Short Term Disability Income: State Programs

Name:           Called State Disability Insurance (SDI)

Coverage:     California employees. Some employees are exempt. For example, railroad employees, employees who claim religious exemptions, and most government employees. Also covers self-employed people who join voluntarily.

Eligibility:      You must have earned at least $300 from which Short Term Disability Income taxes were withheld during a previous 12 month period. It doesn't matter whether you have a pre-existing condition.

Premium:     For 2013, employers and employees each pay a payroll tax of 1% of payroll. The maximum tax is $1,008.80 per employee, per year ($100,880 x .010). The payroll tax applies to the first $100,880 in earnings or profit only.

Waiting period:   7 days, benefits start on the 8th day.

Benefit Period:    52 weeks

Covers:         Full and part time workers, except employees of the federal government, certain domestic workers, and other specific categories.

Weekly benefits:    Approximately 55% of gross salary based on your highest quarter earnings in the first 12 of the last 18 months.

Taxes:         California SDI benefits are not subject to income taxes.

NOTE:          California gives SDI to people who are disabled due to elective or cosmetic surgery as well as other non-occupational disabilities.

Claims forms:   are obtained at your doctor's office or non-profit agencies and are sent directly to the State Employment Development Department ("EDD"). Only you (the claimant) and your doctor complete the claim form. Your employer will be notified that there is a claim once it is approved. No details are given to the employer.

Source of Coverage:    Employees participate in the State plan or an employer may provide a Self-insured Voluntary Plan as long as benefits meet or exceed State benefits.

For more information:    See "Disability Insurance" at www.edd.ca.gov/ .  The statewide toll free number is 800.480.3287.:

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