Frequently Asked Questions
WORKERS' COMPENSATION
What is the difference between Workers'
Compensation (WC) benefits and State Disability Insurance (SDI)
benefits?
- SDI pays a weekly benefit when an injury or illness is NOT caused by or
related to your work. SDI benefits are paid for a temporary period of time only.
WC helps workers when their injury or illness is work-related. WC may also pay
medical bills, benefits for temporary or permanent disabilities, and retraining
benefits.
I was hurt at work. Can I still file for SDI?
- You can file an SDI claim, but usually you cannot be paid both WC and SDI
benefits for the same period of time except in limited situations. For example,
we may pay interim benefits if your employer or your employer's WC insurance
carrier denies or delays WC payment, or we may also pay the difference
in rates if your WC benefits are less than your SDI benefits. If SDI does pay you
benefits while your WC case is pending, we will file a lien to recover those
benefits when you resolve your WC case.
I'm not sure if I should pursue this as a work-related disability.
Who can I talk to?
- Your doctor may be able to help you determine if the cause of your disability
is work-related. If you believe you have suffered a work-related disability, you
must report it to your employer and have your doctor submit a medical report
to your employer's WC insurance company.
I was told to file an appeal with the Workers'
Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). What is it, and what does it
do?
- If you, your employer, or your employer's WC insurance carrier disagree
over issues regarding your WC claim and you wish to appeal that disagreement,
the
Workers' Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB) is the California state agency
through which you file your appeal. A judge from the WCAB will hear both your
side and your employer's side of the issue and make a determination regarding
your case. An Information and Assistance Officer at the WCAB can provide more
information about the WC appeal process and your right to file an appeal.
What is a WCAB number?
- The WCAB number is a reference number assigned to each WCAB appeal case.
It is used to identify and locate your case file. When you receive your WCAB
number, report it promptly to the SDI field office.
I don't know my WCAB case number. Where can I get that information?
- If you have an attorney representing you, he or she will have that
information. If you do not have an attorney, you can ask the Information and
Assistance Officer at your local WCAB.
I'm receiving rehabilitation benefits (or maintenance allowance).
Can I still get SDI benefits?
- If you are receiving Temporary Disability, Vocational Rehabilitation
Temporary Disability, or Maintenance Allowance from your employer's WC carrier,
you generally cannot receive SDI benefits. However, if your WC benefits are
less than your SDI benefits, you may be able to receive the difference between
the two rates. Contact SDI for further information.
SDI Phone List
For more information please call SDI at 1-800-480-3287 or 1-866-658-8846 (En Español)
