Confused about CA State SDI vs. employer Short Term Disability after surgery - which to file?

You should absolutely apply for California State Disability Insurance (SDI) ASAP!!! The state program covers most CA employees regardless of company size. You pay into it through those "SDI" deductions on your paystub. The employer short-term disability is totally different - it's optional coverage your employer might provide as a benefit (but many small companies DON'T offer it). Don't wait any longer or you might lose benefits for the weeks you've already been out!!!

The previous comment is correct that you should apply for CA SDI right away, but I wanted to add some important details. State Disability Insurance (SDI) is what most California workers qualify for because it's funded through mandatory payroll deductions. It typically replaces about 60-70% of your wages, up to a maximum benefit amount. There's a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and you can receive benefits for up to 52 weeks if medically necessary. Employer-provided Short Term Disability (STD) is separate, optional insurance that some employers offer as part of their benefits package. It might provide different coverage percentages or have different waiting periods. You would need to check your employee handbook or benefits documentation to see if your company offers this. If you do have both, they usually coordinate benefits rather than providing double coverage. Many employer STD plans are designed to supplement state disability.

Same thing happened to me last year after my kidney surgery!! I was off for 8 weeks and the CA state disability was a lifesaver. I work for a small retail shop (only 9 employees) and we don't have any fancy benefits. Just apply on the EDD website for SDI - only took me like 20 minutes. They'll send paperwork to your doctor to verify everything. Don't stress about the 7-day waiting period - it just means your benefits start on day 8, but once approved you'll get backpay to that point.

You need to apply for State Disability since CA requires it. Your boss should know this as a CA employer honestly. The waiting period is annoying but you'll get about 60-70% of your regular pay which helps. If you have a problem calling EDD though (which you probably will), use Claimyr.com to get through to an actual person at EDD. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd I was on hold for DAYS trying to fix an issue with my claim but Claimyr got me through in like 20 minutes. Definitely worth it when you're already stressed about being out of work.

jst to make this clear - the CALIFORNIA DISABILITY (SDI) is wat ur payin for out of ur check every month (look at ur paystub). The employer Short Term Disabilty is EXTRA insurance ur company might buy for u - most small companies dont have this unless they got relly good benefits. So ur prolly only eligible for the state SDI but thats fine, itll give u most of ur salary while ur recovering. My husband did this after his back surgery and it was pretty easy.

Since you mentioned you're new to this process, here's what to expect when filing for CA SDI: 1. File your claim online through SDI Online (edd.ca.gov/disability) 2. You'll need to create an account if you don't have one 3. The system will generate a receipt number 4. Your doctor needs to complete their portion certifying your medical condition 5. There's a 7-day waiting period (not payable) 6. Benefits typically begin when properly completed claim is received 7. Payments are usually issued within 14 days of completed application 8. You'll get approximately 60-70% of your wages If your doctor hasn't already certified your disability, contact their office right away to ensure they complete this crucial step. Small medical offices sometimes need reminders to complete the EDD forms.

I got so confused with all this disability stuff too. When I applied for state disability last year they kept sending me letters saying my claim was incomplete because my doctor didn't submit something? But my doctor insisted they did. It was a huge mess and I couldn't get through to anyone on the phone. But I think the state disability is definitely what you need based on what you described.

Update: I just applied for the CA State Disability! The form wasn't too bad but I got confused about the "first day of disability" vs "last day worked" part. I put the day of my emergency surgery as the first day of disability, and the day before that as my last day worked. Hope that was right. Now I just need to make sure my doctor submits their part. Thank you everyone for your help!!