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Disability Benefits California: What You Need to Know

Disability can happen to anyone at any time. When a disability prevents you from working, it can be financially devastating. Fortunately, there are programs available to help you. Disability benefits California is a program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. In this article, we’ll discuss how the program works, who is eligible, and how to apply.

How Does Disability Benefits California Work?

Disability benefits in California is a state-run program that provides financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. The program is funded by payroll taxes and is administered by the Employment Development Department (EDD).

There are two types of disability benefits in California:

  • Short-term disability: This program provides benefits for up to six months to individuals who are unable to work due to a non-work-related injury or illness.
  • Long-term disability: This program provides benefits for up to one year to individuals who are unable to work due to a non-work-related injury or illness.

In addition to the state-run program, there is also a federal disability program called Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This program is funded by payroll taxes and provides benefits to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. However, to be eligible for SSDI, you must have worked and paid into the Social Security system for a certain number of years.

Who is Eligible for Disability Benefits in California?

To be eligible for disability benefits in California, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must have a disability that prevents you from working for at least eight consecutive days
  • You must have earned enough wages to be covered by the program
  • You must have a physician’s certification that you are unable to work due to your disability

In addition, you must meet the following requirements:

  • If you are applying for short-term disability, you must have earned at least $300 in wages during the base period (a 12-month period before your disability began)
  • If you are applying for long-term disability, you must have earned at least $1,300 in wages during the base period

How to Apply for Disability Benefits in California

If you believe you are eligible for disability benefits in California, you can apply by following these steps:

  1. Contact the EDD by phone or online to start the application process
  2. Provide information about your disability, work history, and wages earned
  3. Submit a physician’s certification of your disability
  4. Wait for a decision from the EDD

If your claim is approved, you will receive benefits based on your earnings history. The amount of your benefits will be calculated based on your average weekly wages during the base period.

Conclusion

Disability benefits is a program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals who are unable to work due to a disability. To be eligible for the program, you must have a disability that prevents you from working for at least eight consecutive days, have earned enough wages to be covered by the program, and have a physician’s certification of your disability. If you believe you are eligible for disability benefits in California, you can apply by contacting the EDD by phone or online.

Jeff Campbell