Ca State Disability Calculator

California State Disability (SDI) Benefit Calculator

Enter your highest earnings in one quarter (3 months) during your 12-month base period.
Enter the number of weeks you expect to receive benefits (max 52 weeks).

Estimated Benefits:

Estimated Average Weekly Wage (AWW):

Estimated Weekly Benefit Amount:

Estimated Total Benefit Amount:

Please enter valid positive numbers for all fields.
function calculateSDI() { var highestQuarterlyEarnings = parseFloat(document.getElementById('highestQuarterlyEarnings').value); var weeksOfDisability = parseFloat(document.getElementById('weeksOfDisability').value); var resultDiv = document.getElementById('result'); var errorDiv = document.getElementById('error'); // Constants for 2024 (these can be updated annually) var MAX_WEEKLY_BENEFIT = 1620; var MIN_WEEKLY_BENEFIT = 50; var WEEKS_IN_QUARTER = 13; // Input validation if (isNaN(highestQuarterlyEarnings) || highestQuarterlyEarnings <= 0 || isNaN(weeksOfDisability) || weeksOfDisability 52) { weeksOfDisability = 52; document.getElementById('weeksOfDisability').value = 52; // Update input field } // 1. Calculate Average Weekly Wage (AWW) var averageWeeklyWage = highestQuarterlyEarnings / WEEKS_IN_QUARTER; // 2. Determine initial weekly benefit based on AWW (simplified EDD rule) var estimatedWeeklyBenefit = 0; if (averageWeeklyWage < 175) { // Roughly corresponds to highest quarterly earnings < $2275 estimatedWeeklyBenefit = MIN_WEEKLY_BENEFIT; } else if (averageWeeklyWage < 929.30) { // Roughly corresponds to highest quarterly earnings < $12079 estimatedWeeklyBenefit = averageWeeklyWage * 0.70; // 70% of AWW } else { estimatedWeeklyBenefit = averageWeeklyWage * 0.60; // 60% of AWW } // 3. Apply minimum and maximum weekly benefit caps estimatedWeeklyBenefit = Math.min(estimatedWeeklyBenefit, MAX_WEEKLY_BENEFIT); estimatedWeeklyBenefit = Math.max(estimatedWeeklyBenefit, MIN_WEEKLY_BENEFIT); // 4. Calculate total estimated benefit var totalEstimatedBenefit = estimatedWeeklyBenefit * weeksOfDisability; // Display results document.getElementById('estimatedAWW').innerText = '$' + averageWeeklyWage.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('estimatedWeeklyBenefit').innerText = '$' + estimatedWeeklyBenefit.toFixed(2); document.getElementById('totalEstimatedBenefit').innerText = '$' + totalEstimatedBenefit.toFixed(2); resultDiv.style.display = 'block'; errorDiv.style.display = 'none'; }

Understanding California State Disability Insurance (SDI)

California's State Disability Insurance (SDI) program provides short-term wage replacement benefits to eligible workers who are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury, or a pregnancy. This includes both Disability Insurance (DI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) benefits, though this calculator focuses specifically on DI benefits for personal disability.

Who is Eligible for CA SDI?

To be eligible for SDI benefits, you must meet several criteria, including:

  • Be unable to do your regular work for at least eight consecutive days due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy.
  • Be employed or actively looking for work at the time your disability began.
  • Have earned at least $300 in wages subject to SDI deductions during your base period.
  • Have a medical certificate signed by a licensed physician/practitioner.
  • File your claim within 49 days of the first day your disability began.

How Are SDI Benefits Calculated?

Your weekly SDI benefit amount is determined by your earnings during a specific 12-month period called the "base period." This base period is typically the 12 months ending approximately 5 to 18 months before your disability claim begins. The California Employment Development Department (EDD) looks at your highest-earning quarter within this base period to calculate your benefits.

Generally, your weekly benefit amount is approximately 60 to 70 percent of your average weekly wage (AWW) earned during your highest-earning quarter in the base period. However, there are minimum and maximum weekly benefit amounts that apply:

  • Minimum Weekly Benefit: For claims beginning in 2024, the minimum weekly benefit is $50.
  • Maximum Weekly Benefit: For claims beginning in 2024, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,620.
  • Benefit Duration: Benefits can be paid for a maximum of 52 weeks, but the total amount cannot exceed the total wages you earned in your base period.

Understanding the Base Period

The base period is crucial. It's a 12-month period divided into four quarters. The EDD uses the quarter in which you earned the most wages to determine your Average Weekly Wage (AWW) for benefit calculation. For example, if your disability began in April, May, or June of 2024, your base period would be the 12-month period from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023.

How to Use the Calculator

Our CA State Disability Calculator provides an estimate of your potential benefits based on the general EDD guidelines. To use it:

  1. Highest Quarterly Earnings: Enter the total wages you earned in your highest-earning quarter during your base period. This is the most significant factor in determining your benefit amount.
  2. Estimated Weeks of Disability: Input the number of weeks you anticipate being unable to work due to your disability. Remember, benefits are capped at 52 weeks.
  3. Calculate: Click the "Calculate SDI Benefits" button to see your estimated Average Weekly Wage, Weekly Benefit Amount, and Total Benefit Amount.

Important Disclaimer

Please note: This calculator provides an ESTIMATE based on the general 60-70% rule and current (2024) minimum/maximum benefit amounts. The California EDD uses a specific tiered table for calculating weekly benefits, which may result in a slightly different exact amount than this calculator. For the most accurate and official benefit determination, you must file a claim directly with the EDD.

How to Apply for SDI

You can apply for SDI benefits online through the EDD's SDI Online system. You will need to provide personal information, employment details, and have your physician or practitioner submit a medical certification.

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