Can I get EDD SDI benefits for surgery with only 1 month at new job?

u need to have paid into SDI in the past 18 months to qualify. doesn't matter if it was at ur current job or previous one. so if you were working in CA before you should be ok

The good news is that SDI eligibility is based on your base period earnings, not your current employer. California looks at wages paid 5-18 months before your claim starts. So if you were working and paying into SDI during that period (which it sounds like you were at your previous job), you should qualify regardless of how long you've been at your new position. Make sure your doctor completes the medical certification portion of your claim form (DE 2501) properly indicating the 6-8 week recovery period. Apply for SDI as soon as possible after your last day worked before surgery. Your benefit amount will be based on your highest quarter earnings during the base period, so your benefits will reflect your previous job's wages if they were higher.

Just to add some clarification - SDI is not like some other benefits that have employer-specific requirements. It's a state insurance program you pay into through payroll deductions (look for "CASDI" on your paystubs). Your benefit amount will be approximately 60-70% of your wages during your highest-earning quarter in the base period. Don't confuse SDI with FMLA/CFRA job protection, which DOES require you to be at your current employer for 12 months before qualifying. SDI provides wage replacement but not job protection. Since you're new at your job, check with your HR about their medical leave policies. While they aren't required to hold your position by law, many companies have their own policies for medical leaves even for newer employees.

BE CAREFUL!!! I thought the same thing but my claim got denied because they said my base period didnt have enough wages!!!! They look at specific quarters not just the past 18 months in general!!! You should check the EDD website and find the base period calculator to make SURE you qualify before taking time off!!!

When I applied for disability last year after my shoulder surgery, I spent THREE WEEKS trying to get through to someone at EDD to answer questions about my claim. I'd call as soon as they opened and still couldn't get through! So frustrating. I eventually used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got connected to an EDD agent in about 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Saved me so much stress during an already stressful time. Just mentioning it since you might need to talk to someone at EDD about your specific situation with changing jobs.

just fyi unemployment is NOT AN OPTION AT ALL!!!!! u cant get UE if ur not able 2 work cuz of medical reasons!!!! u have to be able & available 4 work 2 get UE benefits. disability is the only option when ur recovering from surgery

One more important detail: there's a 7-day waiting period for SDI benefits. This means your first week of disability isn't paid. So if your doctor authorized 6 weeks of recovery, you'd receive payments for 5 weeks. Plan your finances accordingly. Also, make sure you understand the claim filing deadlines. You must file your claim within 49 days from the date your disability begins, or you may lose benefits. Complete the claim form online through SDI Online for fastest processing.

i had knee surgery last october and i gotta say the paperwork part was harder than the actual surgery lol. make sure u get ur doctor to fill out their part of the form RIGHT AWAY cuz that's what usually causes the delays!!

To summarize what others have said and add some additional information: 1. Your eligibility is based on base period earnings (wages approximately 5-18 months before your claim date), so your previous job counts toward eligibility. 2. You need to have earned at least $300 during your base period and paid SDI taxes on those wages. 3. Your weekly benefit amount will be approximately 60-70% of your highest quarter earnings during the base period, up to a maximum of $1,685 per week in 2025. 4. There's a 7-day unpaid waiting period. 5. Your claim can be backdated up to 49 days if needed, but it's best to file as soon as possible. 6. SDI provides wage replacement but not job protection. Check with your HR about their medical leave policies. 7. If you have any private short-term disability insurance through your previous or current employer, check if you're eligible for those benefits as well. Sometimes you can receive both SDI and private disability. Good luck with your surgery!