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Zainab Yusuf

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

I'm really confused about my eligibility for CA disability benefits. I physically live in California but commute to Las Vegas for work (about 2 hours away). My employer is based in Nevada, but they withhold California state taxes from my paycheck since that's my residence. I was recently diagnosed with stage 3 lymphoma and had to take 8 weeks of continuous FMLA leave for my first round of treatments. Now I'm looking at needing at least another 10 weeks off, and my doctor says I shouldn't be working at all right now. Can I apply for CA State Disability Insurance even though my job is physically in Nevada? I checked my pay stubs and there are definitely SDI deductions coming out. Has anyone dealt with cross-state disability claims before? I'm really worried about how I'm going to pay my mortgage next month if I can't get some income replacement.

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.

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Zainab Yusuf

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Thank you!! That's such a relief to hear. Did you have any issues with the application process? Did you have to explain the cross-state situation or did they just process it normally?

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Yara Khoury

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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.

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Zainab Yusuf

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This is extremely helpful. I've been trying to call EDD to confirm all this but haven't been able to get through to anyone. I'll make sure my oncologist knows he needs to complete the medical certification ASAP.

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Keisha Taylor

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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?

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Yara Khoury

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That's a completely different situation. Your cousin didn't qualify because CA SDI requires California residency. The original poster lives in California and pays California taxes (including SDI contributions), so they qualify regardless of where their employer is based. The residency requirement is what makes the difference.

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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!!!

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Paolo Marino

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I'm sorry that happened to you, but your situation sounds different than what OP is asking about. Most people who have the right documentation don't run into those problems. The doctor certification is really important though - OP should make sure their oncologist fills everything out completely.

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Amina Bah

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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.

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Zainab Yusuf

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Thanks for the tip! I'm going to check this out. You're right that I need definitive answers given my situation. I don't want to waste time if there's a way to get through to EDD directly.

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Oliver Becker

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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.

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Yara Khoury

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Actually, your HR department gave you incorrect information. California SDI requires California residency - not just contributions. If you're now a Nevada resident, you wouldn't qualify for CA SDI benefits even if you're still paying into the system (which technically shouldn't be happening if you're truly a Nevada resident now). The original poster's situation is different because they maintain California residency while working in Nevada.

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Paolo Marino

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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.

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Zainab Yusuf

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Thank you for these specific tips. I'll apply online right away and make sure my doctor knows how important the prompt certification is. Good to know about the employer information section too - I was worried about how to handle that.

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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.

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Zainab Yusuf

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Thank you for your kind words. I'm sorry about your mom. The treatments are really tough but I'm trying to stay positive. Do you know what other programs might help? Right now I'm just focused on replacing some income while I can't work.

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Yara Khoury

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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.

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Zainab Yusuf

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This is incredibly helpful information. I had no idea the benefits could last up to 52 weeks if needed. That's a huge relief since my treatment plan is expected to last about 9 months total. Thank you for breaking down how the calculation works too!

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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.

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