Can I apply for EDD SDI as a self-employed barber with medical restrictions?

You may qualify for SDI if you've been paying into State Disability Insurance through your self-employment taxes. Check your tax documents - look for "CASDI" on your pay stubs or tax forms. If you've been paying in, you can absolutely file a claim through the EDD website. You'll need your doctor to complete the medical certification portion (Form DE 2501) confirming your temporary disability. Apply as soon as possible since there's a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin.

You MIGHT be eligible but only if you enrolled in the Disability Insurance Elective Coverage (DIEC) program. Most self-employed people don't know about this and aren't automatically enrolled! I'm a hairstylist too and learned this the hard way last year when I broke my wrist. Call EDD directly to check if you're enrolled before you waste time filling out forms.

you should apply anyway sometimes they approve you even if your not sure about coverage. my cousin works construction (1099) and got approved last year when he broke his foot. worth a shot right? nothing to lose by trying

Omg this exact thing happened to me as a massage therapist!!! Wrist and shoulder injury that put me out for 3 months. The EDD system is TERRIBLE for self-employed people. I called them 47 TIMES before getting through only to learn I wasn't eligible because I never enrolled in their stupid elective coverage program that NOBODY TELLS YOU ABOUT when you get your business license. The whole system is rigged against small business owners!!

I had a similar situation with a back injury that prevented me from working at my barbershop. If you haven't enrolled in DIEC, you probably won't qualify for state disability. BUT - check if you have any private disability insurance policies through professional associations or that you purchased separately. Some barber associations offer group plans. Also, if your injury happened at work while cutting hair, you might qualify for workers' comp even as a self-employed person (depending on your business structure). Worth looking into both options!

If you're trying to reach EDD to check your coverage status, I highly recommend using Claimyr. I spent 2 weeks trying to get through the phone system without success, then found this service that connects you directly to an EDD agent, usually within 5-10 minutes. Saved me hours of redial frustration! They have a video that shows how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The website is claimyr.com. Worth every penny when you're desperate to speak to someone at EDD about your specific situation.

Since you may not qualify for SDI without DIEC enrollment, look into these alternatives: 1. State welfare programs like CalFresh (food assistance) 2. Check if you qualify for any emergency County General Assistance programs 3. Contact your local Department of Social Services about emergency funds 4. Some professional barber/cosmetology associations have hardship funds 5. Call 211 for referrals to local assistance programs Also, when you recover, I strongly recommend enrolling in DIEC for future protection. It's surprisingly affordable compared to private disability insurance. You can enroll through the EDD website.

One other thing to consider - did you pay into Social Security as part of your self-employment taxes? If your condition might last 12 months or longer, you could potentially qualify for SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), which is different from state disability. It's harder to qualify for, but worth looking into if your medical condition might be longer-term.

Hey Victoria, I feel for you - being self-employed and dealing with an injury is so stressful! While you're checking on your SDI eligibility, don't forget to look into your local resources too. Many cities have emergency rental assistance programs, especially if you have a medical reason for lost income. Also, if you rent your booth space, talk to your shop owner - some are willing to work with you on payment plans during medical leave. And definitely reach out to any barber or cosmetology associations you might belong to - many have emergency funds specifically for situations like yours. Take care of yourself and don't let the stress make your recovery harder!

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the uncertainty about finances while dealing with a painful injury is incredibly stressful. From what others have shared here, it sounds like checking your DIEC enrollment status should be your first priority. Even if you haven't enrolled, I'd still recommend calling EDD directly to confirm your situation since tax situations can be complex and you might have coverage you're not aware of. In the meantime, please don't hesitate to reach out to local food banks and community resources - there's no shame in getting help when you need it, especially when you're dealing with a medical issue that's preventing you from working. I hope your physical therapy goes well and you can get back to doing what you love soon. Your health has to come first, and the financial stress will work itself out with time and the right resources.