Types of Temporary Disability Programs in California (2026)

Eligibility Requirements for California Temporary Disability Benefits

To be able to start receiving temporary disability in California, you must be unable to perform your job for at least eight days in a row and have lost wages because of the disability.

You also need to prove you were working or searching for a job when the disability began and that you earned a minimum of $300 in wages with disability deducted.

Finally, you’ll need to have a physician or practitioner certify the disability.

Who Is Disqualified From California SDI Benefits?

There are a few circumstances that could prevent you from being eligible for California SDI benefits. These disqualifying situations include:

• Currently receiving unemployment benefits
• Missing doctors’ appointments scheduled by the Employment Development Department
• Currently receiving paid family leave benefits
• Suffering work-related injuries, which are addressed by workers’ compensation
• Suffering self-inflicted injuries
• Receiving sick leave equal to your full salary
• Not being able to work after committing a felony
• Receiving workers’ compensation payments that add up to more than what SDI would provide
• Facing incarceration after a criminal conviction

If you’re not sure whether your circumstances make you eligible for SDI, it’s vital that you reach out to a personal injury lawyer with experience filing these claims for assistance. An attorney can bring clarity to the process and ensure that you have a chance to receive the full benefits you deserve, especially if you’re dealing with a complex scenario.

What Conditions Qualify as a Disability for California SDI?

To qualify for California SDI, the condition you have must fit into one of the following categories:

Non-Work-Related Illnesses

You may qualify for short-term disability in California if you have illnesses that are not work-related but keep you from performing your job, including respiratory illnesses, cancer, heart disease and chronic conditions.

Non-Work-Related Injuries

You can file for short-term disability if you sustained an injury that is not work-related, including fractures, back pain, burns and any injuries you might suffer in car accidents or falls, for example.

Mental Health Conditions

Eligibility includes mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder and other psychological challenges that could keep you from working.

Elective/Cosmetic Surgery

If you need to receive elective or cosmetic surgery after a burn or other scarring injury and your recovery period has been certified by your doctor, then you could be eligible.

Pregnancy and Childbirth

If you have pregnancy complications, such as preeclampsia, you could be covered, along with the two to four weeks before delivery and four to six weeks after delivery, depending on delivery type.

Substance Abuse Treatment

With a doctor's certification, you may apply for short-term disability for up to 90 days if you seek treatment through a rehabilitation program.

Keep in mind that to qualify for short-term disability in California, you don’t have to show that you’re unable to perform all work. You only have to prove that you can’t do your regular job duties.

How Payment Amounts Are Calculated Under Temporary Disability

Temporary disability in California is a fraction of your average weekly wage before you were hurt. Typically, you’ll receive 66.67% of your usual wages. There are caps that the state sets in place, and these change every year.

How Long Temporary Disability Benefits Last in California

For the majority of people, the maximum time you can be on temporary disability benefits for non-work-related illnesses or injuries is 52 weeks. If you applied for temporary disability via workers’ compensation, however, you can claim up to two years.

How to Apply for Temporary Disability

You can apply via the Employment Development Department (EDD) SDI Online website. You can also do so by mail by using the DE2501 form.

What Stops Temporary Disability Benefits Early & How to Handle Disputes

Your temporary disability in California can be stopped early if you return to work, if your doctor deems you’ve reached maximum medical improvement or when you reach the benefit time limit. Sometimes, your disability benefits can be cut off before you’re ready to return to work, after which you can begin a dispute.

To have the best chance of succeeding in appealing this decision, you must hire an attorney to assist you. With their help, you can request a hearing.

Filing for Temporary Disability in California With Legal Help

If you’re planning on filing for temporary disability, you need legal counsel. At ConsumerShield, we can connect you with lawyers in your area who can help. Contact our team to learn more.