2026 California State Disability Insurance (SDI) benefits guide
Maximum weekly benefits have increased to $1,765 for 2026, with lower-income workers eligible for up to 90% wage replacement. Learn how to calculate your payments and navigate the updated 2026 eligibility tiers.
Starting January 1, 2026, California’s State Disability Insurance (SDI) program reached a significant milestone in the implementation of Senate Bill 951 (SB 951). This legislation has phased in structural changes to the program, including the removal of wage caps on contributions and a substantial expansion of benefit payout levels to ensure disability leave is financially accessible for the state’s workforce.
This guide outlines the 2026 SDI benefit parameters, explaining how payments are calculated and what medical events qualify for coverage under the current law. For tax details—including the updated 2026 SDI tax rate—see our 2026 SDI tax guide.
What is SDI Coverage? (Eligible Events)
State Disability Insurance provides short-term, partial wage replacement to workers who are unable to work due to a non-work-related medical condition. In 2026, eligible events for an SDI claim include:
- Non-work-related illness or injury: Any physical or mental condition that prevents you from performing your regular or customary work.
- Pregnancy and Childbirth: Coverage includes disability periods before and after birth, as well as recovery from related medical procedures.
- Surgical Recovery: Benefits are available for the duration of a medically certified recovery period following surgery.
- Mental Health Conditions: Diagnosis-based mental health conditions that interfere with your ability to work are covered under the same parameters as physical illnesses.
- Transitioning to Paid Family Leave (PFL): While SDI covers your own health condition, many workers transition directly from a pregnancy-related SDI claim to a PFL claim to bond with a new child.
New for 2026: Higher Payouts & Inflation Adjustments
Benefit amounts for 2026 have been adjusted to account for inflation and the rising cost of living in California.
- Maximum Weekly Benefit Cap: The maximum weekly payout has increased from $1,681 in 2025 to $1,765 for claims starting on or after January 1, 2026.
- The State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW): Most benefit tiers are tied to the SAWW, which has been confirmed at $1,789 for 2026. This increase ensures that the 90% wage replacement rate now applies to a broader range of middle-income earners.
The Mechanics: How Benefits are Calculated
Your weekly benefit amount (WBA) is determined by a specific "base period" of past earnings rather than your current salary at the time of your claim.
- Step 1: The Base Period: The EDD reviews a 12-month window that ended approximately five to 18 months before your claim began. This window is divided into four consecutive quarters.
- Step 2: Identifying the High Quarter: The state identifies the three-month period where you had the highest gross earnings within that base period. This "peak quarter" is the primary factor used to calculate your weekly rate.
- Step 3: Applying the Percentage: Depending on your high-quarter earnings relative to the state average, you will receive between 70% and 90% of those weekly wages, up to the $1,765 maximum.
2026 SDI Weekly Benefit Chart
The table below outlines the estimated benefit tiers for 2026. These figures are calculated based on the updated State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) and the final phase of benefit expansions under Senate Bill 951.
| Annual Income | Highest Quarterly Wages | Weekly Benefit Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Less than $1,200 | Less than $300 | Not eligible |
| $1,200 – $2,889.96 | $300 – $722.49 | $50 (Minimum) |
| $2,890 – $65,119.60 | $722.50 – $16,279.90 | 90% of weekly wages |
| $65,119.64 – $83,725.20 | $16,279.91 – $20,931.30 | Flat rate: $1,127/week |
| Over $83,725.24 | Over $20,931.31 | 70% of weekly wages, max of $1,765/week |
Duration, Limits, and Extensions
- The 52-Week Limit: Most workers are eligible for up to 52 weeks of SDI payments per claim.
- Waiting Period: There is typically a seven-day non-payable waiting period at the start of a claim. However, if your disability extends beyond 14 days, you may eventually receive payment for that first week.
- Medical Certification: To remain eligible, your medical provider must certify the duration of your disability. If you need to extend your leave, your doctor must submit a supplemental certification to the EDD.
SDI vs. Paid Family Leave (PFL) Benefits
While the 1.3% tax on your paycheck funds both programs, the benefit durations differ:
- SDI (Disability): Up to 52 weeks for your own medical condition.
- PFL (Family Leave): Up to 8 weeks to care for a family member or bond with a new child.
In 2026, the 90% wage replacement rate applies to both programs for eligible lower-to-middle income earners, making it easier for families to take necessary leave without facing extreme financial hardship.
How to Apply: The 2026 Checklist
Filing electronically is the fastest way to receive benefits. Most claims are processed within two weeks of receipt.
- Digital Filing: Create or log in to your account at the EDD Disability Insurance portal.
- Medical Documentation: Provide your physician with your claim ID so they can submit the required medical certification online.
- Timing: You must file your claim no earlier than nine days after your disability begins, but no later than 49 days. Filing late may result in a loss of benefits for the days prior to the filing.
- Verification: Have your income history and employment details ready to ensure your base period is calculated correctly.
Learn More
- Integration of Benefits
- Part Time Intermittent Reduced Work Schedule
- Voluntary Plan
- Self-Employed – Eligibility for Disability Insurance Elective Coverage
- EDD State Disability Insurance Overview
- 2026 Benefit Payment FAQs
Find DI Information for You
- Physicians/Practitioners
- State Employees
- Employers and Self-Employed/Independent Contractor
- Employers/Employees of Voluntary Plan
