How is EDD SDI benefit amount calculated? First-time disability applicant confused

The benefit amount calculation is based on your highest-paid quarter in your base period, which is approximately 5-18 months before your disability claim begins. For a claim starting in 2025, they'll look at your wages from late 2023 through 2024, depending on when exactly you file. The formula is roughly 60-70% of your average weekly wages during your highest quarter, up to a maximum weekly benefit amount (which is around $1,620 in 2025). You should definitely apply BEFORE your surgery. You can file up to 9 days before your disability begins. This gives EDD time to process your claim so payments start faster. When you apply, you'll need your last day worked and your first day of disability (surgery date). Make sure your doctor submits the medical certification promptly - this is often where delays happen. And double-check all your wage information when you apply.

they use ur highest paid quarter from the base period. its not about recent paychecks. i think its a year to 18 months back? but dont quote me on that lol

DONT WAIT to apply!!! I made that mistake last year and lost almost 2 weeks of benefits because I didn't realize there's a 7-day unpaid waiting period AND they only backdate claims 14 days. Apply 9 days before your surgery date but make sure you put the correct "first day of disability" as your actual surgery date. As for the amount, I was getting about 65% of my normal paycheck. You can actually check your potential benefit amount by creating an SDI Online account and using their calculator BEFORE you apply. That way you can budget accordingly.

I had such a nightmare trying to reach someone at EDD when I had questions about my benefit calculation last year. After trying for DAYS and constantly getting disconnected, I finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) and got through to a representative in about 25 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The EDD rep explained that my benefit amount was lower than expected because I had taken unpaid time off during my highest quarter, which reduced my average weekly wage. Just something to keep in mind - they use your total wages in that quarter divided by 13 (weeks) to calculate your weekly amount.

I just went through this whole process in January! For me, I make different amounts each paycheck (I work in sales with commission), so I was confused about how they'd calculate it. Turns out they took my highest-earning quarter from the base period, added up ALL earnings for those 3 months, divided by 13 weeks, and then took about 60-70% of that amount. My weekly benefit ended up being $1,247 which was actually a bit higher than I expected. Just make sure ALL your wages are reported correctly because they pull this data from your employer's tax filings.

ANOTHER THING - when you're setting up your SDI Online account make SURE the name you use EXACTLY matches your ID and social security card. My coworker had her married name on her driver's license but her maiden name on her social security card and it caused a HUGE delay while they verified her identity. She had to send in copies of her marriage certificate and everything!

i think disability pays more than unemployment but less than your regular paycheck. my brother got like 65% of his normal pay when he was out for back surgery

To give you the exact formula: EDD takes your highest quarter of wages in the base period and divides by 13 to get your average weekly wage. Then they multiply that by the replacement rate (approximately 60-70% depending on your income level). For 2025, if your quarterly wages were at least $10,764, you'd qualify for the maximum weekly benefit amount of $1,620. The minimum weekly benefit is $50. An important tip: if you know your surgery date well in advance, you could potentially maximize your benefits by planning when you file. Since the base period shifts each quarter, filing in early April versus late March could potentially include or exclude a high-earning quarter.

When I was on disability last year after my car accident, they calculated my benefit totally wrong at first because they didn't have my most recent wage information. I had to submit additional wage verification with pay stubs. Just be prepared to submit additional documentation if you think the calculated amount is wrong. Don't just accept whatever they say if it seems off!