FAQ State Disability Insurance (SDI)
How did part-timers opt for SDI?
In February, 2011, CCFT held an election to determine whether part-timers as a group wanted to be covered by State Disability Insurance. The results were to be binding on all part-timers (as per the EDD regulations). Given that a majority of those casting ballots voted YES, all part-timers are now required to participate in SDI.
NOTE: The election closed on March 18, 2011. A significant majority (77%) voted in favor. Implementation began October 1, 2011.
Are full-time faculty covered by SDI?
No. Cabrillo’s full-time faculty members have disability insurance coverage through a private plan offered by the District.
What exactly is SDI?
State Disability Insurance (SDI) is a partial wage-replacement insurance plan for California workers when they are unable to do customary work while employed or actively looking for work. It consists of two programs: Disability Insurance and Paid Family Leave Insurance.
- Disability Insurance: Provides up to 52 weeks of benefits for employees who are unable to do their regular customary work for at least eight consecutive days because of illness, injury, or disability (includes elective surgery, alcoholism, drug addiction, pregnancy, childbirth or other related conditions).
- Paid Family Leave Insurance: Provides up to six weeks of benefits for bonding with a new child (includes adoption and foster care placement), caring for an immediate family member (spouse, domestic partner, child or parent) with a serious health condition, or for the employee to take medical leave.
How is SDI funded?
Through employee contributions. For 2013 deductions are based on 1% of gross income. There is a cap of a little over $1,000 for the year (applies to contributions through all employers).
How much is the weekly benefit amount?
It varies depending on the employee’s wages and SDI contributions over the four-quarter base period used for benefits calculations. In general, SDI benefits are approximately 55% of income. SDI also works in conjunction with accumulated sick leave, so it is possible to receive 100% of your salary for an extended period.
Is SDI taxable, like unemployment insurance?
SDI is not taxable unless you are collecting it in lieu of unemployment benefits. Paid Family Leave is always taxable.
Who administers SDI?
SDI is a division of the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD). However, its operation is totally separate from the Unemployment Insurance division of EDD. The SDI division is very efficient, and routinely processes claims within 14 days.
What is the base period for a claim?
If your claim begins in Your base period is the 12 months ending last
January, February, or March........................................................................... September 30
April, May, or June........................................................................................... December 31
July, August, or September...................................................................................... March 31
October, November, or December............................................................................ June 30
How can I get more information?
Useful links to SDI information
"A Brief Introduction to SDI" from Andrea York, Director of Government Relations for the FACCC: www.faccc.org/images/SDI_FACCC.ppt
Disability Insurance Provisions Brochure:
www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de2515.pdf
State Disability Insurance Program Fact Sheet:
www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de8714c.pdf
Disability Insurance (DI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL) Weekly Benefit Amounts:
www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de2588.pdf
Paid Family Leave Brochure:
www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de2511.pdf
Paid Family Leave Fact Sheet:
www.edd.ca.gov/pdf_pub_ctr/de8714cf.pdf
For local questions call Maya Bendotoff at the CCFT office (831-464-2238).