Disability Insurance Benefits

When a serious health condition stops your paycheck, California’s Disability Insurance (DI) program steps in with short-term wage replacement so you can focus on getting well. This guide explains who qualifies, how much you can receive, what to do before you apply, how to file (online or by mail), how medical certification works, the mail you’ll get, and how to manage your claim through the full life cycle—from your first payment through the end of benefits. It’s written for workers and families in California who want clear directions in plain language.

Understand Disability Insurance Benefits at a Glance

Disability Insurance replaces a portion of your wages when you can’t work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, pregnancy or childbirth, surgery (including elective procedures when your doctor certifies disability), or approved alcohol or drug rehabilitation. The program is part of the State Disability Insurance (SDI) system and is administered by the Employment Development Department (EDD). Benefits are short-term, meaning they’re designed to cover you while you recover or until you can return to suitable work.

DI does not provide job protection by itself, but many Californians pair DI wage replacement with job-protection laws like the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA) to keep their position or an equivalent role available during recovery. We link to both statutes in the sections below so you can review the official rules and talk with your employer about leave coordination.

For the state’s official overview, review Disability Insurance Benefits on the EDD website (linked once in the “Get Oriented” section below).

Get Oriented: What This Benefit Covers, What It Doesn’t, and Why Timing Matters

What DI does: It pays a weekly benefit based on wages you earned in a prior period (the “base period”). The program covers wage loss from non-work-related health events, including mental health conditions, pregnancy, childbirth and recovery, surgeries, and qualifying inpatient treatment programs when medically certified.

What DI doesn’t do: It doesn’t replace 100% of your income, and it doesn’t protect your job by itself. For job-protection, discuss leave with your employer and check official rules under FMLA and CFRA. It also isn’t for work injuries—those are handled under workers’ compensation. If your condition is work-related, see EDD’s page on work-related illness or injury: workers’ compensation and speak with your employer or claims administrator.

Why timing matters: EDD sets firm filing windows. You should file no earlier than nine days after your disability begins and no later than 49 days after it starts. Filing too early can delay or jeopardize benefits, and filing too late without a good reason can lead to a denial. If you’re on the fence, you’re encouraged to file—the department will determine eligibility after you submit the application and required medical certification.

Pin Down Eligibility Without Guesswork

Most workers want a quick way to gauge eligibility before they invest time in forms. Here’s the plain-English checklist, adapted from EDD’s official rules:

You can't do your regular work for at least eight days due to your health condition.

You’ve lost wages because of this disability.

You were working or looking for work when your disability began.

You earned at least $300 during your base period with SDI deductions taken from your paycheck (this appears as CASDI on pay stubs).

A licensed health professional certifies your disability and you remain under treatment. Certification can come from a range of licensed professionals, including physicians and surgeons (MD/DO), psychologists, chiropractors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants (within scope), licensed midwives/nurse-midwives (for pregnancy/childbirth/postpartum within scope), podiatrists, optometrists, dentists, authorized medical officers at U.S. government facilities, and accredited religious practitioners (using the designated EDD form).

A few additional points matter in practice:

No minimum hours rule. You don’t need a set number of hours or days worked to qualify.

Part-time or reduced hours. You may still qualify while you’re working part-time or intermittently, as long as you’ve lost wages due to the disability and your medical professional certifies your limitations.

Citizenship status. Citizenship and immigration status do not affect DI eligibility.

School employees. There are special limitations for school employees during scheduled breaks if they’re receiving full wages or don’t usually work another job in that period.

If you want the official, detailed criteria—including how EDD evaluates claims—review Eligibility Requirements and the department’s Calculating Benefit Payment Amounts pages for the base period mechanics.

Estimate Your Weekly Benefit the Smart Way

Your DI benefit is a percentage of your wages from your base period (the 12-month window EDD uses to calculate your claim). The department provides an official estimator so you can size up your weekly benefit before you file. Use the state’s Disability and Paid Family Leave Calculator to run a reality check on expected payments and see how changes in the claim start date or prior wages might affect your weekly amount.

Remember: there’s a statutory seven-day unpaid waiting period before benefits start. Payments begin on the eighth day of your disability, assuming your claim is approved and certified. EDD will mail you a Notice of Computation (DE 429D) that previews your potential weekly benefit amount; it is not an eligibility decision. Review it right away and contact EDD if wages, dates, or employer details are wrong—corrections can prevent payment delays later.

Before You Apply: Gather Documents Once and Avoid Rework

Put simply, the more complete your information is, the faster things move. EDD’s Get Your Information in Order is your roadmap for what to gather and how to avoid the most common delays. Build your packet with:

Identity documents. Your name, date of birth, address, Social Security number, and a government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID, or passport). If EDD asks for verification, respond with documents from the official list under acceptable documents for identity verification.

Employment details. Your most recent employer’s legal name, phone number, mailing address (as shown on your W-2 or pay stub), and the last date you worked your normal hours.

Wage details. Any pay you expect to receive while off work (part-time earnings, sick leave, vacation/PTO, or wages you’ve earned but haven’t been paid yet).

Medical professional. You must be a patient of a licensed health professional within the first eight days of your disability and remain under care to continue receiving benefits. Map out who will complete the medical certification and how (online through your EDD receipt number or by paper).

Workers’ compensation status. If your condition might be work-related, review EDD’s information on Workers’ Compensation to ensure you file the correct type of claim.

Special case—undocumented workers. Citizenship and immigration status do not affect eligibility. If you don’t have a Social Security number, request and submit a paper application as directed by EDD.

This preparation phase is also the best time to choose your preferred payment method (direct deposit, debit card, or check) and to create your online account (covered next).

Apply with Confidence: How and When to File

Timing: Apply between day 9 and day 49 after your disability starts. Your “disability start date” is the first day you couldn’t perform your regular work.

Fastest route—online: Create an account and file through myEDD. Online filing is the quickest way to submit your application, receive status updates, and manage your claim end-to-end.

Paper route—when required: Some situations require a paper application—no valid California ID or SSN, a legal name that exceeds online field limits, a recent legal name change, certain error codes, or when the claimant is under 18. In those cases, EDD explains the process in Options to File for DI Benefits (Online or by Mail), and you can request forms as needed.

Step-by-step guides: EDD breaks the process into clear stages:

Get Your Information in Order (what to gather and how to verify identity)
Apply (filing windows, online/paper options, and tips to avoid delays)
Have a Medical Certification Completed (who can certify and how to submit)
Review Benefit Documents (what EDD will mail and what to do next)
Receive Your First Payment (timelines and payment methods)
Manage Benefits (reporting work and wages, updating details)
End Your Benefits (when to notify EDD that you’ve recovered or returned to work)

Use those official pages (linked below) to walk through each stage in detail.

Nail the Medical Certification: What Your Provider Must Do

Your claim does not move forward until EDD receives medical certification from your provider. After you submit your application:

If you filed online, give your provider the receipt number from your application so they can find your claim in myEDD and submit the certification electronically.

If your provider only works with paper, deliver Part B – Physician/Practitioner’s Certificate (from the DE 2501 packet) with your receipt number in question B3. Confirm whether the provider will mail the form or whether you need to return it—double-submitting creates delays.

If you filed by paper, give the provider the paper application to complete and return as instructed so both Part A (your claim) and Part B (the medical certificate) arrive at EDD.

Providers who may certify (within scope): MD/DO, psychologists, chiropractors, nurse practitioners and physician assistants, licensed midwives/nurse-midwives (for normal pregnancy/childbirth/postpartum care), podiatrists, optometrists, dentists, authorized medical officers at U.S. government facilities, and accredited religious practitioners (using the Religious Practitioner’s Certificate (DE 2502) packet where applicable).

If EDD needs more clarity about your condition or recovery timeline, they may arrange an independent medical examination to confirm initial or continuing eligibility. That’s normal and part of the lawfully required process.

Watch Your Mail: The Documents That Matter and How to Respond

About two weeks after you file (and EDD gets your medical certification), you should start receiving important mail. Read every document thoroughly and act quickly if EDD asks for information:

Notice of Computation (DE 429D). Shows your potential weekly benefit amount (this is not an approval or denial). If wages or employer details look wrong, contact EDD right away to correct the record.

Electronic Benefit Payment Notification (DE 2500E). If eligible, this notice explains payment details and options.

Eligibility Information Requests (DE 4365DI or DE 2566). If you filed by mail or EDD cannot verify identity immediately, you may receive a request for more info. Follow the instructions and see acceptable documents for verification to avoid further delay.

Continuing Eligibility Forms.
DE 2593 arrives after five automatic payments; return it promptly to confirm your continuing disability.
DE 2500A arrives every two weeks if you do not receive automatic payments; complete and return on time so benefits continue.
The quickest way to respond is through myEDD when available.

Notice of Determination (DE 2517) and Appeal Form (DE 1000A). If EDD finds you ineligible, you’ll receive a written decision and appeal instructions. If you disagree, use the official Appeals page to understand timelines and how to submit.

Be mindful of due dates. EDD requires that you return forms (like DE 2593 and DE 2500A) within 20 days of the date on the document. Late responses can stop payments.

Your First Payment: How Long It Takes and What to Expect

EDD indicates that it takes about two weeks to process a new DI application and issue the first payment to eligible workers—assuming your medical certification is in and there are no identity or wage issues to resolve. Payment options include direct deposit, debit card, or mailed checks, and you can update your preference in myEDD. Payment information is updated daily in your online account, and you can also get automated updates via EDD’s Disability Self-Service Line (phone number noted below in this guide). For the complete checklist and timing notes, walk through Receive Your First Payment on EDD’s site.

Manage Your Claim Like a Pro: Report Work and Wages, Keep Records, and Avoid Delays

Once payments begin, keep your claim accurate and up to date:

Report any work and wages immediately, even if you haven’t been paid yet. This includes part-time, intermittent, or reduced hours. DI is about wage loss—reporting ensures EDD calculates the correct payable amount and prevents overpayments.

Stay under treatment. Ongoing benefits require that you remain under the care of your licensed provider. Keep appointments and save documentation.

Update changes quickly. If your address, contact info, or return-to-work date changes, make updates in myEDD. Doing this in writing through your online account helps avoid back-and-forth and mail delays.

Mind form deadlines. If you receive DE 2593 or DE 2500A, complete and return within 20 days (faster via myEDD) to avoid benefit interruptions.

Know when to stop. Notify EDD when you recover or return to work full-time. See End Your Benefits for the exact process.

For the official guidance on maintaining your claim, see Manage Benefits and the related FAQs and forms in EDD’s Disability section.

Coordinate DI With Job-Protected Leave

DI replaces wages; it doesn’t grant job protection. Many Californians coordinate DI with leave rights under two core laws:

The federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of job-protected leave for eligible employees of covered employers for serious health conditions (among other purposes). Review the statute and eligibility rules on the U.S. Department of Labor’s site.

The California Family Rights Act (CFRA) mirrors many FMLA protections and, in some respects, covers additional California employers and scenarios. Review the official guidance from the California Civil Rights Department.

Work with your HR team to line up your DI claim for wage replacement and your FMLA/CFRA leave for job protection. That way, your position—or an equivalent one—remains secure while DI replaces a portion of your income.

Special Situations: Pregnancy, Postpartum, and Elective Surgery

Pregnancy and childbirth. DI covers the period your provider certifies you’re unable to do your regular work due to pregnancy and recovery. Nurse practitioners, licensed midwives, and nurse-midwives can certify pregnancy-related disabilities within their licensed scope. After childbirth, many families transition to Paid Family Leave (PFL) to bond with a new child, which is a separate wage-replacement program under SDI. You can use EDD’s Disability and Paid Family Leave Calculator to map the DI period followed by PFL.

Elective surgery. Elective procedures can qualify if your provider certifies you’re disabled from your regular work during recovery. Provide accurate surgery dates and care instructions in your application and ensure your provider submits certification promptly.

Substance use treatment. Inpatient care at a state-licensed and approved alcohol or drug-free rehabilitation facility may count, subject to specific restrictions. Include the facility’s name, address, and phone number if applicable when you file, and ensure your provider certifies the disability period.

Work-Related Conditions: Know When Workers’ Compensation Applies

DI is for non-work-related conditions. If your illness or injury happened at work or was caused by your job, you need to pursue workers’ compensation. EDD’s official page on Work-related illness or injury: workers’ compensation outlines how these claims differ and what to do. If you’re not sure whether your condition is work-related, talk with your employer’s workers’ compensation administrator and review the EDD guidance before choosing which program to use. When in doubt about eligibility, EDD encourages you to apply; the department will make the decision based on the facts you provide.

Fix Common Filing Mistakes Before They Happen

A few predictable problems slow down DI claims. Avoid them with these practical tips (each point is grounded in EDD’s step-by-step instructions and mail notices):

Filing too early or too late. Remember the window: day 9 through day 49 after disability start. Filing on day 1 can cause delays, and filing after day 49 without a good reason can lead to a denial.

Skipping identity verification. If EDD asks for proof, respond with items from the state list of acceptable documents for verification. Keep scans ready so you can upload promptly in myEDD.

Forgetting the medical certification. Your claim won’t process until EDD receives certification. Give your provider your receipt number (for online claims), or deliver Part B for paper claims and confirm who submits it.

Not reading your mail. The DE 429D is not an approval but a preview of potential benefits; use it to spot wage errors early. The DE 2593 and DE 2500A forms keep your payments flowing—submit within 20 days.

Failing to report wages. Report all work and wages, even if unpaid yet. This includes part-time shifts, intermittent gigs, and reduced schedules. Underreporting leads to overpayments and penalties; overreporting just triggers a correct calculation.

Using the wrong program. If your condition started on the job, review the workers’ compensation info and coordinate with your employer’s claims administrator.

Where to Apply, Track, and Ask Questions (Official Portals Only)

Start with the state’s Disability Insurance Benefits overview to confirm you’re in the right program.

Create your account or sign in through myEDD to apply online, view messages, and manage your benefits.

If you’re assembling documents, open Get Your Information in Order and the state’s acceptable documents for identity verification list.

When you’re ready, file through Apply and follow the prompts for online or paper submission in Options to File for DI Benefits (Online or by Mail).

After you file, coordinate certification in Have a Medical Certification Completed and monitor incoming mail described in Review Benefit Documents.

To understand payment timing and methods, see Receive Your First Payment; to report work or changes, follow Manage Benefits; and when you recover, use End Your Benefits.

If you have a question about your claim or need to resolve an issue, use Ask EDD; if you need in-person help, find a location using the Office Locator.

If you disagree with a decision, read the official Appeals instructions and follow the filing steps and deadlines.

If you need to check your base period math or estimate payments, use Calculating Benefit Payment Amounts alongside the Disability and Paid Family Leave Calculator.

Practical Scenarios and How to Handle Them

You’re not certain you qualify—file anyway

If you’re unsure, EDD explicitly says to apply. The department will determine eligibility once your application and medical certification are received. If you file late, include a clear explanation—claims analysts consider “good cause” when reviewing late filings.

You’re working part-time during recovery

You can still qualify if you’re losing wages due to reduced capacity. Your provider must certify your limitations, and you must report all work and wages, even those earned but not yet paid. This helps EDD calculate a partial benefit correctly.

You’re a school employee on break

DI generally doesn’t pay during scheduled breaks if you’re receiving full wages, or if you do not typically work another job during that break. Review EDD’s eligibility materials and talk to your employer’s HR if your schedule is atypical.

Your provider is unfamiliar with EDD’s process

Point them to Have a Medical Certification Completed. If they submit online, give them your receipt number. If they use paper, ensure Part B is filled out completely and submitted as instructed.

You received a denial notice

Read the Notice of Determination (DE 2517) carefully. If you disagree, use the Appeal Form (DE 1000A) and follow the official Appeals steps and deadlines. Many denials hinge on missing information that can be corrected.

Tips to Keep Your Claim Moving

Set calendar reminders for every 20-day deadline on continuing eligibility forms (DE 2593 or DE 2500A).

Check myEDD daily while your claim is under review; EDD updates payment information and requests there.

Respond in writing through the portal when possible (faster and traceable).

Coordinate leave with HR early (FMLA/CFRA) so your job protection runs in parallel with DI wage replacement.

Keep a file with every wage statement, form, and medical note related to your disability period.

Official Contact and Support Touchpoints

Automated payment and claim status: The EDD Disability Automated Self-Service Line is available (number provided by EDD on its DI pages). Log in to myEDD for up-to-date claim details, messages, and document uploads.

In-person assistance: Use the Office Locator to find the nearest EDD office. Bring identity documents, your claim receipt number, and any mail EDD sent you for faster service.

Written questions: Submit through Ask EDD with your claim information handy to streamline the response.

Departments and Offices

Employment Development Department — Disability Insurance
Disability Insurance Branch
State Disability Insurance Program Offices