Can someone qualify for EDD SDI with an ITIN number after multiple surgeries?

Unfortunately, your dad likely won't qualify for SDI benefits. California EDD requires a valid Social Security Number (not an ITIN) to receive disability benefits. This is true even if SDI deductions were taken from his paychecks. It's one of those unfair situations where people contribute to the system but can't access benefits. Has his employer offered any paid leave options?

cant he just use his employers info?? my cousin did that once i think and got money for like 6 weeks when he broke his leg

I had a similar situation with my mom! She had ITIN too and paid into SDI for YEARS. When she needed disability benefits after her surgery they denied her right away because of no SSN. It made me SO ANGRY because they take the money but don't give benefits!! We tried calling EDD about a million times but kept getting disconnected or put on eternal hold. The system is TOTALLY BROKEN and discriminates against tax-paying workers!!!

This is a common misunderstanding about California disability insurance. To clarify some facts: 1. SDI eligibility requires a valid Social Security Number, not an ITIN 2. Even though SDI deductions are taken from paychecks of ITIN holders, they cannot claim benefits (yes, this is fundamentally unfair) 3. This is a state-level policy, not something individual EDD representatives can override Your father might want to look into these alternatives: - State disability insurance programs in other states (if applicable) - Private disability insurance if offered through his employer - County medical services programs (varies by location) - Hospital charity care programs for the medical bills - Community-based organizations that provide assistance to workers regardless of status I recommend contacting your county's social services department to ask about available local resources for your specific situation.

My brother went thru this back in 2023. Even tho he couldn't get EDD benefits, he found help with medical bills thru the hospital's financial assistance program. Tell your dad to ask for the financial counselor at the hospital where he had surgery - most big hospitals have programs to reduce or eliminate bills for people who qualify based on income. Won't solve the lost wages but might help with the medical debt part.

I work with immigrant communities on benefits issues. Some additional resources your father might consider: 1. Health consumer advocacy groups (Health Access CA, etc.) can sometimes help navigate medical bills 2. Some labor organizations offer hardship funds regardless of immigration status 3. Certain community clinics provide low-cost follow-up care 4. Some cities/counties have worker relief funds for those who don't qualify for state programs Also, if SDI was deducted incorrectly when he wasn't eligible to receive benefits, he might have a case to reclaim those deductions through a tax professional. This wouldn't help immediately but could provide some retroactive relief.

so wait they just take money from people's checks even tho those people cant get the benefits?? how is that legal???

Did your dad's employer give him any paperwork about his rights while he was out? Sometimes companies have their own short-term disability insurance that's separate from state disability. My uncle's company had this and it didn't need SSN, just proof he worked there. Might be worth asking HR if they have anything like that!

I'm sorry to hear about your father's situation. This is unfortunately a common issue that affects many hardworking people. While the SSN requirement for SDI benefits is frustrating, I wanted to mention a few additional things that might help: 1. Some unions have hardship funds available to members regardless of immigration status - if your dad is union member, definitely check with them 2. 211 (dial 2-1-1) is a helpline that can connect you to local resources for financial assistance, food, and medical bill help 3. If he's considering going back to work soon, make sure his doctor clears him first - returning too early could cause complications that lead to more medical bills Also, keep all documentation of the SDI deductions from his paystubs. As others mentioned, there might be options to recover those contributions through tax channels. It's worth consulting with someone who specializes in tax issues for workers with ITINs. I hope your father recovers fully and that you're able to find some financial relief through the community resources people have suggested here.

I'm really sorry your family is going through this difficult situation. As others have mentioned, the SSN requirement for SDI is unfortunately firm, even when contributions have been made through ITIN. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - if your father has been with the same company for 7 years, he might qualify for unpaid leave protection under California's Family and Medical Leave Act (CFRA) or federal FMLA. While this doesn't provide income, it could protect his job while he recovers and give him more time to explore other financial assistance options. Also, some churches and community organizations have emergency assistance funds specifically for medical situations, regardless of immigration status. Even if your family isn't religious, many faith-based organizations help anyone in the community who's struggling. The situation with SDI contributions being taken but benefits unavailable really highlights how broken parts of our system are. Your father has been contributing to California's economy and tax base for years - he deserves better support during his recovery.

I'm so sorry your father is dealing with this situation. The ITIN/SSN barrier for SDI benefits is incredibly frustrating, especially when he's been paying into the system for years. A few additional resources that might help: - Many hospitals are required by law to offer charity care programs - don't just ask at the billing office, specifically request to speak with a "financial counselor" or "patient advocate" - Legal aid organizations sometimes have workers' rights clinics that can review if the SDI deductions were proper and explore options for recovery - Some community health centers have sliding scale fees for follow-up care that might be much cheaper than regular doctor visits Also, document everything - keep copies of all his pay stubs showing SDI deductions, medical records, and any correspondence. This documentation could be valuable if policies change in the future or if there are legal avenues to pursue. The system is definitely broken when hardworking taxpayers like your father can't access benefits they've been paying for. I hope he has a full recovery and that some of the community resources others have mentioned can provide some relief during this difficult time.

I'm really sorry your father is going through this difficult situation. The ITIN/SSN requirement for SDI is unfortunately one of those policy gaps that affects many hardworking people who contribute to the system but can't access benefits when they need them most. Based on what others have shared, I'd also suggest looking into: - Worker centers in your area - organizations like the National Day Laborer Organizing Network often have resources for workers regardless of status - Credit union hardship programs - some credit unions offer emergency loans or assistance programs for medical situations - GoFundMe or similar crowdfunding - sometimes community support through online fundraising can help bridge the gap during recovery Since your dad has been with the same employer for 7 years, that's actually a huge asset in terms of job security and potentially accessing employer-specific benefits that others might not have mentioned yet. The fact that he's been paying into SDI for so long really highlights how unfair this situation is. While it doesn't help immediately, keeping detailed records of those contributions could be important if there are future policy changes or legal challenges to this system. I hope your father heals well and that some combination of the resources people have shared here can provide some relief during his recovery period.