If you work in California and cannot work due to a non-work illness, injury, or pregnancy, the state EDD disability program can replace part of your income. Officially called State Disability Insurance, it is a valuable benefit many workers do not fully understand. Here is how EDD disability works and how to apply. Rules and rates change, so verify current details with the EDD.
What EDD Disability Is
California Employment Development Department runs State Disability Insurance, or SDI, a short-term benefit for workers who cannot work because of a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy and childbirth. Note that work-related injuries go through workers compensation instead, not SDI. SDI is funded entirely by worker payroll deductions, so if you have seen SDI taken out of your paycheck, you have been paying into this program.
How Much It Pays
SDI replaces a portion of your wages. Under recent changes, the benefit now replaces up to 70 to 90 percent of wages, with lower-wage earners receiving the higher percentage. As of 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is around $1,765, though the exact figures adjust yearly. Because it is based on your prior wages rather than a work-history formula, SDI can replace a meaningful share of income during a temporary disability.
How Long It Lasts
SDI is short-term. You can receive benefits for a single disability for up to 52 weeks. This makes it a bridge for temporary conditions and recovery periods, unlike Social Security Disability, which is for long-term or permanent disabilities. If your condition will last much longer or is permanent, you would look to Social Security Disability, and you can receive California SDI while a Social Security claim is pending.
Paid Family Leave
Part of the same program is Paid Family Leave, which provides benefits to care for a seriously ill family member or to bond with a new child, currently up to eight weeks, using the same wage-replacement formula. So the EDD program covers not only your own disability but also time to care for family, which is valuable for new parents and caregivers. It is worth knowing both parts exist.
How to Apply
You apply for SDI online through the myEDD system, or by paper form, and you will need a licensed medical provider certification of your disability. To be eligible, you must have paid into SDI, have lost wages due to the disability, and be unable to do your regular work for at least eight consecutive days. Applying promptly and getting your medical certification submitted are the keys to starting benefits without delay. See our guide to charities that help with medical bills for related help.
Other States With Similar Programs
California is not alone, though most states have no such program. A few other states, including New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Hawaii, run their own state disability insurance programs, with different durations and amounts. If you work in one of these states, check your state program for similar short-term disability benefits. If you are in a state without one, short-term disability may only be available through an employer or private policy, making Social Security the main public option for longer disabilities.
Coordinating With Other Benefits
SDI often works alongside other support. Because it is short-term, people whose conditions last longer frequently apply for Social Security Disability while receiving SDI, bridging the gap until the federal benefit begins. SDI generally does not affect your ability to pursue those other benefits, though you should report income accurately. If your disability is work-related, remember that workers compensation, not SDI, is the right channel. Understanding how SDI fits with Social Security, workers compensation, and any private coverage helps California workers maintain income through both short and long disabilities.
How Your SDI Benefit Is Figured
California SDI pays a share of your past wages. The exact amount depends on your earnings.
The state looks at your highest-earning quarter in a base period. Lower earners now receive a higher percentage of their wages. There is a maximum weekly benefit that changes each year. When you apply, the EDD calculates your specific weekly amount.
If Your EDD Claim Is Denied
Not every claim is approved at first. You have the right to appeal an EDD decision.
The denial notice explains the reason and the appeal deadline. Act quickly, since the window is limited. An appeal is reviewed by an administrative law judge. Providing complete medical certification up front helps avoid a denial in the first place.
EDD Disability FAQs
What is EDD disability?
California State Disability Insurance, a short-term benefit for workers who cannot work due to a non-work illness, injury, or pregnancy.
How much does SDI pay?
Up to 70 to 90 percent of wages, with a maximum weekly benefit around $1,765 as of 2026, adjusted yearly.
How long can I receive SDI?
Up to 52 weeks for a single disability. It is a short-term program, unlike Social Security Disability.
How do I apply?
Online through myEDD or by paper form, with a licensed medical provider certification of your disability.
What is Paid Family Leave?
Part of the same program, providing benefits to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child.
Do other states have this?
A few, including New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Hawaii, though most states have no state disability program.
