
How It Works / FAQ
California SDI may replace part of your income when a mental health condition keeps you from working. Getting started takes five steps: complete a confidential online assessment, meet a California-licensed provider by telehealth, receive individualized clinical recommendations, complete required documentation when it is clinically appropriate, and submit your claim while EDD independently reviews eligibility.
Complete a Confidential Assessment
Tell us about your symptoms, concerns, and work-related challenges through our simple online assessment.
Meet With Your Licensed Psychologist
You'll meet with a California-licensed psychologist who will conduct a thorough evaluation and learn more about your situation.
Receive Personalized Recommendations
If taking time away from work appears clinically appropriate, we'll explain your options and guide you through the next steps.
Complete the Required Paperwork
When it is clinically appropriate and supported by the evaluation, your provider completes the documentation the State of California requires. You then submit your claim and any employer forms.
EDD Reviews Your Claim While You Focus on Care
The California Employment Development Department independently decides eligibility, benefit amount, and duration. If your claim is approved, benefits are paid by EDD — Work Leave Care cannot guarantee approval, a payment amount, or a length of leave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common situations we help evaluate
Anxiety Disability in California
How anxiety can affect your ability to work, when California disability may apply, and what a licensed evaluation considers.
Read moreDepression Disability in California
How depression can affect your ability to work, when leave may be appropriate, and how California disability decisions are made.
Read moreBurnout Leave From Work
When burnout may overlap with anxiety or depression, how it can affect work, and when a clinical evaluation may help.
Read moreComplete the Process From Home
How telehealth evaluation and documentation support works when you cannot easily get to an office.
Read moreSDI After Leaving a Job
How quitting, being fired, or stopping work may affect California SDI, and why the timing of your condition matters.
Read moreEDD Medical Certification
What an EDD medical certification may document, why evaluation matters, and who decides a California disability claim.
Read more