Can I file CA disability with out-of-state employer? Working in Vegas but paying CA taxes

YES u can file! The key is if ur paying into CA SDI which sounds like u are (check ur paystub for DI withholding). I commuted from San Diego to Tempe AZ years back and got disability when I broke my leg. CA residency + paying CA SDI taxes is what matters, not where the job physically is.

As the previous commenter mentioned, you absolutely can file for CA SDI in your situation. What matters is whether you've paid into the CA SDI system through payroll deductions, not where your employer is based. Since you confirmed you have SDI deductions on your paystubs, you're eligible. Few tips for your application: 1. Make sure your doctor completes the medical certification promptly 2. Keep documentation of your CA residency handy 3. Your base period for calculating benefits will still be based on CA SDI wages 4. Your condition (stage 3 lymphoma) definitely qualifies as a valid medical condition FYI: The EDD website has information about out-of-state situations, but their phone representatives can give you specific guidance for your case.

my cousin had similar situation but opposite - lived in Vegas but worked in CA. EDD denied him cause he wasn't a CA resident even tho he paid into system. so maybe double check your specific case?

The whole system is BROKEN!!!! I paid into CA disability for 15 YEARS and when I needed it they denied me over some stupid technicality about my doctor's paperwork. FIFTEEN YEARS of payments and nothing when I needed it!!!! Good luck dealing with their bureaucratic nightmare!!!

If you're having trouble reaching someone at EDD to get a definitive answer about your cross-state situation, you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com). It's a service that helps you get through to an actual EDD representative without waiting for hours. I was skeptical at first but it actually worked for me when I had a complex SDI question about my pregnancy disability claim. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd With a serious medical condition like lymphoma, you really need precise answers specific to your situation, not general advice from a forum. A 10-minute call with an actual EDD rep could save you weeks of stress.

I moved to Nevada last year but kept my job in California (remote now). Im still paying CA taxes including SDI. My HR dept said I can still get CA disability if needed even tho I dont live there anymore as long as Im paying into system. So if your situation is reverse (CA resident, NV job) and youre paying CA SDI, seems like you should qualify.

To add to what others have said, you should file your SDI claim as soon as possible. There's a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and then it can take 2-3 weeks for the first payment to process. With stage 3 lymphoma, you don't want to delay accessing these benefits. I recommend applying online through SDI Online rather than by paper. Make sure your doctor knows they need to complete their portion promptly - many claims get delayed because the medical certification isn't submitted quickly. One other tip: when you fill out the application, there will be a section asking about your work information. Just enter your employer's information exactly as it appears on your pay stub, regardless of the state. The system is designed to handle out-of-state employers for California residents.

i hope your feeling ok with your diagnosis. cancer is awful my mom had it too. make sure you apply for all the programs not just disability there might be other help available too.

Since you've confirmed you're paying into CA SDI, here's what will happen with your claim: 1. Your weekly benefit amount will be calculated based on your highest-earning quarter during the base period (typically 5-18 months before your claim) 2. For 2025, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,620, minimum is $50 3. Your benefit amount will be approximately 60-70% of your regular wages 4. With your diagnosis, you can likely receive benefits for up to 52 weeks if medically necessary 5. Your FMLA leave and SDI can overlap - they're separate programs The fact that your employer is in Nevada doesn't change any of this. The key is that you're a California resident paying into the CA SDI system.

I went through something similar when I was living in Sacramento but working remotely for a company in Arizona. The determining factors for CA SDI eligibility are: 1) California residency (which you have), 2) paying into CA SDI through payroll deductions (which you confirmed), and 3) having a qualifying medical condition (stage 3 lymphoma definitely qualifies). The location of your employer or where you physically work doesn't disqualify you. Since you're a CA resident and your employer is correctly withholding CA taxes including SDI, you should be good to go. One thing to watch out for - make sure your medical provider understands the urgency of completing their certification. With cancer treatment, timing is critical both medically and financially. Also, consider asking your oncologist's office if they have experience with disability paperwork, as some offices have staff specifically trained to handle these forms efficiently. Wishing you strength through your treatment. Focus on getting better - the SDI system is there to support you during this time.

I'm so glad you found all this helpful information in the thread! As someone who's navigated CA disability claims before, I want to emphasize one more important point: keep detailed records of everything throughout this process. Save copies of your application, all medical documentation, correspondence with EDD, and your pay stubs showing SDI deductions. Also, if you haven't already, consider setting up the EDD online account early in the process - it makes tracking your claim status much easier than calling. You can upload documents directly through the portal too. Your situation with living in CA but working in Nevada while paying CA taxes is actually more common than you might think, especially near state borders. The system is designed to handle these cases. Focus on your health and treatment - you've got the financial support piece figured out. Best of luck with everything!

Just wanted to add one more resource that might help - if you're dealing with the financial stress while waiting for your SDI to process, many cancer centers have social workers or patient advocates who can connect you with additional financial assistance programs. Some pharmaceutical companies also offer patient assistance programs for cancer medications that can help reduce treatment costs. The American Cancer Society has a helpline (1-800-227-2345) where they can provide information about local resources for financial support during treatment. Don't hesitate to ask for help - there are more support systems available than most people realize, especially for cancer patients. Take care of yourself!

I'm a newcomer here but wanted to share that I recently went through the CA SDI application process for a different medical condition while living in a border situation (San Diego area, working part-time in Tijuana but paying CA taxes). The application was surprisingly straightforward once I confirmed I was paying into the system. One thing that really helped me was calling my payroll department directly to get a letter confirming my SDI contributions - it wasn't required but gave me peace of mind to have that documentation. Also, when you're dealing with cancer treatment, see if your medical team has a patient navigator or case manager. They often know the disability paperwork process inside and out and can help ensure nothing gets missed or delayed. The community here has given you excellent advice. You're in a much better position than you might think - CA residency plus SDI contributions is really what matters. Wishing you strength through your treatment journey.

As someone who works in benefits administration, I can confirm that your situation is absolutely eligible for CA SDI. The key factors are crystal clear: you're a California resident and you're paying into the CA SDI system through payroll deductions. The physical location of your work or your employer's state of incorporation is irrelevant. A few practical tips for your application: - Apply online through SDI Online as soon as possible to start the clock - Make sure your oncologist knows they need to complete the medical certification within 10 days of receiving it - Keep your most recent pay stubs handy showing the SDI deductions - Your weekly benefit will be roughly 60-70% of your average weekly wages Given that you're dealing with stage 3 lymphoma, you'll likely qualify for the full 52 weeks of benefits if medically necessary. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise - your cross-state work situation is completely normal and handled by the system regularly. Focus on your health and treatment. The financial support you need is there.

I just wanted to add my support and say how wonderful it is to see such a helpful community here. Reading through all these responses as someone new to this forum, I'm amazed by how knowledgeable and caring everyone has been with their advice. For what it's worth, I had a friend in a very similar situation - California resident working in Arizona - who successfully received CA SDI benefits for a serious medical condition. The process went smoothly once they confirmed they were paying into the system. Since you mentioned worrying about next month's mortgage payment, one additional suggestion: if you haven't already, consider reaching out to your mortgage company to explain your medical situation. Many lenders have hardship programs or temporary payment modifications available for people going through cancer treatment. It never hurts to ask, and it could provide some breathing room while your SDI claim processes. Sending you positive thoughts for your treatment and recovery. You've got this, and you've definitely got the support you need both medically and financially!

I'm new to this community but wanted to share some encouragement after reading through this incredibly helpful thread. As someone who went through a serious illness last year (not cancer, but required months off work), I can relate to that overwhelming feeling of trying to navigate medical treatment while worrying about finances. What strikes me most about your situation is how well-positioned you actually are - you're a CA resident paying into SDI, which is exactly what the system is designed for. The cross-state work arrangement that initially confused you is actually pretty straightforward from the SDI perspective. One small tip I'd add: when you're going through treatment and dealing with SDI paperwork, consider designating a trusted family member or friend as your "point person" for handling administrative tasks if you start feeling too unwell during treatment cycles. Having someone who can follow up on paperwork, make calls, or track deadlines can be invaluable when you need to focus entirely on healing. You've received amazing advice here, and it's clear you have a solid plan moving forward. Wishing you strength and healing through your treatment journey!

Welcome to the community! I'm new here too and just wanted to say how impressed I am with all the detailed, supportive advice you've received. Your situation is actually quite common for people living near state borders - I have several colleagues who live in California but work in Nevada or Arizona while maintaining CA residency and tax obligations. One thing I'd add that might help with your peace of mind: consider taking screenshots or photos of your pay stubs showing the SDI deductions before you submit your application. Having that visual documentation saved on your phone can be helpful if you ever need to reference it quickly during phone calls with EDD. Also, since you mentioned the 2-hour commute to Vegas, you might want to document that your primary residence and life are clearly established in California (voter registration, driver's license, utilities, etc.) - not that it should be necessary given your tax situation, but it never hurts to have that information organized just in case. You're doing everything right by getting this process started promptly. Cancer treatment is exhausting enough without financial stress on top of it. Focus on getting better - you've got the support system figured out!