Many Californians are wrongfully denied short-term disability benefits, making it challenging to navigate life without income or financial help from the EDD. To learn more about short-term disability, read this comprehensive guide.
Who Is Eligible for Short-Term Disability?
An employee is eligible for short-term disability benefits if the individual is unable to work because of a disability and has lost income as a result. In addition, employees are only eligible if they received at least $300 in wages (from which short-term disability taxes were withheld), during the base period. The base period is a one-year period that ends before the last complete calendar quarter before the individual filed a claim. For example, if the employee files a claim in May 2022, the base period is 2021.
How To File a Claim
To collect short-term disability benefits, employees must file a claim with the Employment Development Department (EDD) within seven weeks of becoming unable to work. In addition, the person must submit a medical certificate of disability signed by a physician or practitioner. To make the process easier, having the right information on hand is beneficial. For example, a government-issued ID or driver’s license, social security number, and employer’s business name and address are important components.
Common Reasons for Claim Denials
Many Californians with legitimate disabilities are denied short-term disability benefits. However, if the EDD finds discrepancies in a claim, they will deny benefits. Some common reasons for claim denials are:
- Denial on procedural grounds: unverified ID, late claim, or application errors.
- The EDD found that you are able to work full-time.
- EDD refuses to accept the medical certificate from your healthcare provider.
- EDD believes that worker’s compensation should cover your disability.
- EDD found that you are not losing wages because you are receiving other types of income (e.g., a pension).
What To Do if the EDD Denies Your Claim
Dealing with the EDD is challenging, especially if they deny your short-term disability claim. That’s why you need someone in your corner to fight for you! An experienced disability appeal lawyer from Pershing Square Law Firm can help you. After a claim denial, you can file an appeal and state why you don’t agree with the EDD’s decision, and one of our appeal lawyers can represent you in the hearing. Pershing strives for the highest payout and is committed to helping you receive benefits faster. To learn more about the reasons short-term disability can be denied and what you can do to prevent it, call us today.
