If I'm injured and can't work can I get California EDD unemployment benefits?

Wait seriously? So I've been wasting time looking into unemployment when SDI is what I need? I had no idea these were two different things under the same agency. How do I actually file for SDI, is it through the same myEDD portal?

Yes same portal at myedd.edd.ca.gov - when you log in there's an option to file a disability insurance claim. Your doctor will also need to fill out a medical certification portion so make sure to give them a heads up because that can sometimes delay things.

This happened to me last year, I made the same mistake and filed for unemployment first then had to switch to SDI. Definitely start with SDI if you have a doctor's note saying you can't work.

Mine was definitely not work related so workers comp doesn't apply here. But good to know that distinction.

yeah and you cant double dip either - you cant collect workers comp AND SDI at the same time for the same injury, edd will figure it out and you could end up with an overpayment situation

I've been trying to call EDD for two days and keep either getting a busy signal or getting disconnected after waiting. I'll check this out, I really need to talk to someone who can look at my account specifically.

claimyr actually works? i always thought those kinds of services were sketchy

Yeah I was skeptical too but it's legit. You're just getting connected to a real EDD agent faster, that's all it does. Way better than redialing 47 times.

gonna look into this too because I have a completely different issue with my claim and can't get anyone on the phone either

This is exactly how I feel. I've been reading EDD's website for hours and it's not super clear unless you already know to look for SDI specifically.

real talk the EDD website has improved but it still assumes you already know what program you need which defeats the purpose

Thank you this is the clearest explanation I've gotten. So my 7 days have already passed since I've been out for two weeks, does that mean I've already served the waiting period?

Yes exactly - the waiting period was already served during those first 7 days you were out. So once your claim is processed you should be eligible for benefits going back to day 8 of your disability. That's why it's good you're filing now rather than waiting longer.

this breakdown should be pinned honestly

wait so if you can do light duty work at a reduced wage can you get partial SDI or is it all or nothing? asking for a friend who twisted her ankle and can work from home some days

Definitely won't be waiting that long, I need money now lol

lol fair enough just covering the bases. good luck with the claim

Oh that's a good heads up, I'll double check with my doctor that we have the same dates. My last actual day of work was the 14th.

Perfect. And make sure you get the doctor to certify electronically through SDI Online if possible - it speeds up processing compared to paper forms.

can confirm the date mismatch thing causes issues, happened to a coworker and she waited an extra 3 weeks for it to get sorted out

This is actually important - if your employer pays you full wages during your disability leave, you generally cannot collect SDI for those same days. However if they pay partial wages or use a supplemental plan that coordinates with SDI, it works differently. You'd want to report any employer payments when filing to avoid an overpayment situation.

ok got it so I need to disclose whatever my employer pays me. thanks

Correct. EDD takes coordination of benefits seriously. Always disclose, always.

That's rough, sorry that happened to you. I'm definitely going straight to SDI based on everything people are saying here.

good luck! the SDI process was actually faster for me than unemployment had been in the past so hopefully it goes smooth for you

THANK YOU. My employer never once explained what CASDI on my paystub even was. Just assumed it was some random tax.

same honestly. i thought it was just another payroll deduction going nowhere until i actually needed it

It's wild because it's genuinely one of the more useful benefits California has but people just don't know it exists until they google frantically while injured lol

Oh interesting, I hadn't thought about that scenario. My employer has been decent about it but I guess you never know how things shake out after a long absence.

Yeah it's worth knowing. If you end up losing your job while on SDI or right after, you can potentially transition to unemployment once you're medically cleared and able/available to work again.

SDI processing times vary but California EDD aims to process complete claims within 14 days. 'Complete' means they have both your claim AND your doctor's certification. The doctor portion is often the bottleneck - if your doctor is slow submitting their part, your whole claim sits waiting. Definitely follow up with your doctor's office to make sure they submitted.

ok 14 days is not terrible. better than the unemployment situation I had last year that took 6 weeks

My SDI was approved in about 10 days when my doctor did everything electronically. Paper certifications took longer for people I know.

ok adding this to my list of things to try because I've been trying to call about my own claim for days

second this, I wish I had known about it when I was dealing with my surgery situation and trying to figure out what program to even file for

This depends on several factors - how large the employer is, how long you've been there, and whether you qualify for FMLA or CFRA protections. California's CFRA provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for medical conditions if you work for an employer with 5+ employees and have worked there at least 12 months. SDI provides the income replacement piece while CFRA provides the job protection piece - they work together.

ohh ok so they're separate protections. good to know

Yeah my employer has like 200 employees so I should be covered under CFRA. That's actually a relief, one less thing to worry about.

Thanks! I'm about to go file the SDI claim right now. This thread was way more helpful than an hour of googling.

good luck! the SDI application online is pretty straightforward once you know that's what you need

helpful to have the direct number, saving this

I'll try the direct number first and if that doesn't work I'll use the Claimyr option. Thanks for sharing both.

yeah try the direct line first for sure, just know the hold times can still be rough depending on when you call

That's really reassuring to hear honestly. 60-70% of my wages isn't great but it's a heck of a lot better than zero. Thanks for sharing that.

Exactly. And you can sometimes use PTO or vacation to supplement if your employer allows it, just make sure to disclose it to avoid overpayment issues

California EDD handles like 4 different programs - UI, SDI, PFL (Paid Family Leave), and a few others. They're all housed under the same agency but they're genuinely separate programs with separate rules. The website tries to explain all of them but it can be overwhelming.

Exactly this. The EDD umbrella is huge and people only know about unemployment because that's what gets talked about. SDI and PFL are underutilized because people literally don't know they exist.

this is kind of insane honestly. like this is money people have literally paid into and they don't know they can access it

Just submitted my SDI claim online. The application took about 25 minutes and it seemed pretty straightforward. Now waiting on my doctor to submit their certification. Thanks everyone in this thread for steering me in the right direction, I would have spent another week going down the wrong path without this.

Good luck! Keep an eye on your SDI Online account for the doctor certification status - you can see when they submit it.

Great outcome. And seriously if you run into any issues or your claim gets flagged for any reason, having the ability to actually talk to an EDD agent matters a lot. Claimyr at claimyr.com is worth bookmarking for that situation - saved me a ton of frustration when my SDI had a verification issue mid-claim.