Calif. State Disability Insurance  Coverage ( #SDI )
Calculate your benefits 

42 comments on “SDI State Disability Insurance – MAGI Income Taxable? COVID”

1. ssi ssdi ihss

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2. Are Cities & Government Agencies required to contribute to SDI? Namely, the City of Vernon in California

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   • Many public and government agencies are not required by the California Unemployment Insurance Code to join the SDI Program. These employers may elect coverage for all employees, but an election by the appropriate governing board and a written petition signed by a majority of the employees is required. Employees may not join as individuals.

     Public agency employers may elect coverage for:

     Employees who are part of an appropriate bargaining unit. The election must result from a negotiated agreement.

     Management and confidential employees.

     Employees who are not part of an appropriate bargaining unit. Learn More @ EDD.CA.Gov

     I would imagine City of Vernon has an alternate program. Check out these links:

     City of Vernon Human Resources

     Employee Benefits – Current Employees

     Benefits

     Our webpage on SSDI Social Security Disability Insurance

     Attorney’s that might help with Disability

     If you want us to do more research, there is a nominal fee.

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3. How can I get some extra monthly money?

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   • I’m not sure what your question is for me?

     What is your disability? Can you get improvement and go back to work?

     Did you want to check out other welfare programs, that I as a taxpayer, work for you and then you get extra $$$?

     When I want extra $$$, I put in a few more hours in my job and this website.

     Are there ways you can lower your expenses?

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4. I was laid off from my job on March 19, 2020 dues to Covid. So I’m currently collecting Unemployment Insurance. If I become disabled and give up my Unemployment last quarter of earnings was the first quarter of 2020.

   Would I qualify for SDI?

   What might I collect?

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   • Check our reply below.

     Looks like we would need to know your earnings each quarter for the last 18 months. Then you could use the calculator here.

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5. I have a hard time staying focused & paying attention to where I’m going in the car and I forget a lot frequently

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   • I’m not sure what your question for me is

     SDI Criteria
     In order to be eligible for DI benefits, you must:

     Be unable to do your regular or customary work for at least eight days.

     Have lost wages because of your disability.
     Be employed or actively looking for work at the time your disability begins.

     Have earned at least $300 from which State Disability Insurance (SDI) deductions were withheld during your base period. Learn more with Calculating Benefit Payment Amounts.

     Be under the care and treatment of a licensed physician/practitioner or accredited religious practitioner within the first eight days of your disability. The date your claim begins can be adjusted if it does not meet this requirement. You must remain under care and treatment to continue receiving benefits.

     criteria for Social Security

     Here’s our webpage on autism

     Here’s our webpage on applying for SSI and SSDI

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6. I’m on disability and not working.

   How long can I stay on my employer’s health plan?

   What can I do for health insurance, when the group plan runs out?

   Can my employer fire me if I’m not able to show up for work?

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   • How long you can stay on your Employer’s Health Plan would depend on what was requested when the Employer set up the plan.

     Here’s the options with one typical company.

     Check out all the various health insurance company Employer Applications

     Also check out what is in your employee manual.

     Try going to the administrative pages and administrative guides of the Insurance Companies and get more details on their rules.

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7. I was in disability while the whole pandemic was going on

   I had restrictions

   would I have qualified for the extra $600 a week being on partial disability

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   • What do you mean by Partial disability?

     Please review the Q & A below and information above… there might be exceptions that you could collect.

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     • I’m sorry what I meant by that was Short Time/Term Disability.

       I had a Heart Attack And Was On Disability With Restrictions To Return Back To Work

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       • Your question is beyond my expertise. Try turning in the claim and see what happens. Your question sounds very much like the one below

         References:

         https://www.edd.ca.gov/disability/faqs.htm

         https://covid19.ca.gov/workers/

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8. I have chf Congestive Heart Failure and am on Sdi because doctor says it’s too risky to go back to work because of covid-19 right now.

   Am I eligible for the 600

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   • So, if we didn’t have COVID 19, you wouldn’t be on SDI? If you were out of work, you would be on Unemployment, right?

     The short answer is no – you can’t collect jobless benefits if you quit a job because of a general fear of the virus, experts say. “We’ve never had a pandemic since unemployment insurance has been in play, so we have to really be thinking about what the new rules for a pandemic are,”

     If you quit your job because of a general worry about the virus, you won’t be able to access unemployment benefits

     “Fear is not a legitimate reason to refuse to return,” says Justine Phillips, an employment attorney with the law firm Sheppard Mullin, “and state unemployment agencies can disqualify the individual for benefits if they refuse to accept suitable employment when offered.”

     A worker who’s been collecting unemployment insurance and is particularly vulnerable because of underlying health conditions or a compromised immune system could apply for pandemic-related aid

     if the job is truly unsafe, they may have grounds to refuse the reassignment

     “I encourage people to check with the state agency before making a decision, because if they refuse work and their boss reports they refused, they can lose their unemployment check,” Evermore says. “It has to be clear … what suitable work is.”

     “Again, the burden of proof … is on the worker,” Evermore says, “and some state agencies are going to take a harder line on this than others.”

     USA Today

     if your employer offers you your job back and you refuse it, generally speaking, you’re not supposed to be able to keep collecting unemployment benefits.

     But there are strategies and special protections that workers should know about — in particular people with health conditions

     if you have, say, diabetes, heart disease or an immune deficiency and your doctor advises against going to work during the pandemic, Congress voted to let people in that situation collect unemployment.

     HR 748 CARES Act

     “first contact your employer and explain why you can’t return to work.” She says to then explain the situation to your state’s unemployment office. And, she says, “you should be eligible to remain on unemployment assistance.” NPR

     President Biden signed an order asking the U.S. Department of Labor to clarify that workers who refuse jobs due to unsafe working conditions can still receive unemployment insurance.

     A DOL department spokesman told Reuters the agency is developing an Unemployment Insurance Program Letter – the usual mechanism for issuing guidelines or clarifying policies – in response to the order.

     https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2021/02/01/599452.htm

     2.26.2021 Guidance Issued
     https://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2021/02/26/602996.htm

     https://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/corr_doc.cfm?DOCN=3202

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9. I am on SDI right now. Will I receive the extra $600 per week from the CARES Act

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   • We will answer that question in the page above

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   • I had sdi last month because my doctor said I should be working, but I not getting my extra $600 a month

     What should I do?

     Can I apply PUA? Also?

     I still can’t go back to work right now because of my Health condition

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   • I have been diagnosed with covid – 19.

     If I apply SDI, Can I receive $600?

     Please help me how I apply for this one?

     Thank you!

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     • You’re question is beyond my pay grade. I don’t work for EDD or get compensated to help people with EDD claims.

       It sure seems like you should be able to get the extra $600. If you were unemployed, you would for sure. Since your ill and can’t work it seems no, for the reasons cited on this webpage and the other FAQ’s.

       It looks like you should file for unemployment and see what happens.

       Check out these references and others on this page & FAQ’s

       https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/pandemic-unemployment-assistance.htm

       If you are unable to work and able to provide a written certification by a state or local health officer that you are infected with, or suspected of being infected with, COVID-19, you can file a Disability Insurance (DI) claim. DI provides short-term benefit payments to eligible workers who have a full or partial loss of wages due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week. edd.ca.gov/Disability/How_to_File_a_DI_Claim_in_SDI_Online

       Would I qualify for benefits if I choose to stay home from work due to underlying health conditions and concerns about exposure to the virus?

       You can be eligible for benefits if you choose to stay home. Once you file your claim, the EDD will contact you if we need more information.

       Can I collect disability and unemployment benefits at the same time?

       You have the right to apply and file a claim for unemployment and disability benefits at the same time, but you can only collect payments under one benefit program at a time. You’re encouraged to file a claim under one program based on your circumstances or file under both programs if you are unsure of which program is most appropriate. The EDD will review the facts and determine your eligibility for the appropriate program.

       Can I start collecting unemployment benefits because I am laid off or have had my work hours reduced, and then switch to a disability claim if I become sick?

       Yes. If you become sick while you are out of work, you can apply for a disability claim, which can provide a higher benefit amount if you’re eligible.

       A medical certification is required to substantiate your illness. If you are approved for a Disability Insurance claim, your Unemployment Insurance (UI) claim will be suspended. If you recover but remain unemployed, you may then return to the remainder of your UI claim benefits as long as you remain out of work and are otherwise eligible. You will need to reapply to reopen your UI claim.

       Will I be ineligible for unemployment benefits if I answer no to the question about looking for work on my certification for ongoing payments?

       You should answer the question truthfully. Given the unique economic situation and lack of available work created by COVID-19, the EDD has been able to adjust our usual eligibility requirements to allow us to automatically process a large volume of claims. You will not be penalized if you answer “no” to the question about looking for work and will be paid benefits for that week if you meet all other eligibility requirements.

       How much can I earn in disability benefits?
       Benefit amounts are approximately 60-70 percent of wages (depending on income) and range from $50-$1,300 a week. The EDD provides a Disability Insurance Calculator to estimate your potential benefit amount. Disability benefits are paid through the date your doctor certifies or when you exhaust your available benefits, whichever comes first within a 52-week period.

       The Governor’s Executive Order waives the one-week unpaid waiting period, so you can collect DI benefits for the first week you are out of work. If you are eligible, the EDD processes and issues payments within a few weeks of receiving a claim.
       https://edd.ca.gov/about_edd/coronavirus-2019/faqs.htm#UIBenefits

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10. I’ve been on SDI State Disability Insurance for 52 weeks, can it be extended beyond that due to virus circumstances?

    I expected to be disabled maybe another 6 months?

    I have treatment resistant major depressive disorder but it might be getting better

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    • My first thought would be to suggest you go on SSDI, but it’s my understanding that you must have a condition expected to last at least a year. So, maybe a year and a half would count? Check our page on SSDI Social Security Disability.

      If you were able to work, I’d say, check into Unemployment Coverage, see above.

      In googling… I don’t see anything about the 52 weeks being able to be extended. You don’t have Corona Virus, so I don’t think you could start a new claim based on that.

      Here’s Disability Benefits 101 on SDI.

      Are you getting Medi Cal? They might be able to hook you up with Food Stamps, SNAP, General Relief etc.

      You can set up an ONLINE Medi Cal account here.

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11. How recent must I have been employed and paying taxes into SDI to collect? That is, if I paid in but then went into an industry that isn’t coverage by SDI, can I collect? Get both benefits?

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    • Here’s the eligibility requirements page https://edd.ca.gov/Disability/Am_I_Eligible_for_DI_Benefits.htm

      Here’s the part that recreates a problem:

      Have earned at least $300 from which State Disability Insurance (SDI) deductions were withheld during your base period. For additional information visit, Calculating Benefit Payment Amounts.

      https://edd.ca.gov/Disability/Calculating_DI_Benefit_Payment_Amounts.htm

      Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is approximately 60 to 70 percent (depending on income) of wages earned 5 to 18 months prior to your claim start date up to the maximum weekly benefit amount. You may receive up to 52 weeks of Disability Insurance (DI) benefits.

      A base period covers 12 months and is divided into four consecutive quarters. The base period includes wages subject to SDI tax which were paid approximately 5 to 18 months before your disability claim began.

      I’m not authorized to deny your benefits. You have nothing to lose, except time by filing a claim. Note also that if you were eligible, SDI would probably deduct the payments you would be getting from another public disability system or vice versa.

      https://edd.ca.gov/Disability/FAQ_DI_Eligibility.htm

      I worked for the government for a couple of years. Can I collect DI?
      Perhaps. Some government workers, including school employees, may be eligible for DI benefits due to their collective bargaining contract. Also, if you have wages from a private employer during the base period, you may be eligible even though your present employer is a local government entity. The EDD encourages you to file a claim for benefits, even if you are unsure of your eligibility.

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12. My 48 year old son in California has colorectal cancer that has matastasized to his liver. After several surgeries, he is in his second round of chemotherapy. This is expected to be more debilitating than the past treatments and cause him to have to reduce work hours as a licensed landscape architect in a medium sized firm. Throughout this, his firm has previously paid his full salary even though he has worked only part time some months.

    I understand that he can recieve from California SDI up to 55% of his full time salary. If he was able to work 45% of the time while in chemo, could he recieve the 55% SDI and get the remaining 45% salary from the firm at the same time?

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    • Please review these pages

      edd.ca.gov/Disability/Am_I_Eligible_for_DI_Benefits.htm

      edd.ca.gov/Disability/FAQs.htm

      I am currently working, but my physician/practitioner tells me I must reduce my working hours due to my disability.

      Can I file a claim for Disability Insurance (DI) benefits?

      Yes. If you are losing wages, the Employment Development Department (EDD) suggests that you file a claim. After the EDD receives your properly completed claim, we will determine if you are otherwise eligible for DI benefits.

      Can I receive accrued vacation from my employer and still receive DI benefits?

      Yes. Vacation benefits are not in conflict with DI.

      Can I receive sick leave from my employer and still receive DI benefits?

      You cannot receive DI benefits for any period for which you also receive sick leave wages that are equivalent to your full or regular salary. If you are receiving only partial sick leave wages, however, you may be eligible for full or partial DI benefits.

      Can I receive paid leave from my employer while I am receiving my DI benefits?

      Yes, but depending on the type of paid leave and how much you receive, your DI benefits may be reduced. You should always report all the wages you receive from your employer on your claim form.

      Can I receive DI benefits if my employer offers me unallocated leave or paid time off (PTO)?

      No. PTO payments are considered the same as sick leave wages. However, if you are receiving partial PTO and still lose wages, you may be eligible to receive full or partial DI benefits.

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13. I have cancer.

    Can I get SDI.

    How much is the benefit?

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    • In order to be eligible for DI benefits, you must:

      Be unable to do your regular or customary work for at least eight days. per EDD Eligibility Page

      Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is approximately 60 to 70 percent (depending on income) of wages earned 5 to 18 months prior to your claim start date up to the maximum weekly benefit amount. Learn More EDD Benefit amount page

      What are the medical eligibility requirements for SDI?

      Medical eligibility is for any illness or injury, either physical or mental, that prevents an individual from doing his or her usual or customary work. This definition also includes disabilities resulting from elective surgery, pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition. CA Disability Benefits

      How to file a claim.

      Sample claim form

      Reply

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