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!

Congratulations on getting your first payment so quickly! That's really encouraging to hear. For others reading this thread, I wanted to add that if you're ever having trouble with delayed payments, you can also check your payment history through your EDD online account. It usually shows when payments are processed even before they hit your bank account. Also, if you're getting paper checks instead of direct deposit, you can actually switch to direct deposit even after your claim is approved - just call EDD or update it through your online account. It can save you a lot of time on future payments. Hope your ankle surgery goes well and you have a speedy recovery!

Just wanted to chime in as someone who's been through the SDI process twice - once for surgery and once for pregnancy. The timing really does vary, but direct deposit is definitely the way to go. I've noticed that payments tend to process faster at the beginning of the week (Monday/Tuesday approvals seem to hit accounts by Wednesday/Thursday). One thing I wish I had known the first time: keep track of your certification dates! Your doctor needs to submit updated medical certifications periodically to keep your benefits going. If they're late with the paperwork, your payments can get delayed even if you're still disabled. I'd recommend following up with your doctor's office a few days before each certification is due. Also, don't be surprised if your first payment amount looks different than expected - it might include backpay from when your waiting period ended. Good luck with your ankle surgery!