Am I Eligible for Short-Term Disability?

Each state is mandated to provide a short-term disability insurance program to provide partial replacement of an employee's income. In California, a disability that lasts up to 52 weeks may be considered a short-term disability.

Types of Short-Term Disability

• If you are disabled and cannot work, you could qualify for SDI.

  State disability insurance (SDI) will supply up to 55 percent of your earnings in California if you are not able to work as a result of a disabling condition. Paid family leave insurance offers a subsidy for those who must tend to the needs of a family member for up to six weeks.

Eligibility

• Your paycheck must have at least $300 in SDI deductions as of the date your disability started. Your injury or condition must not be work related and must prevent you from completing your job duties for at least eight uninterrupted days. A medical professional must verify and document your condition and an estimated recovery date. You have up to 49 days from the date your disability started to submit a claim for short-term disability insurance in California.

Ineligibility

• If you are not losing income, have already put in a claim for SDI or paid family leave, or are currently receiving Workers' Compensation benefits you may not be eligible. Becoming disabled as a result of committing a crime can also result in ineligibility.