Firm Home · Legal Resources · Legal FAQs · Workers’ Compensation FAQs

When can I receive SDI and workers’ compensation at the same time?

EDD may pay SDI when workers’ compensation is delayed or denied, pays less than SDI, or is paying only medical benefits—sometimes paying the difference.

When can I receive SDI and workers’ compensation at the same time?: EDD identifies situations including when workers’ compensation is delayed or denied, when the workers’ compensation weekly benefit is less than the available SDI benefit, or when workers’ compensation is paying only medical benefits. EDD may pay the difference in some circumstances.

This is not double dipping by default

When both programs pay, the combined amount is often capped so you do not collect two full wage-replacement checks for the same week. If SDI covers a period that later belongs to workers’ compensation, EDD may seek reimbursement through a lien.

Disclaimer

This page is general education about California workers’ compensation—not legal advice. Your facts, dates, and medical reports control. Workplace Rights Advocacy focuses on civil employment claims. Benefit and medical disputes inside the workers’ compensation system are often best handled by a workers’ compensation attorney. If an employer is forcing you out, denying accommodations, or retaliating around a work injury, that may be an employment case we can evaluate.

Call (800) 566-4868 Contact Us

← All workers’ compensation FAQs

Common questions

Answers we give on every page before you call. More detail is on our full FAQ page.

Do I have a case?

If you faced discrimination, harassment, retaliation, unpaid wages, wrongful termination, leave denial, or a refused disability accommodation, you may have claims. Whether your facts support a case depends on the evidence, deadlines, and applicable law—we evaluate that in consultation.

How much does it cost?

Initial consultations are typically free. If we take the matter, fees are usually explained in a written agreement before you hire us. Many employment cases are handled on contingency (see below).

Do you work on contingency?

In many employment matters, yes—attorney fees may be collected only if there is a recovery, subject to a signed fee agreement. Costs and fee arrangements can vary by case type; we confirm the terms up front.

How long will my case take?

Some matters resolve in months; contested lawsuits can take a year or longer through discovery, mediation, arbitration, or trial. Timing depends on the claims, court or arbitrator calendars, and whether the other side fights. See how long employment lawsuits take.

What should I bring?

Bring or upload what you have: a short timeline, pay stubs or time records, emails and texts, write-ups or reviews, medical or leave paperwork, and the names of witnesses or managers. See our documentation guide.

Free consultation?

Yes—initial consultations are typically free and confidential. Contacting us does not create an attorney–client relationship until there is a signed written agreement.

What happens after I contact you?

Our intake team reviews what you send, follows up if we need more detail, and screens deadlines and claim types. If the matter may be a fit, we schedule a consultation to discuss options, risks, and next steps—or we let you know promptly if we cannot help.