Most California workers know that they’re eligible to receive workers’ compensation benefits if they get hurt on the job, but what if you get hurt in an off-the-job accident? This is where California state Disability Insurance (DI) benefits may be able to help.
If you’ve lost wages and you can’t work because of an illness or injury that isn’t related to your job — or if you can’t work because you’re pregnant — you may be able to receive these valuable benefits.
The requirements to receive DI benefits
Here are the requirements to receive California DI benefits:
- You can’t work due to an injury or illness for at least eight days.
- You either have a job or you were trying to get a job when you get the disability.
- You lost your ability to earn a wage because of the disability.
- At some point in time, you’ve earned at least $300 and State Disability Insurance (SDI) deductions were taken from those wages.
- You’re receiving treatment and care from a physician or medical practitioner, or from an accredited religious practitioner within eight days of becoming disabled. You may be able to adjust the date that your claim begins. You need to continue receiving care while you’re receiving benefits.
- You completed and submitted your claim after you were disabled for at least nine days, but before 49 days passed.
- Your physician, medical practitioner or religious practitioner completed the medical certification in your disability claim. In some cases, a nurse practitioner can certify your medical issue. A licensed midwife can certify a pregnancy-related claim.
If you can qualify for DI benefits, your family members who need to take time off work to help you as you recover from your injuries may be able to seek benefits, too.
File your claim for DI benefits as soon as possible
In order to secure the financial benefit of DI benefits in California, it’s important to stay on top of your benefits application. Don’t delay, and file your application as soon as possible to prevent missing out on this vital financial aid.
