How Often Do You Get Paid on Disability in California?

The answer depends entirely on which disability program you’re receiving benefits from. California offers state-level disability insurance, while the federal government administers Social Security Disability Insurance, and each program follows its own distinct payment schedule.

When you’re unable to work due to a disabling condition, knowing exactly when your benefits will hit your account helps you manage bills, plan expenses, and maintain financial stability during a challenging time. The attorneys at The Keener Law Firm have helped thousands of clients across the nation secure disability benefits, and we understand that payment timing is one of the most pressing concerns for people awaiting their payment’s arrival or planning their monthly budget.

What Is the California State Disability Insurance Payment Schedule?

California State Disability Insurance (SDI) pays benefits every two weeks. After you receive your first payment, which typically arrives within two weeks of filing your claim, you’ll continue receiving biweekly payments as long as your doctor certifies that you remain unable to work.

Unlike some benefit programs that pay on specific calendar dates, California SDI payments don’t arrive on the same day of the week for everyone. The actual deposit date depends on when the Employment Development Department (EDD) processes and certifies your claim. Most recipients notice a pattern after the first few cycles, with payments often arriving on the same day of the week every two weeks.

How Much Will You Receive Every Two Weeks?

For 2025, California SDI replaces 70 to 90 percent of your wages during a base period, typically 5 to 18 months before your disability began.

Workers who earned less than roughly $60,000 annually receive 90 percent of their average weekly wages. Those earning between $60,000 and $140,400 receive 70 percent. The maximum weekly benefit for 2025 is $1,681, regardless of your income.

Remember that California SDI imposes a mandatory waiting period, meaning you won’t receive payment for the first week you’re off work. After that, benefits continue for up to 52 weeks if your healthcare provider certifies your disability persists.

When Do Social Security Disability Insurance Payments Arrive?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) operates on a completely different schedule. Instead of biweekly payments, SSDI benefits arrive once per month. The specific date depends on your birthday, not when you first became disabled or when you filed your claim.

The Social Security Administration schedules payments according to this system:

• Second Wednesday of the month: If your birthday falls between the 1st and 10th
• Third Wednesday of the month: If your birthday falls between the 11th and 20th
• Fourth Wednesday of the month: If your birthday falls between the 21st and 31st

There’s one exception to this rule. People who began receiving Social Security benefits before May 1997, or those receiving both SSDI and Supplemental Security Income (SSI), receive their SSDI payment on the third of each month.

What Is the Difference Between California SDI and Federal SSDI?

California State Disability Insurance provides short-term income replacement for non-work-related illnesses or injuries. You must have paid into the SDI system through payroll deductions (listed as “CASDI” on your paystub) and remain under medical care throughout your benefit period.

Social Security Disability Insurance, by contrast, provides long-term benefits for people whose disabilities prevent them from engaging in substantial gainful activity. SSDI requires a sufficient work history during which the worker paid tax contributions and expects your disability to last at least 12 months or result in death.

The Keener Law Firm has extensive experience helping clients understand how these programs interact and maximize their total monthly benefits.

How Long Does It Take to Receive Your First Payment?

California SDI typically processes claims within 14 days, meaning your first payment usually arrives two to three weeks after filing. The seven-day waiting period applies to your benefit calculation, not your processing time, so you’ll receive backpay for all covered days (minus that first week) in your initial payment.

SSDI takes significantly longer. The Social Security Administration typically needs three to five months to process initial applications, though The Keener Law Firm can help expedite cases involving terminal illnesses or severe disabilities. Even after approval, SSDI imposes a mandatory five-month waiting period from your disability onset date before paying benefits.

Back payments for SSDI arrive as a lump sum approximately 60 days after your claim is approval.

What Should You Do to Prepare for Your First Payment?

Set up direct deposit as soon as possible. This ensures faster, more reliable payment delivery. California SDI recipients can establish direct deposit through their SDI Online account, while SSDI beneficiaries can set it up through their My Social Security account at SSA.gov.

Track your payment dates carefully. Create a budget that accounts for the different schedules if you’re receiving both California SDI and SSDI. Remember that California pays every two weeks while SSDI pays monthly, so your total monthly income will vary depending on whether a given month includes two or three SDI payments.

Keep your contact information current with both agencies. California EDD sends important notices about continued claim certification by mail, and missing notifications can interrupt your payments. Social Security also mails correspondence about your benefits, including annual cost-of-living adjustment notices. You can also choose to receive email only notifications.

Why Work with an The Keener Law Firm?

Understanding payment schedules is just one piece of the disability benefits puzzle. Many claims are denied on the first attempt due to incomplete applications, insufficient medical evidence, or procedural errors. The attorneys at The Keener Law Firm have helped clients throughout California and across the nation successfully appeal denied claims and secure the benefits they deserve. Our team understands both state and federal disability programs and can guide you through the application process or represent you in appeals.

You don’t pay unless we win your case. This contingency fee arrangement means you can access our experienced legal representation regardless of your current financial situation. We only receive payment if we successfully secure your benefits, allowing you to focus on your health while we handle the legal complexities.

If you’re struggling to understand your disability payment options or have questions about when you’ll receive benefits, contact The Keener Law Firm today for a free consultation. With over 30 years of experience in disability law, we’re ready to fight for the financial support you need during this challenging time.

Sources

• California Employment Development Department: https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability/Calculating_DI_Benefit_Payment_Amounts/
• California Employment Development Department, 2025 Calculator https://edd.ca.gov/PFL_calculator
• Disability Benefits 101 California. https://ca.db101.org/ca/programs/income_support/sdi/program2a.htm
• Social Security Administration: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10031-2025.pdf