What Temporary Disability Benefits Are Available for California Teachers?

Short-Term Disability Insurance

Teachers who suffer short-term, off-the-job injuries are automatically covered by the state disability insurance plan. Eligible teachers can receive temporary benefits while they are recovering from their disabilities, including pregnancy. To receive short-term disability insurance coverage, they must be unable to work for at least eight days, and they can begin receiving biweekly disability insurance benefits once they miss seven days of work. California employees who suffer temporary job-related injuries or suffer occupational illnesses can apply for workers' compensation coverage.

The California workers' compensation benefits program provides temporary benefits to workers who suffer partial or total temporary disabilities. To receive temporary disability benefits, workers must notify their employers of their job-related injuries and must receive physicians' certifications of their injuries. Temporary total disability is limited to workers who are unable to work; partial temporary disability benefits are limited to workers who are not able to work the same number of hours or receive less pay for performing light-duty work. Temporarily disabled employees can receive two-thirds of their pre-injury wages for up to two years.

The California Department of Personnel Administration administers the state's employment personnel policies for public employers and their employees. The Department of Personnel Administration administers the benefits programs, salary and job classification issues and collective bargaining laws for all public employers, including California schools. California private school teachers are also eligible for temporary disability coverage under the state's short-term disability program.

The California disability insurance program allows injured employees to receive up to 52 weeks of disability benefits, and the first week is unpaid. Claimants must have earned a sufficient amount of wages during the last year of employment before their disabilities arose. Disabled workers must be unable to work, even with light-duty job accommodations. The state considers those with drug or alcohol abuse problems as disabled if they are unable to work and attend substance abuse programs.

California teachers can also purchase voluntary disability insurance through private insurance plans. According to the California Teachers Association, members can purchase the association's disability insurance coverage, which provides teachers with up to $25 per day when they use sick leave. Additionally, teachers can receive $35 per day when they are required to miss work due to hospitalizations. The association also reports that teachers can receive an additional 75 percent of their pay as wage replacement benefits.

Since state laws can frequently change, do not use this information as a substitute for legal advice. Seek advice through an attorney licensed to practice law in your state.