California Short-Term Disability Insurance (SDI) for COVID-19

Calling off work due to getting sick is the worst. As a result, you lose days of wages and puts financial pressure for a lot of hard workers.  The COVID-19 pandemic brought unpredicting challenges to workplaces and individuals across California. Employees faced illness, quarantine requirements, and caregiving responsibilities, often leading to lost wages and financial strain. Fortunately, California’s Short-Term Disability Insurance (SDI) program provides crucial financial support to eligible workers who need time off work due to COVID-19. At KAASS LAW, we understand the complexities of navigating SDI benefits and are dedicated to helping individuals access the support they need during challenging times. The following provides comprehensive information about California SDI benefits for COVID-19, including eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and how to apply.

What is California’s Short-Term Disability Insurance (SDI)?

The short-term disability (SDI) insurance program provides short-term benefit payments to employees who are off work due to a non-work-related injury or illness. State of California has announced numerous changes in SDI rules in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Eligibility for California Short-Term Disability Insurance

To receive short-term disability benefits in California, a person is required to meet the following requirements:

• He is employed or is actively looking for work at the time he became disabled.
• He has lost wages because of the disability.
• He has earned at least $300, from which state disability insurance deductions were suspended.
• He is under the treatment and care of a licensed doctor or public health officer
• He has filed a claim form within forty-nine days of the date he became disabled.
• His doctor or public health officer completed the part of the form which provides medical certification of a person’s disability.

California’s New Short-Term Disability Rules

According to California law, a person is eligible for short-term disability payments in case he is incapable to work due to having coronavirus or being exposed to the novel coronavirus.

Medical Certification

In case an employee already has a coronavirus, he must submit a medical certification signed by either by a doctor or public health officer, which must contain the following information:

• A diagnosis of a coronavirus
• The start date of the illness
• Probable duration of inability to work

Quarantine

In case an employee is quarantined due to COVID-19 exposure or potential exposure, he must be able to qualify for a short-term disability benefit if his quarantine is certified by a doctor or public health officer.

Laid Off

An employee can be able to collect short-term disability benefits in case he was laid off and searching for work at the time he became unable to work due to coronavirus or coronavirus exposure. Though in this case a person can’t collect unemployment benefits and SDI at the same time.

When Can a Person Start Receiving Benefits?

California has waived the seven-day waiting period for collecting benefits and an eligible employee can start to receive SDI benefits for the first day off work.

How to Submit a Claim for SDI?

You can apply for SDI benefits online through the EDD website or by mail. When applying, you will need to provide:

• Your Social Security number
• Your EDD customer account number (if you have one)
• Your contact information
• Your employer’s information
• Your medical provider’s information
• Dates of your disability or quarantine period
• A completed medical certification from your healthcare provider

Important Considerations

• Waiting Period: There is typically a seven-day unpaid waiting period before SDI benefits begin. However, this waiting period may be waived in certain circumstances, such as for COVID-19 related claims.
• Concurrent Benefits: You may be able to receive SDI benefits concurrently with other benefits, such as Paid Family Leave (PFL) or your employer’s paid sick leave. However, the total amount of benefits you receive cannot exceed your usual weekly wages.
• Appealing Denied Claims: If your SDI claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. An experienced disability attorney can assist you with the appeals process and advocate for your rights.

KAASS Law: Your Partner in Navigating SDI Benefits

Applying for and receiving SDI benefits can be a complex process, especially during the challenges of a pandemic. At KAASS Law, we are dedicated to helping individuals understand their rights and navigate the SDI system. If you have questions about SDI benefits for COVID-19 or need assistance with your claim, contact us today for a free consultation. We can help you:

• Determine your eligibility for SDI benefits.
• Gather the necessary documentation to support your claim.
• Complete and submit your application accurately.
• Communicate with the EDD on your behalf.
• Appeal a denied claim.

Don’t Navigate SDI Alone

If you’re facing the challenges of COVID-19 and need financial or legal help, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. KAASS Law is here to help you access the SDI benefits you deserve and protect your rights as a California worker.

Get in touch with our legal professionals at KAASS LAW for more information.