California SDI Benefit Calculator
90% for lower earners, 70% for everyone else, capped at about $1,765/week — no annual wage cap since 2024.
If your average weekly wage is below 70% of the State Average Weekly Wage (about $1,252/week for 2026), SDI replaces 90% of your wages. Everyone else gets 70%, capped at about $1,765/week.
Enter your average weekly wage to see your estimated SDI benefit.
CA SDI Benefit Calculator
Estimated Weekly SDI Benefit
How this is calculated
The tool compares your average weekly wage to 70% of the 2026 State Average Weekly Wage ($1,789, so the threshold is about $1,252). Below that threshold, your benefit is 90% of your average weekly wage; at or above it, your benefit is 70%.
Either way, the result is capped at the 2026 statutory maximum of about $1,765/week. This tiered, higher-for-lower-earners structure and the removal of the annual SDI wage cap both came from SB 951 — a real and fairly recent shift from the old flat-percentage, capped-wage system, so older online calculators may still show outdated math.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of my wages does California SDI replace?
90% of your average weekly wage if you're a lower earner (below 70% of the State Average Weekly Wage), or 70% if you earn at or above that threshold. This tiered structure took effect January 1, 2025 under SB 951.
Is there a maximum SDI weekly benefit?
Yes. For 2026, the maximum weekly benefit is about $1,765, regardless of how high your actual wages are.
Is there still a wage cap on SDI payroll deductions?
No. Since January 1, 2024, all wages are subject to the SDI payroll deduction with no annual cap — higher earners now pay SDI tax on their full income, not just up to a capped amount.
How is my average weekly wage determined?
It's generally based on your highest-earning quarter in a base period before your claim, divided to produce a weekly figure — similar in concept to how unemployment benefits are calculated, though the specific base period rules differ.
Is SDI the same as Paid Family Leave?
No, but they share the same wage replacement formula and payroll tax funding. SDI covers your own non-work-related illness/injury or pregnancy; Paid Family Leave covers time off to care for a family member or bond with a new child.
This tool provides an educational estimate only and is not affiliated with the EDD. Confirm your exact base period and benefit amount at edd.ca.gov.