Can someone qualify for EDD SDI with an ITIN number after multiple surgeries?
My father had to take off work for 5 months after having two major surgeries back-to-back. His doctor said he shouldn't work during recovery, but now we're confused about whether he can apply for disability benefits. He pays taxes with an ITIN number (not a Social Security Number). Does anyone know if he's eligible for California SDI disability benefits with just an ITIN? He's been working at the same company for almost 7 years and has had deductions for SDI taken from his paychecks. Would really appreciate any advice because he's worried about the medical bills piling up.
16 comments
Join the conversation
Hazel Garcia
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?
0 coins
Salim Nasir
•Thanks for the reply. That's really disappointing to hear, especially since the money was taken from his checks all these years. His employer gave him 2 weeks of sick leave but that's it. Nothing else was offered. I wonder if there's any way to appeal this or if there are other programs he might qualify for?
0 coins
Laila Fury
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
0 coins
Hazel Garcia
•No, that would be identity fraud and could result in serious legal consequences. EDD cross-references SSNs with other government databases. It's never worth risking legal problems by providing false information on government forms.
0 coins
Geoff Richards
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!!!
0 coins
Simon White
•I was in this exact situation! After constant disconnections trying to reach EDD, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me through to an actual agent within 15 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. While it didn't change the SSN requirement rules, at least I got a clear answer directly from an agent instead of wasting days on hold. Might be worth trying if you need to confirm your specific situation.
0 coins
Hugo Kass
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.
0 coins
Salim Nasir
•Thank you so much for this detailed information. I'll definitely look into the county services and hospital charity care programs. It's just frustrating that the system works this way. Do you know if there's any movement to change this policy at the state level?
0 coins
Nasira Ibanez
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.
0 coins
Salim Nasir
•That's really helpful, thank you! I'll definitely have him talk to the hospital about financial assistance. Every bit helps at this point.
0 coins
Khalil Urso
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.
0 coins
Salim Nasir
•This is incredibly helpful information. I hadn't considered that we might be able to reclaim the deductions. I'll definitely talk to a tax professional about that option, and look into the community resources you suggested. Thank you so much!
0 coins
Laila Fury
so wait they just take money from people's checks even tho those people cant get the benefits?? how is that legal???
0 coins
Hugo Kass
•It's a complicated policy situation. Employers are required to withhold SDI from all employee paychecks regardless of immigration status. The requirement to have an SSN to collect benefits comes from a different set of regulations. While it seems contradictory and unfair, it's currently how the system operates. Various advocacy groups are working to change this, but for now, that's the reality many workers face.
0 coins
Geoff Richards
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!
0 coins
Salim Nasir
•That's a good point! I'll have him check with HR to see if they offer any type of company-specific disability coverage. I'm not very hopeful since it's a smaller business, but definitely worth asking about. Thank you!
0 coins