California State Disability Insurance (SDI) is a partial wage-replacement insurance plan for California workers. The SDI program is state-mandated and funded through employee payroll deductions. SDI provides affordable short-term benefits to eligible workers who suffer a loss of wages when they are unable to work due to a non-work related illness or injury or a medically disabling condition caused by pregnancy or childbirth.

SDI coverage "travels" with the worker. Coverage is not dependent on staying with a specific employer.
SDI coverage is mandatory for most California workers.
SDI is nonexclusionary. An eligible worker's coverage cannot be canceled or denied because of health risk factors, pre-existing medical conditions, or hazardous employment.
SDI may pay up to 52 weeks of benefits with a waiting period of only seven days.
Payroll deductions for all covered workers are based on the same low contribution rate.

The Disability Insurance Branch of the California Employment Development Department (EDD) administers California disability insurance plans.

The voluntary plan is a private plan, and it must approved by the director of EDD. It may be substituted for the state plan. Employers and employee groups may establish voluntary plans if the majority of employees and the employer agree to do so. If you are covered by a voluntary plan, the information on this site may not apply to you. Obtain information about your coverage and file a voluntary plan claim through your employer.

Employers and self-employed persons, including general partners, may elect coverage. However, the method of computing benefits for elective coverage participants is not the same as for employees whose coverage by the state plan is mandated. The cost of participating, which is set annually, can be obtained by contacting your local EDD Employment Tax Office. Individuals in family employment not subject to the California Unemployment Insurance Code may also elect coverage at the same rate as employees covered by the state plan and with the same benefits as the state plan. Elective coverage claims are filed in the same manner as state plan claims; however, there are some differences in eligibility requirements from those listed on this site. For additional information or to apply for coverage, contact EDD Disability Insurance Customer Service at 1-800-480-3287 or EDD Taxpayer Assistance Center at 1-888-745-3886.

• Claim Filing & Processing
• Current SDI contribution rate
• Disability Defined
• Office Locations
• Requesting a Claim Form
• Toll-free and TTY / TDD Numbers
• Using the Automated Telephone Information System
• Weekly Benefit Amount Chart