What are the eligibility requirements for California Disability Insurance (SDI)?

To qualify for California Disability Insurance, or SDI, individuals must meet several eligibility requirements as established by the program. Firstly, a person must be unable to work due to a physical or mental condition that is expected to last at least eight consecutive days. This inability to work must be validated by a medical professional who provides an appropriate diagnosis and any relevant documentation as needed. Additionally, the individual must have earned enough wages during a specific base period. Typically, this base period consists of the first four of the last five completed calendar quarters before the claim is filed. The required earnings threshold must be met during this time to ensure sufficient contributions to the SDI program. Individuals should keep in mind that the earning requirement may change, so it is advisable to consult the latest information available. Furthermore, a claimant must be either a California employee or a self-employed individual who has opted into the Disability Insurance program. It is also important to note that SDI does not cover short-term disability claims arising from work-related injuries, which fall under a separate workers’ compensation program. Lastly, individuals must submit their claim for benefits within a certain time frame, generally within 49 days of becoming disabled, to ensure timely processing. For more detailed information on these requirements or specific situations, it may be helpful to visit the current web page for California Disability Insurance, where additional resources and guidelines are available.