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What Is CA SDI on My Paycheck?
Updated for 2026 Tax data reviewed 2026-09-16. Sources and methodology
CA SDI is California State Disability Insurance withholding. It may appear as CA SDI, CASDI, or SDI on your pay stub. The employee contribution funds California Disability Insurance and Paid Family Leave benefits for eligible workers.
CA SDI is different from California personal income tax. Both may be withheld from your wages, but they support different programs and normally appear as separate lines.
California paycheck calculator See each California payroll deduction separately.
Why is CA SDI deducted from my pay?
California generally requires covered employees to contribute to the State Disability Insurance program through payroll withholding. Eligibility for a benefit is decided under program rules, so a deduction on your check does not by itself guarantee a claim will be approved.
How is CA SDI calculated?
For 2026, the employee rate is 1.3% of SDI-subject wages, with no annual wage cap.
| Annual wages | CA SDI per year | Per biweekly paycheck |
|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | $520.00 | $20.00 |
| $60,000 | $780.00 | $30.00 |
| $100,000 | $1,300.00 | $50.00 |
| $200,000 | $2,600.00 | $100.00 |
What does California SDI cover?
- Disability Insurance for eligible workers who cannot do their regular work because of a qualifying non-work-related illness, injury, or pregnancy
- Paid Family Leave wage replacement for eligible workers taking qualifying family leave
Workers' compensation is a separate program for job-related injuries and illnesses.
Why does my CA SDI amount differ from a simple percentage of gross pay?
Gross pay and SDI-taxable wages may not be identical. Payroll adjustments, the treatment of certain deductions, year-to-date corrections, and the year's rules can all affect the line. Review the taxable wage section of your stub before comparing amounts.
What if I do not see CA SDI?
Some employees are covered by an approved voluntary plan instead, or fall under a different coverage rule. Ask payroll which disability plan applies before assuming the missing line is an error.
Related
Sources
- https://edd.ca.gov/en/payroll_taxes/
- https://edd.ca.gov/siteassets/files/pdf_pub_ctr/26methb.pdf
- https://edd.ca.gov/siteassets/files/pdf_pub_ctr/de202.pdf
Educational information only, not tax, legal, or payroll advice.