In most cases, you cannot receive full State Disability Insurance (SDI) and workers’ compensation benefits at the same time for the same injury. Workers’ comp typically takes priority, and any SDI payments may be reduced or stopped to prevent overlapping benefits. However, there are limited situations where partial benefits may apply, depending on your case.
What’s the Difference Between Workers’ Comp and SDI?
Both workers’ compensation and State Disability Insurance (SDI) provide financial support when you’re unable to work – but they apply to different situations.
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Workers’ Compensation:
Covers injuries or illnesses that occur on the job. Benefits may include medical treatment, temporary disability payments, and compensation for permanent impairment. -
State Disability Insurance (SDI):
Covers non-work-related injuries, illnesses, or medical conditions, including pregnancy. SDI provides partial wage replacement while you are unable to work.
If you’ve been injured at work and are curious about the programs available to you, continue reading for an overview of things you need to know about collecting workers’ compensation and SSDI benefits.
Eligibility for workers’ compensation benefits
If you were injured at work, you may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, which can cover:
-Medical expenses related to your injury
– A portion of lost wages
– Compensation for permanent disability
To be eligible:
-Your employer must carry workers’ compensation insurance
– You must be classified as an employee (not an independent contractor)
– Your injury must be work-related
Workers’ compensation benefits are calculated based on your average weekly wage before you were injured and the severity of your injury. Workers’ compensation is intended to be temporary and provide financial relief to injured workers while they wait for acceptance for Social Security disability benefits.
Eligibility for Social Security disability benefits
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a California state program that provides short-term disability benefits if you are unable to work due to a non-work-related condition.
To qualify:
-You must have earned wages and paid into SDI through payroll deductions
– Your condition must prevent you from working for at least 8 days
– You must be under the care of a licensed medical provider
SDI benefits generally replace a portion of your income for a limited period while you recover.
Can You Receive Both SDI and Workers’ Comp at the same time?
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If your injury is work-related → workers’ comp applies first
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If SDI benefits are paid for the same period → they may be reduced or reimbursed
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In some cases, SDI may provide temporary support if your workers’ comp claim is delayed or denied
Some workers may qualify to receive both workers’ compensation and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits at the same time. However, you cannot receive the full amount from both programs.
If you are eligible for both, your SSDI benefits may be reduced so that your combined income from workers’ compensation and SSDI does not exceed 80% of your average pre-injury earnings.
If your workers’ compensation temporary disability benefits end while you are still receiving SSDI, you can notify the Social Security Administration. In many cases, your SSDI payments may then be increased to reflect the change in your income.
Because these rules can be complex, it’s important to ensure your claim is handled correctly to avoid delays or repayment issues.
GET legal help today
Navigating workers’ compensation and SDI benefits can be confusing—especially when timelines overlap or claims are disputed. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your options, protect your rights, and maximize the benefits available to you.
At The Law Office of Matthew Russell, we help injured workers across California determine the best path forward and ensure their claims are handled properly.
Give us a call to schedule your free consultation at (619) 544-1506.
Related topics:
What pays more workers’ comp or disability
How to apply for temporary disability in California?
Where’s my workers comp check?