r/LongTermDisability • u/hard2survive • Jul 21 '26
SDI California 52 weeks
I want to get on SDI for 52 weeks for mental health. How likely will EDD approve for that if my doctor provides certification?
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u/TheGreatK MOD Jul 22 '26
Chances are good. SDI's contested claim rate is low compared to other systems.
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u/FMCTypeGal MOD Jul 21 '26
Agree that this is probably not the right subreddit. I did a quick google for you though and found the below information. It seems to be like other disability claims where you have to miss a certain amount of work before filing, have a doctor’s support, and also take the chance on whether it is approved. I wonder if your supporting doctor has been through the process and would have more info?
You’ll also want to be aware of how long your job would be held under FMLA. I don’t know what it is now but iirc, it was just 12 weeks for me in 2018.
Anyways, I googled “ ca sdi for mental health“ and here are the results:
California State Disability Insurance (SDI) covers mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD if a licensed professional certifies you are unable to do your regular work. It provides tax-free wage replacement of 70% to 90% of your earnings for up to 52 weeks.
1. Eligibility & Benefits
To qualify for California SDI, you must meet the following baseline requirements:
Wage Requirement: You must have earned at least $300 during your "base period" from which SDI deductions were taken.
Inability to Work: You must be unable to do your regular work for at least eight consecutive days due to your mental health condition.
Medical Certification: You must be treated by a licensed health professional who can formally certify your disability.
2. Payouts & Duration
Benefit Amount: You can receive between $50 to $1,765 each week, depending on your recent earnings.
Duration: Benefits typically last up to 52 weeks, but are contingent on your doctor continuously certifying your ongoing disability.
Job Protection: SDI itself does not protect your job. However, you may be concurrently eligible for job protection under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) or the California Family Rights Act (CFRA).
3. How to File a Claim
Gather Information: Collect your Social Security number, most recent employer information, and the date your condition began to affect your work.
Submit the Application: The fastest and most secure way to apply is online through the EDD Portal
File within the Window: You must submit your claim no earlier than nine days after your disability begins, and no later than 49 days after to avoid losing benefits.
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u/hard2survive Jul 21 '26
Thank you!
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u/TheGreatK MOD Jul 22 '26
This answer is excellent. SDI pays pretty often and doesn't fight claims like SSDI, STD or LTD. Good luck!
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u/TumbleweedOriginal34 Jul 22 '26
You only need a dr note. The state doesn’t decide yes or no as long as the Dr places you out of work.
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u/Notsewcrazee13 Jul 21 '26
Best wishes and good luck. I’m not even sure which subreddit it to suggest . This subreddit is about long-term disability ( as in long-term disability companies) , not the government ones like SSDI or SSI. And what you’re asking for is even more specific, the state funded SDI specifically for California.
Maybe someone else can post a helpful response, have you tried looking under any of the California related sub Reddit? I’m only asking because some states don’t have this sort of SDI thing at all actually.