Disability Following an Accident
I’m reaching out from California. My husband, who is the primary provider for our family, was unable to work for two weeks due to a car accident. Is it possible for us to file a short-term disability claim for that period?
Disability after accident

I’m sorry to hear about your husband’s accident. In California, short-term disability (STD) benefits are typically available for individuals who are unable to work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. Since your husband was unable to work due to his car accident, he may be eligible to file a claim for short-term disability benefits under California’s State Disability Insurance (SDI) program.
Here are some steps you can take to file a claim:
Check Eligibility: Make sure your husband meets the eligibility requirements for SDI, which include having earned sufficient wages during the base period.
Obtain Medical Certification: He will need a doctor’s certification stating that he was unable to work due to his injuries from the accident.
File a Claim: You can file a claim online through the California Employment Development Department (EDD) website or by submitting a paper application. Be sure to submit the claim as soon as possible, as there are deadlines for filing.
Provide Necessary Documentation: Include any required documentation, such as medical records and proof of income, when submitting the claim.
Follow Up: After filing, monitor the status of the claim and respond promptly to any requests for additional information from the EDD.
Keep in mind that there may be a waiting period before benefits kick in, so it’s important to account for that in your financial planning. If you have further questions, consider consulting with a legal professional or an advocate who specializes in disability claims.