A disability is a health problem that makes it hard or impossible for you to do your job. It can affect your mind, your body, or both. A disability can last for a short time or a long time.

State Disability Insurance (SDI) or (TDI) is a disability insurance benefit (money) paid to you, when you are unable to work, in the following states: (1) California, (2) Nevada and (3) Florida.

To apply for CA SDI, you must:

1. Have worked at a job where you paid taxes on your income.

2. Have a health problem that makes you unable to work.

3. See a licensed medical provider about your condition.

4. Have your doctor fill out the official disability form saying you cannot work.

Telemedicine exams count in California.

If your primary care doctor denied your disability claim, you can get a second opinion. We provide telemedicine disability evaluations for California SDI.

The state looks at:

• Your medical records

• Your doctor’s disability form

• How your condition affects your ability to work

If the medical evidence is not clear, SDI may deny your claim.

• We understand exactly how California SDI forms must be completed.

• We use telemedicine, so you don’t need to travel.

• We have years of experience helping patients get approved the first time.

Very important. SDI decisions are mostly based on paperwork. If forms are filled out incorrectly or missing details, your claim can be denied. Having an experienced provider complete your forms makes a big difference.

Here are the simple steps:

1. Create or log into your EDD account at: https://edd.ca.gov/Benefit_Programs_Online.htm

2. Fill out Part A (your section of the claim).

3. Answer questions about your work and when your disability began.

4. Your doctor fills out Part B: Medical Certification online.

5. EDD reviews your claim and checks your work history.

6. You receive a notice by mail or online with your benefit amount.

We guide all patients through each step.

California has a typical 14-day waiting period. After that, your payments start once SDI confirms your doctor’s disability certification.

In California, SDI payments can last up to 52 weeks (1 year), depending on your medical condition and your doctor’s findings.

Sometimes EDD asks you to see one of their doctors. This is normal.
You must attend this appointment or your SDI benefits can stop.

In California, SDI payments come on an EDD Debit Card (Bank of America). You can request paper checks if needed.

You can appeal. To appeal:

1. Contact EDD and request an appeal.

2. Ask for a Special Wage Computation if your work record looks incorrect.

We can help you with the medical paperwork needed for your appeal.

This is used when EDD can’t find enough wages in your regular base period.
Example: If you were on unemployment for many months, those past wages may still count. Ask EDD for the special wage form

Many conditions qualify. Some common ones include:

Physical conditions

• High blood pressure

• Migraines

• Heart problems

• Back pain, sciatica

• Neck pain

• Carpal tunnel

• Sprains, strains

• Injury flare-ups

• Chronic pain

Mental health conditions

• Anxiety

• Depression

• PTSD

• Bipolar disorder

• Stress-related disorders

This is not a full list. Many other medical or mental health issues may qualify.

Yes. Many people qualify after submitting new medical records or a new doctor’s certification.

In California, SDI pays about 60–70% of your weekly wages, depending on your income. These payments are not taxed.

EDD looks at the highest wages you earned in a past quarter (a 3-month period). That number decides your weekly payment.

Yes. Some people buy extra disability insurance (from Aflac, MetLife, etc.). But you must have the plan before you become disabled.