As a worker-funded program, the State Disability Insurance (SDI) program contributes to the economic security of California by providing affordable benefits to eligible workers. The SDI program provides benefits to workers who are unable to work due to non work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy. Although work-connected disabilities are covered by Workers' Compensation laws, SDI benefits may also be paid for work-related illnesses or injuries under certain circumstances prescribed by law.

BackgroundDisability insurance was added to the California Unemployment Insurance Code in 1946. California, Rhode Island, New Jersey, New York, Hawaii, plus the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, are the only states that provide disability insurance for their work force. California has become a model in SDI implementation and a pioneer in innovative procedures. California was:• The first state to authorize voluntary plans for disability insurance coverage.• The first state to provide SDI coverage for agricultural workers.• The first state to give self-employed persons coverage on an elective basis.• The first state to provide benefits to clients recovering from alcohol dependency or drug-induced illnesses while in residence in authorized recovery facilities. (Maximum coverage is 90 days.)• The first state to offer paid family leave to persons caring for seriously ill family members or bonding with new minor children.• Since 2005, total benefits paid exceed $3 billion.