What is CASDI?

The short-term disability insurance program in California is called CASDI and is funded through state income taxes withheld from employees’ paychecks.

The California short-term disability program provides tax-free benefits to employees who are temporarily unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. Benefits are available for up to one year.

Who Is Eligible for CASDI?

Workers must meet all of the following requirements to receive CASDI benefits:

• Unable to do their regular work for at least eight consecutive days
• Employed or actively looking for employment when they became disabled 
• Lost wages because of their disability
• Earned at least $300 from which CASDI deductions were withheld in the past 12 months 
• Being cared for or treated by a licensed doctor or accredited religious practitioner during the first eight days of their disability
• Completed and mailed a claim for CASDI within 49 days of becoming disabled
• Have a physician or practitioner complete medical certification of disability

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