SDI Benefit Calculator California 2026: How to Estimate Your Weekly Payment

By Michael Steiner | SDI Advisor

One of the first questions people ask when they’re considering filing for California SDI is: how much will I actually receive?

It’s a completely reasonable thing to want to know before you file. Whether you’re deciding between SDI and unemployment, trying to figure out whether benefits will cover your rent and bills, or simply trying to understand what the program means for your financial situation — knowing your approximate weekly payment upfront helps you plan.

The honest answer is that your exact weekly benefit amount (WBA) is determined by the EDD after your claim is processed and verified, based on your actual wage history. You’ll see it on your Notice of Computation, which is one of the first documents the EDD sends after receiving your application.

But you don’t have to wait for that document. With the right information and a straightforward calculation, you can get a very good estimate on your own — right now. This post walks you through the exact formula the EDD uses, shows you how to identify the right wages to plug into it, and works through several real examples at common California income levels.

By the end, you’ll know approximately what your weekly check would look like — and whether SDI makes financial sense compared to other options.

Step 1: Understand What Your Benefit Is Based On

Your SDI weekly benefit amount is not calculated from what you were earning right before you became disabled. This surprises a lot of people, and it’s one of the most important things to understand before you run any numbers.

Instead, your benefit is based on your wages during what the EDD calls your base period — a specific 12-month window of past earnings that shifts depending on when your claim begins. The base period ends several months before your disability starts, which means your most recent paycheck may not factor into the calculation at all.

Within that 12-month base period, the EDD divides your earnings into four calendar quarters and identifies the quarter in which you earned the most money. That highest-earning quarter — and only that quarter — is what drives your weekly benefit amount.

This is worth pausing on. The EDD doesn’t average your earnings across the whole year. It doesn’t look at your most recent employment. It looks at one specific three-month window from your past and uses that to set your weekly payment for the entire duration of your claim.

This means two important things:

First, if you had a particularly strong earning quarter in the right window — say, a quarter with overtime, a bonus, or a sales commission — your benefit could be significantly higher than your regular baseline earnings would suggest.

Second, if your highest-earning period happened to fall outside your base period window, your benefit might be lower than you’d expect based on your current or recent income.

Want to understand exactly which quarter the EDD will use? Our complete guide to the base period explains how it works for every claim start month, with 2026 examples →

Step 2: Find Your Highest-Earning Quarter

Before you can run the calculation, you need to identify the right wages to use. Here’s how to do that.

First, determine your base period. The base period depends on when your disability begins — specifically, which calendar quarter that date falls into:

Disability begins January–March: Base period is October 1 of two years ago through September 30 of last year
Disability begins April–June: Base period is January 1 through December 31 of last year
Disability begins July–September: Base period is April 1 of last year through March 31 of this year
Disability begins October–December: Base period is July 1 of last year through June 30 of this year

For example: if your disability began in May 2026, your base period is January 1, 2025 through December 31, 2025.

Second, divide that 12-month window into four quarters. The calendar quarters are:

Q1: January, February, March
Q2: April, May, June
Q3: July, August, September
Q4: October, November, December

Third, add up your gross wages (before taxes) for each quarter within your base period. Include regular salary, hourly pay, overtime, commissions, bonuses, and tips — anything you were paid that had CASDI withheld. Do not include severance pay.

Fourth, identify the highest quarter. Whichever three-month period had the largest total earnings is the one the EDD will use to calculate your weekly benefit.

Where to find this information: Your pay stubs are the most reliable source. Your W-2 from the relevant year can also help, though it won’t show you the quarter-by-quarter breakdown. If you have online payroll access through your employer, you can often pull quarterly earnings reports directly.

Step 3: Run the Calculation

Here is the formula the EDD uses, drawn directly from the California Unemployment Insurance Code:

If your highest quarterly wages are at or below 70% of the State Average Quarterly Wage:

Weekly Benefit Amount = (Highest Quarter Wages × 0.90) ÷ 13

You receive 90% of your average weekly wages during your highest quarter.

If your highest quarterly wages are above 70% of the State Average Quarterly Wage:

Weekly Benefit Amount = (Highest Quarter Wages × 0.70) ÷ 13

You receive 70% of your average weekly wages during your highest quarter.

The 2026 threshold: The State Average Weekly Wage (SAWW) for 2026 is $1,789, which means the State Average Quarterly Wage is approximately $23,257 (13 weeks × $1,789). Seventy percent of that is approximately $16,280.

In practical terms: if your highest-earning quarter had total wages below roughly $16,280, you’re in the 90% tier. Above that, you’re in the 70% tier.

The formula uses 13 as the divisor because a calendar quarter is 13 weeks.

The 2026 caps:

Maximum weekly benefit: $1,765
Minimum weekly benefit: $50

If your calculation produces a number above $1,765, your benefit is capped at $1,765. If it produces a number below $50, the minimum applies.

Step 4: Worked Examples at Common California Income Levels

Let’s run through eight real scenarios covering a range of earnings. In each case, we’ll assume the highest-earning quarter is the one being used (meaning earnings were consistent across quarters or the highest quarter is clearly identifiable).

Example 1: Part-Time Worker — $18,000 Annual Income

Highest quarter wages: $4,500 (approximately $18,000 ÷ 4)

Tier check: $4,500 is well below the ~$16,280 threshold → 90% tier

Calculation: ($4,500 × 0.90) ÷ 13 = $4,050 ÷ 13 = $311.54/week

Total potential benefit (52 weeks): ~$16,200

Example 2: Retail or Food Service Worker — $30,000 Annual Income

Highest quarter wages: $7,500

Tier check: $7,500 is below ~$16,280 → 90% tier

Calculation: ($7,500 × 0.90) ÷ 13 = $6,750 ÷ 13 = $519.23/week

Total potential benefit (52 weeks): ~$27,000

This is already more than double what California unemployment pays at its $450/week maximum.

Example 3: Administrative Professional — $45,000 Annual Income

Highest quarter wages: $11,250

Tier check: $11,250 is below ~$16,280 → 90% tier

Calculation: ($11,250 × 0.90) ÷ 13 = $10,125 ÷ 13 = $779/week

Total potential benefit (52 weeks): ~$40,500

Example 4: Teacher or Healthcare Worker — $60,000 Annual Income

Highest quarter wages: $15,000

Tier check: $15,000 is below ~$16,280 → 90% tier (just under the threshold)

Calculation: ($15,000 × 0.90) ÷ 13 = $13,500 ÷ 13 = $1,038/week

Total potential benefit (52 weeks): ~$54,000

Example 5: Professional or Manager — $75,000 Annual Income

Highest quarter wages: $18,750

Tier check: $18,750 is above ~$16,280 → 70% tier

Calculation: ($18,750 × 0.70) ÷ 13 = $13,125 ÷ 13 = $1,010/week

Note: The transition from 90% to 70% at this income level means the benefit doesn’t jump dramatically — in fact, someone earning $60,000 (Example 4) receives a similar weekly benefit to someone earning $75,000 (Example 5). This is a feature of the tiered system — it’s designed to provide a higher replacement rate for lower earners.

Total potential benefit (52 weeks): ~$52,500

Example 6: Senior Professional — $100,000 Annual Income

Highest quarter wages: $25,000

Tier check: $25,000 is above ~$16,280 → 70% tier

Calculation: ($25,000 × 0.70) ÷ 13 = $17,500 ÷ 13 = $1,346/week

Total potential benefit (52 weeks): ~$70,000

Example 7: High Earner — $130,000 Annual Income

Highest quarter wages: $32,500

Tier check: Above threshold → 70% tier

Calculation: ($32,500 × 0.70) ÷ 13 = $22,750 ÷ 13 = $1,750/week

Total potential benefit (52 weeks): ~$91,000

Example 8: Very High Earner — $150,000+ Annual Income (Capped)

Highest quarter wages: $37,500+

Tier check: Above threshold → 70% tier

Calculation: ($37,500 × 0.70) ÷ 13 = $26,250 ÷ 13 = $2,019/week → Capped at $1,765/week

At this income level, the calculation produces a number above the 2026 maximum. Regardless of how high your earnings go, $1,765 per week is the ceiling.

Total potential benefit (52 weeks): ~$91,780 (the maximum total benefit)

A Quick Reference: Estimated Weekly Benefits by Income Level (2026)

Annual Income	Highest Quarter	Rate	Estimated WBA	52-Week Total
$18,000	$4,500	90%	~$312/week	~$16,200
$30,000	$7,500	90%	~$519/week	~$27,000
$45,000	$11,250	90%	~$779/week	~$40,500
$60,000	$15,000	90%	~$1,038/week	~$54,000
$75,000	$18,750	70%	~$1,010/week	~$52,500
$100,000	$25,000	70%	~$1,346/week	~$70,000
$130,000	$32,500	70%	~$1,750/week	~$91,000
$150,000+	$37,500+	70%	$1,765 (cap)	~$91,780

These are estimates based on evenly distributed quarterly earnings. Actual amounts may vary based on your specific earnings pattern and the EDD’s official benefit chart.

Things That Can Change Your Benefit Amount

The formula above gives you a solid estimate — but several real-world factors can affect what you actually receive.

Uneven quarterly earnings. If your income is variable — with commission spikes, bonuses in a specific quarter, or significant overtime in certain months — your highest-earning quarter may be considerably higher or lower than a simple annual ÷ 4 estimate. This is worth calculating carefully. If a bonus-heavy quarter falls within your base period, your benefit could be significantly higher than the table above suggests.

Employer-paid sick leave or disability supplements. If your employer continues to pay you sick leave, short-term disability benefits, or salary continuation while you’re on SDI, your weekly SDI payment may be reduced or eliminated depending on how the payments are structured. Pure vacation payout does not reduce SDI. Sick pay, PTO used during disability, or employer-funded STD insurance typically does.

Part-time work during your disability. If you return to work part-time while still collecting SDI, your benefit is reduced based on your part-time earnings. The EDD uses a specific formula to calculate the offset — you don’t simply lose your entire benefit the moment you work a few hours.

Child or spousal support orders. If you have active court-ordered support obligations, the EDD may garnish a portion of your SDI payments toward those obligations.

Prior overpayments. If you have an outstanding overpayment from a previous EDD claim (SDI, Paid Family Leave, or unemployment), the EDD may offset your new benefits to recover that balance.

How SDI Compares to Unemployment — in Dollar Terms

This comparison matters enormously for anyone deciding which program to pursue after losing a job.

California unemployment insurance pays a maximum of $450 per week for up to 26 weeks. That’s a total maximum benefit of $11,700 — and it’s federally taxable income.

SDI, as the examples above show, pays between $312 and $1,765 per week for up to 52 weeks. For someone earning $45,000 per year, that’s approximately $40,500 in total benefits, largely non-taxable — versus $11,700 on unemployment.

The difference at that income level is nearly $29,000.

The catch is that SDI requires a medical condition preventing you from working, while unemployment requires you to be able and available for work. If your depression, anxiety, PTSD, or another mental health condition genuinely prevents you from performing your regular job — or from effectively searching for a new one — SDI is likely the more accurate program for your situation.

Our complete side-by-side comparison of SDI vs. unemployment →

Using the EDD’s Official Calculator

For the most precise estimate, the EDD provides an online benefit calculator at edd.ca.gov. You’ll enter your wages month by month for the past 18 months, and the calculator will determine your base period, identify your highest quarter, and produce an estimated weekly benefit amount.

The EDD’s calculator is the gold standard for accuracy, but it requires you to have your pay stubs or earnings records available. The manual calculation method in this post is useful for getting a quick ballpark before you’re ready to sit down with your full wage history.

Frequently Asked Questions About SDI Benefit Calculations

What if I worked for multiple employers during my base period? All qualifying wages from all California employers are combined. If three different jobs during your base period all had CASDI withheld, those wages add together in each quarter. Your highest-earning quarter from the combined total is what the EDD uses.

Does overtime count toward my benefit calculation? Yes. Overtime pay that had SDI deductions withheld counts as qualifying wages and is included in your quarterly totals. If you had an overtime-heavy quarter, it can significantly raise your benefit.

What if I received a large bonus in one quarter? Bonuses are included in your base period wages as long as they were paid during the base period window and had CASDI withheld. A bonus landing in your highest-earning quarter can meaningfully increase your weekly benefit.

What if I was self-employed or a contractor? Standard SDI only covers employees who have CASDI withheld from wages. If you were self-employed or worked as a 1099 contractor, your income generally doesn’t count toward SDI unless you separately enrolled in the EDD’s Disability Insurance Elective Coverage (DIEC) program and have been paying premiums.

My highest-earning quarter was outside my base period. Can I still get a good benefit? Potentially, depending on your earnings pattern. If you don’t qualify under the standard base period — or if the standard base period produces a very low benefit — ask about the Alternative Base Period, which looks at more recent earnings. The base period guide explains all three options →

I’ve been on unemployment and want to switch to SDI. Will my benefit amount change? Your SDI benefit is calculated independently from your unemployment benefit — it uses the same base period formula described above. In most cases, SDI pays considerably more than unemployment. Be aware that SDI received as a substitute for unemployment is federally taxable. Full explanation of SDI and taxes →

Can I get SDI if I’ve already been laid off? Yes, in many cases. SDI eligibility is based on your base period wages and your current medical condition — not your employment status at the time you file. Our layoff guide explains exactly how this works →

The Bottom Line

Estimating your California SDI benefit comes down to four steps: identify your base period, find your wages by quarter within that period, identify the highest quarter, and apply the 90% or 70% formula depending on where your quarterly earnings fall relative to the threshold.

For most California workers earning between $30,000 and $100,000 per year, SDI pays somewhere between $500 and $1,350 per week — a significant income replacement that is nearly always higher than what unemployment provides, for a benefit period that lasts twice as long.

If you’re dealing with depression, anxiety, PTSD, or another mental health condition that’s affecting your ability to work, understanding what SDI would actually pay you is a critical first step in evaluating your options.

Not Sure Whether You Qualify?

Knowing the dollar amount is one thing — knowing whether your situation meets the eligibility requirements is another. If you’re not sure whether your mental health condition would support an SDI claim, or if you have questions about how the base period calculation applies to your specific wage history, we’re glad to help you work through it.

Since 2016, we’ve helped over 1,000 Californians navigate SDI — including many who weren’t sure they qualified, whose earnings were complicated, or who had already been denied and needed to appeal.

We work on a contingency basis: no upfront cost, and we only get paid if your claim is approved.

Contact us for a free consultation →