Disability Insurance (DI) in California offers short-term wage replacement for eligible workers unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. The key question many have is: How Much Disability Will I Get? This article breaks down the calculation and factors influencing your potential benefits.
You can receive up to 52 weeks of DI benefits, provided your disability is certified by a qualified physician or practitioner. Your eligibility and the specific amount you receive depend on several factors, which we will explore in detail.
Calculating Your Disability Benefit Payment
Your Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA) is primarily based on your earnings during a specific 12-month period called the “base period.” The WBA is designed to replace approximately 70-90% of your pre-disability wages, up to a maximum weekly benefit.
To qualify, you must have contributed to State Disability Insurance (SDI) through payroll deductions, indicated as “CASDI” on your paystub, during your base period and meet other eligibility requirements.
Determining Your Base Period
Understanding your base period is crucial for calculating your potential benefits. The base period is a 12-month window that looks at your earnings before your disability claim begins.
Here’s how to determine your base period based on when your claim starts:
- Claim Start Date in January, February, or March: The base period is the 12 months ending the previous September 30th. For example, a claim starting on February 14, 2025, would use the base period of October 1, 2023, to September 30, 2024.
- Claim Start Date in April, May, or June: The base period is the 12 months ending the previous December 31st. For example, a claim starting on June 20, 2025, would use the base period of January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.
- Claim Start Date in July, August, or September: The base period is the 12 months ending the previous March 31st. For example, a claim starting on September 27, 2025, would use the base period of April 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025.
- Claim Start Date in October, November, or December: The base period is the 12 months ending the previous June 30th. For example, a claim starting on November 2, 2025, would use the base period of July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025.
To have a valid DI claim, you must have earned at least $300 in wages during your base period.
Estimating Your Benefit Amount
The EDD (California Employment Development Department) provides an online calculator to help you estimate your potential benefits.
Estimate My Benefit Amount
Keep in mind that this calculator provides an estimate. Your official WBA will be confirmed upon claim approval.
Factors Influencing Your Weekly Benefit Amount
The table below illustrates how your highest quarterly earnings during your base period correlate to your approximate Weekly Benefit Amount (WBA).
| Annual Income (12 months) | Highest 3-Month (Quarterly) Earnings | Weekly Benefit Amount (approximate) |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $1,199.96 | Less than $300 | Not eligible |
| $1,200 to $2,889.96 | $300 to $722.49 | $50 |
| $2,890 to $62,025.60 | $722.50 to $15,506.40 | 90% of weekly wages |
| $62,025.64 to $79,747.20 | $15,506.41 to $19,936.80 | $1,074 |
| More than $79,747.20 | $19,936.81 or more | 70% of weekly wages up to a $1,681 maximum |
Factors That Can Affect Your Disability Payment
Several circumstances can impact the amount of disability benefits you ultimately receive:
- Benefit Overpayments: If you have an outstanding overpayment from a previous Unemployment Insurance, Paid Family Leave, or DI claim, your current benefits may be reduced to offset the debt.
- Child or Spousal Support: Delinquent court-ordered child or spousal support payments can lead to a reduction in your disability benefits.
- Part-Time Work: Engaging in part-time work during your disability period can affect your benefits. If your combined part-time wages and disability benefits exceed your regular weekly wages, your WBA will be reduced accordingly.
Part-Time Work Examples
The following examples illustrate how part-time earnings can affect your WBA:
Reduced WBA Example:
- Regular weekly wages: $1,000
- Part-time weekly wages: $500
- Estimated WBA: $600
In this scenario, $500 (part-time wages) + $600 (WBA) = $1,100. This exceeds the regular weekly wage by $100. Therefore, the individual would receive a partial WBA of $500 ($600 – $100).
Full WBA Example:
- Regular weekly wages: $1,000
- Part-time weekly wages: $300
- Estimated WBA: $600
In this case, $300 (part-time wages) + $600 (WBA) = $900. This does not exceed the regular weekly wage. The individual is eligible for the full WBA of $600.
Important: Always report all income to the EDD to avoid potential overpayment issues, penalties, and disqualifications.
Special Base Period Considerations
In certain situations, you may be eligible for a special base period if your regular base period was negatively impacted by circumstances such as:
- Military service
- Industrial disability
- Trade dispute
- Long-term unemployment
Contact DI at 1-800-480-3287 for guidance on these situations.
Maximizing Your Disability Benefits
To ensure you receive the correct amount of disability benefits, it’s crucial to understand how your WBA is calculated and what factors might influence it. Provide accurate information when filing your claim and promptly report any changes in your circumstances, such as income from part-time work.
Additional Resources
For more comprehensive information about California’s Disability Insurance program, please refer to the EDD website.
