insurance to help out?