California SDI is a state mandated disability benefit program for people working in CA. The CA SDI program is funded by employee payroll deductions and provides partial income replacement for workers suffering a loss of income due to a covered accident or illness. State SDI in California covers off the job accidents and sicknesses only.
What you will find on this page:
- California SDI Benefits - How benefit amounts are determined
- State SDI California for Pregnancy - Pregnancy benefits, and how to increase maternity leave pay
- State of California SDI Forms - Who to call and where to find forms to file a claim
State SDI California: Pregnancy and Maternity Leave
State SDI in California covers your normal labor and delivery along with complications of pregnancy.
For a normal pregnancy, benefits are usually payable for up to four (4)
weeks before the expected delivery date and up to six (6) weeks after
the actual delivery date. CA SDI benefits may be payable for a longer period
if your doctor certifies that you have a specific complication related
to the pregnancy; you have a Cesarean section; or you have another
simultaneous disability.
Many women work in physically demanding occupations: hair stylists, nurses, food servers and many others spend a significant amount of time on their feet. California SDI may pay benefits if you need to leave work even though your pregnancy is perfectly healthy. If you are unable to perform your regular or customary job duties benefits may be payable without showing medical complications.
There is no set time for
a pregnant woman to be off work, just as there is none for any other
illness or disability. You may qualify for benefits for the periods
before and after your delivery during which your medical provider
determines that you are unable to perform your regular and customary
occupation due to your pregnancy or any condition arising out of your
pregnancy.
California SDI Benefits
California SDI benefits replace 55% of your income, up to $987 per week in 2012. Benefits may last for up to twelve months. In order to qualify for benefits you must be under the care of a doctor and must be unable to perform your regular job duties for at least eight days. You must be employed or actively looking for work at the time you became disabled.
You are ineligible for benefits if you have applied for Unemployment Insurance or California Paid Family Leave benefits. Some workers are eligible for benefits if their disability results in part time or intermittent work hours, a reduction in hours, or a reduction in wages due to a diminished capacity to work.
Self employed individuals may purchase coverage. You would have to apply for the California disability insurance elective program.
SDI benefits are determined by looking at a base period. Twelve months of your income are divided into quarters. You begin counting from five months prior to the start of your disability. The quarter with the highest earnings helps determine your benefit amount. This is helpful for anyone with an intermittent disability leading up to a total disability, or anyone who stops working in CA for any reason.
California SDI Claims Form
California SDI forms need to be completed in order for you to receive your pregnancy and/or maternity leave benefits. You can download a claim form with instructions or visit the California EDD website.
General information is available in English (1-800-480-3287) and Spanish (1-866-658-8846) by phone.
Further information about SDI benefits, eligibility, program details, and more can be found at CA Employment Development Department.
