What is CASDI?
CASDI stands for California State Disability Insurance, which is a state-run program in California that provides short-term disability insurance benefits to eligible workers. CASDI is designed to offer partial wage replacement to workers who cannot work due to non-work-related illnesses, injuries, pregnancies, or disabilities. The program is administered by the California Employment Development Department (EDD).
Key features
- Temporary Wage Replacement: CASDI provides eligible workers with partial wage replacement when they cannot work due to a qualifying disability. The benefit amount is a percentage of the individual’s base period wages up to a maximum established by the state.
- Non-Work-Related Disabilities: CASDI covers disabilities that are not related to the individual’s job or workplace. Workers’ compensation insurance typically covers work-related injuries or illnesses.
- Pregnancy-Related Disabilities: Pregnancy-related disabilities, including childbirth and recovery, are covered under CASDI. This includes both normal pregnancies and those with complications.
- Employee Contributions: California State Disability Insurance is a mandatory program, and eligible employees contribute to the program through payroll deductions. Employers are responsible for withholding these contributions and remitting them to the state.
- Eligibility Requirements: To be eligible for CASDI benefits, individuals must have earned certain wages during a specified base period and cannot perform their regular work due to a qualifying disability.
- Duration of Benefits: CASDI benefits are typically provided for a limited duration, often up to 52 weeks within a benefit year. The specific duration and benefit amounts depend on factors such as the nature of the disability and the individual’s earnings history.
- Coordination with Paid Family Leave (PFL): CASDI is closely linked with California’s Paid Family Leave (PFL) program. In some cases, individuals may be eligible for PFL benefits to care for a seriously ill family member or bond with a new child.
Conclusion
CASDI is part of California’s broader social insurance programs to support workers during periods of disability. It is important for employees and employers to be familiar with the program’s rules and requirements to ensure proper compliance and access to benefits when needed. The program helps provide financial support to workers facing temporary disabilities and ensures that they can focus on their recovery without facing undue financial hardship.