EDD SDI payment schedule - when will I actually get my first disability payment?

it depends how u get paid. direct deposit is faster like 1-2 days after approval. paper checks can take like a week to arrive in mail.

In my experience, SDI payments typically arrive within 3 business days after claim approval if you have direct deposit set up. If you're getting paper checks, it can take 7-10 days for the first one to arrive. Something important to note: your first payment might be larger than subsequent ones because it often includes multiple weeks if your waiting period ended a while ago. After that, you'll receive payments every two weeks as long as you continue to certify (if required by your doctor). Also, don't forget EDD won't pay for the first 7 days of your disability - that's the mandatory waiting period before benefits kick in.

mine took FOREVER last year. got approved but then no payment for like 10 days! called EDD like 50 times and couldn't get through. kept getting disconnected. SO FRUSTRATING!!!! 😡

I got approved for disability back in november it took 3 weeks to see my first payment after that tho it was every 2 weeks like clockwork as long as my doctor sent in the certification form on time. sometimes edd systems go down and that delays everything tho.

When I was on SDI for my pregnancy, it was actually pretty efficient. My payments were deposited exactly 3 days after approval. Then every two weeks after that, as long as my doctor submitted the ongoing certification on time. One thing to watch out for - they calculate your weekly benefit amount based on your highest quarter of earnings in your base period (quarters 2-5 before your claim). So if your income fluctuates a lot, your benefit might be higher or lower than you expect. The maximum weekly benefit amount for 2025 is $1,650, but most people get less than that. Also make sure you're documenting all your medical treatments for your ankle. If you need to extend your disability beyond what was initially approved, you'll need updated medical certification.

This whole system is a joke. They take forever to approve claims and then make you wait even longer for the money. My friend was literally about to be evicted while waiting for his disability payment to arrive. And they only pay a fraction of your actual salary! How are people supposed to survive on that?? The EDD needs a complete overhaul if you ask me.

Update: Just got my first payment this morning! It took exactly 2 business days after approval, and it was for 2 weeks worth (minus the waiting period). Thanks everyone for your help!