CASDI

What Is CASDI?

CASDI stands for California State Disability Insurance and is a short-term disability insurance program for workers in the state of California. The program is funded by state income tax withheld from employees’ paychecks. Through this short-term disability program, California employees who are temporarily unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury are able to collect weekly tax-free benefits until they can return to work, for a maximum of up to one year. People on CASDI can collect approximately 60 to 70 percent of their average quarterly gross income.

What Is the CASDI Rate?

As of 2020, the State of California Employee Develop Department lists the employee CASDI contribution rate as one percent, but the maximum contribution is capped at $1,229.09 per employee per year. People collecting CASDI have a maximum weekly benefit amount of 1,300 dollars and a maximum benefit amount of 67,600 dollars. 

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 a medical certification of disability

If you believe you are eligible to receive CASDI benefits, you can apply through the State of California Employee Development Department online portal.