2026 rate, what it covers, Paid Family Leave, and how to file a claim.
The Short Answer
SDI stands for State Disability Insurance. On California paychecks it appears as CASDI or CA SDI. It is a mandatory employee payroll deduction — you cannot opt out. For 2026, the rate is 1.1% of your gross wages with no wage cap. On a $70,000 salary, that is approximately $770 per year, or about $30 per biweekly paycheck.
Calculated at 1.1% rate (2026) with no wage cap. See your full paycheck breakdown →
Your SDI deduction funds two California programmes:
Pays 60–70% of your weekly wages (up to a maximum weekly benefit) if you cannot work due to:
7-day waiting period before benefits begin. Maximum benefit period: 52 weeks.
Pays 60–70% of your weekly wages for up to 8 weeks when you:
No waiting period for PFL. Claims filed with California EDD.
Wage cap removed January 2024. Previously, SDI was only withheld on wages up to approximately $153,164 (the 2023 wage cap). Since January 1, 2024, all wages are subject to SDI regardless of amount. This change was enacted under SB 951 (2022) and significantly increases the SDI cost for high earners.
| Feature | California SDI | FICA (Federal) |
|---|---|---|
| Level | California only | Federal — all 50 states |
| Administered by | California EDD | Social Security Administration / IRS |
| Rate | 1.1% (employee only) | 6.2% SS + 1.45% Medicare (employee); employer matches |
| Wage cap | None (since 2024) | SS: $176,100 cap; Medicare: no cap |
| Benefits funded | Short-term disability + Paid Family Leave | Social Security retirement + Medicare health coverage |
| If you move to Texas | SDI disappears from paycheck | FICA continues — same in all states |
SDI covers non-work-related illness, injury, pregnancy disability, or surgery. PFL covers bonding with a new child or caring for a seriously ill family member.
There is a 7-calendar-day non-payable waiting period for SDI disability claims. Paid Family Leave has no waiting period.
File online at edd.ca.gov/disability. You'll need your Social Security number, employer information, bank account for direct deposit, and for disability claims, a medical certification from your doctor.
EDD typically processes claims within 14 days. Benefits are paid weekly by direct deposit or check. Benefit amount is 60–70% of your weekly wages, up to the maximum weekly benefit.
EDD claims portal: edd.ca.gov/disability ↗