Steps for California Disability Claims
California is one of the few states to offer a State Disability Insurance Program. State disability insurance coverage is mandatory for almost all employers, though employees may opt into an approved voluntary plan if their employer offers one. A disabled employee is eligible to file a claim as an alternative to workers' Compensation or Unemployment Insurance claims, and is required to provide proof of the disability at the time of filing.
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Things You'll Need
- Completed Filing Form
- certificate of disability from a qualified medical provider or religious practitioner
Instructions
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Download and complete a claim statement from the California Employment Development Department, see resources below, or request a paper copy by calling 1-800-480-3287.
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Obtain the required certification from a qualified medical provider (depending on the injury), or by an accredited religious practitioner.
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If the disability is verified by a nurse practitioner or authorized religious practitioner, attach the appropriate certificate to the claim petition. Download the certificates from the California Employment Development Department Web site in the resources below.
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Mail the completed forms to a local disability insurance office between 9 and 49 days of becoming disabled.
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Tips & Warnings
Although an employee cannot receive worker's compensation and disability insurance at the same time, a partial DI award can be used as a supplement if the worker's compensation payments are smaller than the DI award.
Always file a disability claim within the required time frame. In case of long term disability, establishing a claim, even if you are temporarily ineligible to receive payment, is better than not being eligible to receive benefits because of a late filing.
References
Resources
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