EDD SDI for COVID-19 in 2025 - Will I get paid with only 7 days off work?
Just tested positive for COVID and my doctor told me to isolate until next Thursday (total of 7 days). I'm wondering if EDD SDI will even pay anything since I know there's typically a 7-day waiting period before benefits kick in. Has anyone successfully received SDI benefits for a short COVID absence? My situation is frustrating because my employer doesn't provide dedicated sick time - we're only allowed to use PTO/vacation hours, which I've completely exhausted this year due to some family emergencies. So I'm basically looking at a week with no income unless SDI might help. Do I even bother applying for such a short period? Will the waiting period make this pointless? Any advice appreciated!
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Kai Rivera
Unfortunately the 7-day waiting period still applies in 2025 for SDI claims. Since you're only out for 7 days total, you wouldn't receive any benefit payment because your entire absence is considered the waiting period. It sucks but that's how the system works. 😕
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Lucas Turner
•Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. So basically I'm just out a week's pay? Is there ANY program that might help in this situation?
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Anna Stewart
The previous commenter is only partially correct. Yes, SDI has a 7-day waiting period, BUT if your disability (including COVID) lasts for more than 14 days total, they will retroactively pay you for that waiting period as well. So if your doctor ends up extending your isolation period beyond the initial 7 days, you could qualify for the full period including those first 7 days. Also, make sure your doctor has actually certified that you're unable to work due to COVID. Just testing positive isn't enough - they need to submit the medical certification stating you cannot perform your regular duties.
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Lucas Turner
•That's really helpful info! My symptoms are pretty bad (high fever, extreme fatigue) so there's a chance my doctor might extend it. I'll check with them about the certification. Thank you!
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Layla Sanders
i had covid last month and got disability but i was out for 3 weeks. they didnt pay for the first week but did for the rest. i think ur out of luck unless u end up being sicker longer (which i dont wish on u!
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Morgan Washington
Some cities in California still have COVID supplemental paid sick leave ordinances that might apply to your situation, even if your employer doesn't offer sick time. What city do you work in? That might be a better option than SDI for such a short period.
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Lucas Turner
•I'm in Sacramento. I didn't know about city-specific programs! I'll look into that right away. Really appreciate the tip.
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Kaylee Cook
THIS IS WHY THE SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!! People who are legitimately sick with CONTAGIOUS DISEASES are forced to choose between going to work sick and infecting others or losing a week's pay! I got COVID in January and my employer did the same thing - "use your vacation time" - but I had already planned a family trip for summer. The EDD disability system is designed to SCREW WORKERS!!!!
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Kai Rivera
•I mean, to be fair, the waiting period has always been part of SDI. It's not designed to cover very short illnesses - that's what sick pay is supposed to be for. The real problem is employers who don't provide adequate sick time.
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Oliver Alexander
Have you tried calling EDD directly to ask? I know it's frustrating to get through, but I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) last month when I had questions about my pregnancy disability claim. They got me connected to an actual EDD representative in about 20 minutes instead of spending days trying to get through. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The EDD rep might be able to tell you if there are any exceptions to the waiting period for COVID cases or other programs you could apply for in your situation.
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Lucas Turner
•Thanks for the suggestion! I didn't know services like that existed. I'll check it out - would definitely be worth it to speak to someone directly rather than trying to figure this out on my own.
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Lara Woods
My cousin works at EDD and she told me sometimes they make exceptions for COVID cases depending on severity and if ur in a high-risk category. Maybe worth applying anyway? Worst they can say is no.
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Anna Stewart
•I don't believe this is accurate. The SDI program follows specific rules established by law, and EDD representatives don't have discretion to waive the 7-day waiting period except in the circumstances already mentioned (disability lasting more than 14 days). Your cousin might be confusing this with some of the special COVID programs that existed in 2020-2022, but those have all expired.
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Kai Rivera
One thing nobody's mentioned - if you do apply and your doctor ends up extending your COVID leave beyond the initial 7 days, make sure you certify for benefits promptly. The SDI Online system should send you a notification when it's time to certify. If you miss the certification window, it creates a whole new headache trying to get retroactive payments.
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Lucas Turner
UPDATE: Thanks everyone for your advice! I spoke with my doctor today and they're extending my isolation to 12 days total due to my persistent high fever and some breathing issues (nothing severe enough for hospitalization, thankfully). I'm going to apply for SDI today and have my doctor submit the medical certification. Sounds like I still won't get paid for the first 7 days since I won't hit the 14-day mark, but at least I can get something for the remaining 5 days. Better than nothing! I'll also check out Sacramento's local COVID ordinances as suggested. Really appreciate all the help!
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Anna Stewart
•Sorry to hear your symptoms are worse than expected, but glad you're getting the proper medical care. One clarification - you mentioned "at least I can get something for the remaining 5 days" - just be aware that SDI payments are calculated based on your highest quarter of earnings in the 5-18 month period before your disability began. The weekly benefit amount is approximately 60-70% of your normal wages. So you won't receive your full salary for those 5 days, but partial wage replacement.
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Sean Doyle
•Hope you feel better soon! Just wanted to add that when you apply for SDI, make sure you have all your employment info ready (employer name, address, dates of employment, and your gross wages for the last 18 months). The application can be a bit tedious but having everything organized beforehand makes it go much smoother. Also keep copies of everything your doctor submits - sometimes EDD requests additional documentation later and it's helpful to have your own records.
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Juan Moreno
As someone who just went through a similar situation last fall, I want to emphasize what others have said about Sacramento's local ordinances. The city actually has some of the better COVID sick leave protections in California that are still active in 2025. You should definitely check the Sacramento Department of Labor Standards website or call their hotline - they were really helpful when I had questions about my employer's obligations. Even if your employer claims they don't offer sick time, they might actually be required to under city law, especially for COVID cases. It's worth exploring before you resign yourself to losing that week's pay entirely. Good luck and hope you recover quickly!
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Evelyn Martinez
•This is really valuable information about Sacramento's local ordinances! As someone new to navigating these systems, I had no idea cities could have their own COVID sick leave requirements that go beyond what employers typically offer. It sounds like there might be multiple avenues to explore - both the SDI route and potentially local protections. Thanks for sharing your experience and providing specific resources like the Department of Labor Standards hotline. It's helpful to know there are people who can actually guide you through what your employer is legally required to provide.
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Sasha Ivanov
As someone who's dealt with COVID-related work absences, I wanted to add that you should also check if your employer participates in any voluntary short-term disability programs beyond the state SDI. Some larger companies in California offer supplemental coverage that might have different waiting periods or cover gaps that SDI doesn't. It's worth asking HR directly - they're required to provide you with information about all available benefits. Also, if you're part of a union, check your collective bargaining agreement as there might be additional protections for illness-related absences. The combination of local ordinances, potential employer benefits, and SDI might give you more coverage than you initially thought possible!
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