Do I qualify for SDI with only 1 month of employment? What's the base period?
Hey everyone, I'm trying to figure out if I qualify for SDI. I've only been employed for about a month and I'm not sure if that's enough time to be eligible. I can't work right now because of a non-work-related injury. Does anyone know what the base period is for SDI and if I have a chance at qualifying? Also, if I don't qualify, are there any other options I should look into?
24 comments


Sean Matthews
The base period for SDI is typically the 12-month period that starts 5-18 months before your claim begins. It's divided into four quarters. You need to have earned at least $300 in wages subject to SDI deductions during this time to qualify. With only a month of employment, you might not meet the requirements. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news š
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Mikayla Brown
ā¢Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. Thanks for the info tho. Any idea what other options I might have?
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Sean Matthews
ā¢You could look into unemployment benefits or local community resources. Some cities have emergency assistance programs. Also, check with your employer - they might have some short-term disability options even for new employees.
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Ali Anderson
ā¢man, the system is so messed up. how r ppl supposed to survive if they get hurt right after starting a new job? š¤¦āāļø
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Zadie Patel
I was in the same boat last year! It suuuucks. Have you tried calling EDD directly? Sometimes they can give you more specific info about your situation.
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Mikayla Brown
ā¢I've been trying to get through to them for days. It's impossible to reach a real person!
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A Man D Mortal
ā¢Pro tip: call right when they open. Like, set an alarm and everything. It's still a pain, but your chances are way better.
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Declan Ramirez
Hey, I found a way to actually get someone on the phone at EDD. I used this site's (claimyr.com) calling tool that dials the phone menu, stays on hold, waits for a live agent to pick up, then sends the call to my phone. It does cost $20, but it works. Here's a video about it: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ
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Emma Morales
ā¢Sounds sketchy. Is it legit?
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Declan Ramirez
ā¢Yeah, it's totally legit. I was skeptical too, but I was desperate and it actually worked. Saved me hours of frustration.
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Katherine Hunter
ā¢20 bucks to talk to someone at EDD? That's highway robbery! š”
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Declan Ramirez
ā¢I get it, but for me it was worth it. Time is money, and I was wasting so much time trying to get through on my own.
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Lucas Parker
Here's what you need to know about SDI qualification: ⢠The base period is the 12-month period approximately 5-18 months before your claim starts ⢠It's divided into four quarters ⢠You need to have earned at least $300 in wages subject to SDI deductions during your base period ⢠Your disability must be expected to last for at least eight consecutive days ⢠You must be under the care and treatment of a licensed physician/practitioner within the first eight days of your disability ⢠You must have lost wages because of your disability or be unemployed ⢠You must complete and submit a claim form within 49 days of becoming disabled If you don't qualify for SDI, consider these alternatives: 1. Unemployment benefits (if you're able to work) 2. Local community resources or charities 3. Short-term disability through your employer (some offer it even for new employees) 4. State or county general assistance programs 5. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Hope this helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.
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Mikayla Brown
ā¢Wow, thank you so much for this detailed info! This is super helpful. I'll definitely look into those alternatives.
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Donna Cline
ā¢This should be pinned to the top of the sub tbh šÆ
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Harper Collins
have u tried gofundme? i know its not ideal but sometimes u gotta do what u gotta do
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Kelsey Hawkins
The whole system is rigged against us, man. Rich get richer, poor get poorer. smh
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Dylan Fisher
ā¢Preach! š The gap just keeps getting wider
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Edwards Hugo
ā¢lets not turn this into a political discussion guys
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Gianna Scott
Quick question - what kind of injury do you have? Some specific injuries might qualify you for other types of assistance.
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Mikayla Brown
ā¢It's a back injury from moving furniture at home. Nothing work-related.
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Gianna Scott
ā¢Oof, back injuries are the worst. Make sure you're seeing a good doctor and following their advice. Sometimes pushing too hard can make things worse in the long run.
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Keisha Taylor
I'm really sorry you're going through this! Being injured with such little work history is a tough spot. Since you likely won't qualify for SDI with only a month of employment, definitely look into those local assistance programs Lucas mentioned. Also, don't forget about food banks and utility assistance programs - they can help stretch whatever income you might have. Have you checked if your county has a 211 helpline? They usually have info on all the local resources available. Wishing you a speedy recovery! š
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Aria Park
ā¢Thank you so much for the kind words and suggestions! I hadn't heard of the 211 helpline before - that's really helpful. I'll definitely look into that and the food bank options too. It's scary being in this situation but this community has been amazing with all the advice. Really appreciate everyone taking the time to help out! š
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