First-time SDI disability claimant - approval timeline & benefit amount questions

Took me like 3 weeks to get approved. dont worry to much. they pay you retro to when ur doctor says ur disability started

For approval timeline: It typically takes 10-14 business days from the date they receive a complete application (including your doctor's certification). Some people get approved faster, but right now there's a bit of a backlog so it could take up to 3 weeks. For benefit amounts: SDI pays approximately 60-70% of your wages, depending on your income. At $500/week, you'd likely receive around $300-350/week in benefits. You can actually check the exact amount using the EDD's benefit calculator on their website. Make sure your doctor submits their portion promptly - that's usually what causes the biggest delays. Once approved, you'll get benefits dating back to your first day of disability (after the 7-day waiting period).

MY EXPERIENCE WAS TERRIBLE!! Took almost 5 weeks for approval and I almost got evicted!!! The EDD is completely overwhelmed and understaffed. Don't believe anyone who says it'll be quick. I'd start calling them daily after 2 weeks if you don't hear anything. The calculator on their site is WRONG too - I got way less than it estimated. Just prepare for the worst honestly.

I found out the hard way last year that getting through to an actual EDD agent is nearly impossible if you have questions or need to check on your claim status. After spending days trying, I used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD representative in about 20 minutes. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Totally worth it when I was stressed about my claim status and couldn't get through on my own. Just sharing since you mentioned being anxious about the process!

For your benefit amount question - it is APPROXIMATELY 60-70% of your wages BUT theres a maximum weekly benefit amount of $1620 in 2025 (though that doesn't affect you at your income level). The SDI calculator on EDD website will give you the exact amount based on your highest quarter of earnings. One thing nobody mentioned - SDI benefits are NOT taxable by the federal government! That's a huge benefit compared to regular wages. You don't need to report SDI benefits on your tax return which is awesome.

Quick tip from someone who just went through this: File your claim AS SOON AS your doctor says you'll be disabled, even before surgery. You can put your future disability date on the application. This gets you in the queue earlier! Make sure doctor fills out their part promptly - mine took FOREVER and that's what delayed everything. Also, get the BIC card to receive payments. Direct deposit took extra time for me for some reason. And keep certifying every two weeks on time!! Good luck with your surgery!!

the website says benefit amounts is like 60 to 70 percent of ur wages. easy way 2 estimate is take ur weekly pay and multiply by .6 so about $300 for u

my cousin got his payment in just a week! but then my other friend took like a month. i think it just depends on how busy they are when u apply and if ur doctor submits everything right. its totally random tbh

Thank you all SO much for the helpful responses! I'm feeling much more informed now. Going to file my claim right away and make sure my doctor knows to submit their part promptly. Still nervous but at least I have a better idea what to expect now.

Hey Javier! One more thing that might help ease your anxiety - consider reaching out to your employer's HR department if you have one. Many companies have short-term disability policies through private insurers that can supplement SDI benefits or sometimes pay more. You might be eligible for both! Also, some employers will let you use accrued sick time during the 7-day waiting period before SDI kicks in. Worth checking on both fronts to maximize your financial coverage during recovery. Wishing you a smooth surgery and quick healing! 💪

Just went through SDI for the first time last year after knee surgery! A few practical tips that helped me: 1) Create an online EDD account BEFORE you need it - it makes filing much smoother and you can track your claim status 2) Take photos/screenshots of everything you submit, including confirmation pages 3) Your doctor's office might not know they need to submit their part within 20 days - I had to remind mine twice 4) The automated phone system actually has useful status updates if you call with your claim number The financial stress is real, but most people I know got their first payment within 2-3 weeks. Hang in there and focus on healing! The benefits will come through. 🙏