State Disability, Paid Family Leave, and Unemployment: The Basics

When sickness, caregiving, or a lost job stops your paycheck, California has three state programs that can replace part of your wages.

State Disability Insurance (SDI)

SDI pays part of your wages when you cannot do your regular work because of an illness, injury, or pregnancy that did not come from your job (Unemployment Insurance Code § 2626). You already paid for this insurance — look for the "CASDI" deduction on your pay stub.

• The benefit is a majority share of your recent wages, with a higher share for lower earners, up to a cap. The exact percentages and the cap are adjusted every year — check EDD's site for the current numbers.
• Apply online through SDI Online (with a myEDD account), or on paper Form DE 2501. The claim has two parts: one you fill out, and one your doctor or medical provider fills out.
• There is a filing window — currently no later than 49 days after your disability begins. Confirm the current deadline with EDD. Deadlines change.

Hurt on the job? Different program — but read this

A work injury belongs in workers' compensation, not SDI. But if the insurance company delays or disputes your workers' comp claim, SDI can pay you while that fight plays out (Unemployment Insurance Code § 2629.1). The state sorts out repayment later. Do not sit with zero income waiting on an insurance company.

Paid Family Leave (PFL)

PFL comes from the same fund as SDI. It pays you when you are healthy but family needs you: caring for a seriously ill child, parent, parent-in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse, or domestic partner; bonding with a new child during the first year; or handling certain needs when a close family member is called to active military duty (Unemployment Insurance Code § 3301). The list of covered family members has grown over the years — check EDD for the current list.

Unemployment Insurance (UI)

UI pays when you lose work through no fault of your own and you are able to work, available for work, and looking for work (Unemployment Insurance Code § 1253). File with EDD as soon as you lose your job or your hours are cut.

Immigration status: SDI and PFL claims do not have an immigration-status bar. UI does require legal authorization to work.