Benefits and money

Can I get workers' comp and state disability (SDI) at the same time?

By the Work Injury Compass editorial team · Last updated November 2026 · How we write and check guides

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Two different programs

Workers' compensation covers injuries and illnesses caused by your job. Your employer's insurer pays for medical care and, if you can't work, temporary disability (TD): two-thirds of your average weekly wage, between $264.61 and $1,764.11 a week for 2026 injuries (see how TD is calculated).

Disability Insurance (DI), part of the State Disability Insurance program run by the EDD, gives short-term wage replacement for injuries and illnesses that are not work-related, such as surgery, illness or pregnancy. The EDD pays DI for up to 52 weeks.

Because one program is for work injuries and the other is for everything else, the EDD says it's not common to be paid by both at the same time.

When SDI can pay you during a workers' comp claim

According to the EDD, you may be eligible for full or partial DI benefits if:

• The insurer delays benefits. For example, your claim is still under investigation and no TD checks have started.
• The insurer denies benefits. Your claim was denied and you're disputing it (see claim denied).
• Your workers' comp weekly benefit is lower than your DI weekly benefit. You may qualify for the difference if you're otherwise eligible.
• Workers' comp only covers your medical expenses, with no disability payments.

The EDD's own advice if you aren't sure: file a disability claim and let the EDD decide.

The EDD lien: why it matters at settlement

If SDI pays you while your workers' comp case is pending, the EDD files a lien to recover those payments once the case is settled. In practice, part of your TD or settlement may go back to the EDD for the weeks it already covered. When you review a settlement, check how the EDD lien will be paid (see settlement options).

How to avoid a gap with no check

1. Report the injury to your employer right away, and within 30 days. The EDD warns that late reporting can cause problems, delays or loss of benefits.
2. File the DWC-1 claim form with your employer so the workers' comp claim is open (how to fill it out).
3. If no TD checks arrive, or the claim is denied, consider filing a DI claim with the EDD. Have the insurer's letters handy: the EDD's claim instructions ask for the insurer's status letter if your claim was accepted, denied or delayed.
4. Keep every letter and payment stub from both programs. They matter for the lien and for any penalty for late workers' comp payments (see late checks and penalties).

What about the SJDB voucher?

The EDD says having, or expecting, a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit retraining voucher doesn't stop you from qualifying for disability benefits. See the $6,000 SJDB voucher.

We don't calculate DI amounts. The EDD decides DI eligibility and the weekly amount from your own wage record.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Every case is different. For free help from the state, call the DWC Information & Assistance unit at 1-800-736-7401.