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How does California State Disability Insurance (SDI) work?

Here's how California SDI has you covered


Quick answer
California SDI provides up to 52 weeks of partial wage replacement for employees unable to work due to a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. To be eligible, employees need a California-based job and must have earned at least $300 during the base period (shown as "CASDI" on paystubs). SDI does not provide job or benefit protection — it's a wage replacement benefit only, applied for directly through the state, with a 7-day unpaid waiting period. For 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is $1,765.

Who this applies to / Prerequisites

  • Employees with a job based in California who have earned at least $300 during the base period
  • Applies to almost all employers, with limited exceptions
  • Employee applies for benefits directly through the state of California — this is not administered by the employer

How SDI works

  1. Confirm the employee has a California-based job and has earned at least $300 in the base period (visible as "CASDI" on paystubs).
  2. The employee applies for SDI benefits directly through the state of California — SDI is funded entirely through mandatory employee payroll contributions.
  3. There is a 7-day unpaid waiting period before benefits begin.
  4. SDI provides up to 52 weeks of partial wage replacement, available per claim, for a non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy.
  5. For pregnancy, the usual disability period is up to 4 weeks before the expected delivery date and 6–8 weeks after actual delivery (depending on delivery type) — but the employee's healthcare provider can certify additional time as medically needed.
  6. SDI can be used intermittently if needed.
  7. Where applicable, SDI runs concurrently with CFRA, FMLA, and PDL.

What if it doesn't work

  • Employee expects job protection from SDI: SDI does not provide job or benefit protection on its own — that comes from CFRA, FMLA, or PDL running concurrently, where applicable.
  • Employee needs more than the typical pregnancy disability period: The employee's healthcare provider can certify additional time beyond the typical 4 weeks pre-delivery / 6–8 weeks post-delivery window, based on medical necessity.
  • Employee hasn't met the $300 base period earnings threshold: They are not eligible for SDI.
  • If none of these apply, direct the employee to apply through the state of California, or contact your Leave Success Manager.

Limits and exceptions

  • SDI does not provide job or benefit protection — only wage replacement.
  • There is a 7-day unpaid waiting period before SDI benefits begin.
  • The maximum weekly benefit for 2026 is $1,765; this figure is subject to change annually.
  • SDI is funded entirely by mandatory employee payroll contributions, not by the employer.
  • Employees must apply for SDI directly through the state — Tilt does not submit this application on the employee's behalf.

Related questions

  • How long can I receive SDI benefits?
  • Does SDI protect my job while I'm out?
  • How much does SDI pay in 2026?
  • Is there a waiting period for SDI?
  • How do I apply for California SDI?
  • Does SDI run concurrently with FMLA or CFRA?