EDD Disability | Employment Development Department of California

EDD Disability – Overview

The State of California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) is part of the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program. Under this program, eligible individuals are provided partial income replacement benefits.

This program provides financial support to California workers unable to work due to non-work-related illnesses, injuries, or pregnancy. The EDD pays SDI compensation to California workers through employee payroll deductions.

While disability insurance provides monetary benefits, job protection may be provided under other laws like the FMLA. However, you may have job protection through other state or federal laws, such as FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act).

What is EDD Disability

EDD Disability

What is EDD Disability?

The EDD disability insurance (DI) defines disability as any injury or illness (mental or physical) that prevents an individual from performing their regular and customary work. Disability includes conditions like pregnancy, childbirth, and elective surgery, impacting the ability to work.

Several workers’ compensation laws cover work-related disabilities. While EDD DI typically covers non-work-related disabilities, there are specific situations where work-related conditions might be eligible.

Eligible candidates for EDD DI can receive 60% to 70% of their wages, based on their income, soon after the claim is processed, not 5 to 18 months from the claim date. Individuals eligible for EDD DI benefits can receive them for a maximum of 52 weeks.

If you want to receive EDD DI benefits, then you will need to follow the steps given below:

  • File a claim for the EDD DI program through the mail or online
  • Show proof of having earned a minimum of USD 300 in wages, subject to SDI deductions during the 12-month base period of the claim.
  • Your disability must be certified by a licensed medical practitioner or physician.

How Are EDD Disability Benefits Paid

EDD Disability

How Are EDD Disability Benefits Paid?

If you are found to be eligible for EDD DI benefits, then the EDD will issue payments using one of two methods:

Payment by mail – Payments by mail are issued via EDD checks, typically arriving within 7 to 10 business days.

Electronic payment – Electronic payments are directly deposited to a debit card issued in your name by the EDD.

You can expect to receive EDD DI benefits soon after you prove you meet all eligibility requirements. The EDD will authorize your benefits as soon as you are eligible. Benefits are paid after eligibility is proven, typically processed on a daily basis.

This rate is usually around 1/7th of your weekly benefit amount. Remember, you should allow ten days from receiving confirmation for the DI benefits.

How are EDD DI Benefits Calculated

EDD DI benefit amounts are based on the applicant’s wages during a specific 12-month base period. This base period is decided according to the date your claim is in effect.

You should carefully consider the day you start your claim, which may affect your weekly benefit rate. The application date will also determine the maximum benefit amount and the duration of your benefits eligibility.

To qualify, an individual must have earned at least USD 300 during the base period. The month your claim becomes effective determines which of the four consecutive fiscal quarters are used.

For instance, if your claim begins in January, February or March, your base period is considered 12 months, ending on the last date of September. Simply put, if a claim begins on 14 February 2021, the base period is considered from 1 October 2019 to 30 September 2020.

What Will Affect EDD DI Benefits?

If your claim is initially deemed invalid, you may still qualify by proving employment or job-searching efforts for 60 days or more in any quarter of the base period.

Under certain conditions, you may use substitute wages from previous fiscal year quarters to validate your claim or increase your benefit amount. However, the criteria for this include the following:

  • Having served in the military
  • Receiving workers’ compensation benefits
  • Having not worked because of a labor dispute

If your circumstances fit any of the above, you should include a letter, supporting documentation, and the claims form.

EDD Disability – FAQs

Who is eligible for EDD benefits for disabilities?

Employees must fulfill the eligibility requirements to qualify for the EDD disability payments. To be eligible for EDD disability payments, they must be unable to perform their usual employment duties for at least eight days due to illness or injury.

How long do EDD benefits last?

EDD DI payments are available to eligible people for a maximum of 52 consecutive weeks. Candidates who meet the requirements for the EDD DI program receive compensation of up to 60% to 70% of their salary. The amount depends on their income between 5 to 18 months after filing the claim.

What does the California State Disability Insurance Program provide?

The California State Disability Insurance (SDI) program offers Paid Family Leave (PFL) and short-term Disability Insurance (DI)  to eligible employees. If a non-work-related illness, accident, pregnancy, or delivery prevents you from working, you can apply for Disability Insurance (DI).

Conclusion

Applicants have the right to understand the reasoning behind any decision affecting their disability benefits within the EDD DI program. Therefore, you should appeal any decision regarding your eligibility for benefits. You can send the appeal directly to the DI office in writing.

You may request an appeal hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) or appeal the judge’s decision to your state’s Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board and the local civil courts.

Find out more details and information on eligibility criteria and benefits of EDD DI by visiting the official website at https://edd.ca.gov/en/Disability/About_DI.

See Also

Long Term Disability Insurance

Coinsurance vs Copay

Dental Insurance for Senior Citizens

NSO Insurance

EIDL Grant

Current Version
September 17, 2023
Fact Checked By
Andrea Morales G.
March 16, 2024
Updated By
Andrea Morales G.

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