Question about claiming California State disability benefit (insurance, unemployed)

[Drathen]

Hello,

I have a few questions for those who have experience with CA disability claims.

Several weeks ago I had an emergency appendectomy and will end up being off work for three weeks to recover. This is the first time I've had to use disability insurance (I have coverage through work and was told to also file with the state) and I'm a bit confused by the disability claim form I downloaded off the CA EDD website. The form is simple to complete - its one of the sections at the end where I'm supposed to sign and date which has me confused. The section that has me befuddled reads "32. Declaration and Signature. By my signature on this claim statement, I claim benefits and certify that for the period covered by this claim I was unemployed and disabled". Does this mean I can only claim CA State Disability benefits if I'm unemployed? If so, why does this same form ask question regarding my current employer?

I also have another question regarding the calculation for determining the benefit to be paid. From reading the EDD website, the calculation is to take 55% of your normal pay and divide by 13. So, if one makes $1000/week, the benefit paid via state disability would be $42/week. Is this correct or am I missing something?

Any suggestions or tips would be greatly appreciated! This is the first time I've been hospitalized as an adult and its been a trying experience. I'm not looking forward to receiving the hospital bill .

Thanks.

[DowntownVentura]

I don't have direct knowledge but I will guess on a couple of things. Don't take it as gospel

1. When the state disability form asks if you were unemployed, it means you were not working, not that you were without a job.
2. If you have private insurance and they ask you to file the SDI, it means they will subtract the state's payment from their payment.

[Drathen]

Originally Posted by DowntownVentura

I don't have direct knowledge but I will guess on a couple of things. Don't take it as gospel

1. When the state disability form asks if you were unemployed, it means you were not working, not that you were without a job.
2. If you have private insurance and they ask you to file the SDI, it means they will subtract the state's payment from their payment.

You're more than likely right about item 1... I looked up the definition for unemployed and the dictionary says "out of work, not having a job, jobless, etc." which is misleading.

I asked my disability benefit company about item 2 and they didn't have an answer for me... instead, they referred me to the CA EDD office which I was hoping to avoid. Guess I'll be calling them...

Thanks for the response!

[DontH8Me]

Don't divide by 13 - I don't know where you got that from. Whatever you get from SDI is not taxed so you will be getting it free and clear. There is a 7-day waiting period, and typically your employer will use vacation time/pay to offset. Typically, payroll will deduct 55% of your pay once the waiting period is over whether or not you file with the state. Any unused vacation pay would be used to supplement the 55% to make it 100% until it is exhausted.

Let me know if you need further info or clarification. Your company's HR or their STD TPA should also be able to help.

[RenaIII]

Hi! I have a question regarding California State Disability. I rec'd an Approval letter on Friday & it was for $50 a week. Who can survive on $50 a week/$200 a month. I was wondering if You can Appeal the amount & ask for a different quarter's earnings that is not in Your Base period in order to obtain a Higher/Highest earnings quarter & thus a higher weekly SDI Payment...

Any Information would be Most Appreciated...Thank You!...

[bpeeps]

Originally Posted by Drathen

You're more than likely right about item 1... I looked up the definition for unemployed and the dictionary says "out of work, not having a job, jobless, etc." which is misleading.

I asked my disability benefit company about item 2 and they didn't have an answer for me... instead, they referred me to the CA EDD office which I was hoping to avoid. Guess I'll be calling them...

Thanks for the response!

Send them an email and they'll get back to you in a month or two, calling is worthless unless you want to hear a busy tone.

[RenaIII]

Hello! Im going to ask this question again to see if anyone has any information regarding it.

Hi! I have a question regarding California State Disability. I rec'd an Approval letter on Friday & it was for $50 a week. Who can survive on $50 a week/$200 a month. I was wondering if You can Appeal the amount & ask for a different quarter's earnings that is not in Your Base period in order to obtain a Higher/Highest earnings quarter & thus a higher weekly SDI Payment...

Any Information would be Most Appreciated...Thank You!...