How to Apply for California Disability or Paid Family Leave

California EDD administers State Disability Insurance (DI) and Paid Family Leave (PFL). Both can be managed through myEDD and SDI Online.

Disability Insurance

EDD currently instructs claimants to wait at least nine days after disability begins and generally file within 49 days to avoid losing benefits. A licensed health professional must complete the medical certification.

Paid Family Leave

PFL can provide short-term wage replacement for bonding with a new child, caring for a seriously ill family member, or qualifying military-assist leave. EDD says a PFL claim should generally be filed no earlier than the first day of family leave and no later than 41 days after leave begins.

Always use the current EDD instructions because benefit amounts, identity verification and required documents can change.