Is COVID-19 SDI waiting period waived for short term disability claims in 2025?

Unfortunately, as of March 2025, the COVID-19 waiting period waiver expired. The standard 7-day waiting period now applies to all SDI claims, including COVID-related ones. Since you're only missing 5 work days, you won't receive any SDI benefits because you won't meet the minimum waiting period requirement. The waiting period waiver was a temporary measure during the height of the pandemic.

That sucks! I had COVID back in january and they did pay me but i was out for like 12 days total. The first week is always unpaid with SDI i think.

THEY DON'T CARE ABOUT WORKERS!!! This is exactly why the system is broken. You get sick, can't work, and then they tell you "sorry, not sick enough for benefits" but also "don't come in and infect everyone else." Then what are we supposed to do??? I had a similar situation with a back injury last year and EDD basically told me to pound sand because I was only out for 9 days. The whole 7-day waiting period is just their way of avoiding paying people. It's RIDICULOUS!

Have you tried calling EDD directly to confirm? Sometimes the phone representatives can give you options that aren't obvious on their website. I know getting through to them can be a nightmare though - I recently used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to help me get through to an EDD representative without waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Even if you don't qualify for SDI because of the waiting period, they might be able to direct you to other resources like pandemic assistance programs your county might still offer.

mmmm u know what? Maybe still file anyway!! My cousin filed for covid last month and I think she got paid even though she was only out for like 5 or 6 days? I'm not 100% sure tho but worth a try!!

Let me clarify some things about the SDI waiting period: 1. The 7-day waiting period is indeed mandatory for all claims now (COVID waivers expired) 2. The waiting period doesn't need to be consecutive days - it's 7 calendar days from your first day of disability 3. You only receive payment for days of disability after the waiting period For your situation with 5 work days of disability, you're correct that filing wouldn't result in benefits. However, if your symptoms persist longer than expected, you could potentially become eligible. Keep documentation of your positive test and your doctor's certification in case your isolation needs to be extended.

Last year I had a similar situation with a different illness and I called my city's economic assistance office. Turns out they had emergency rental assistance fund I qualified for! Maybe check if your local government has something similar? Not directly EDD related but might help with your immediate concern about rent.

One more thing to consider - if your condition worsens and your doctor extends your disability period beyond the initial 7 days, you WOULD become eligible for benefits for the days beyond the waiting period. If that happens, make sure you get updated medical certification from your doctor and file your claim right away. There's a 49-day deadline from your disability start date to file for benefits.