Quick Answer
CASDI (California State Disability Insurance) is a mandatory payroll deduction of 0.9% on wages up to $153,164 in 2026. For a $75,000 salary, this means $675 annually or about $26 per biweekly paycheck to fund temporary disability benefits.
Best Answer
Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst
California employees who see CASDI on their pay stub and want to understand what they're paying for
What does CASDI stand for?
CASDI stands for California State Disability Insurance, a mandatory payroll tax that funds temporary disability benefits for California workers. Every California employee pays 0.9% of their wages (up to the wage cap) to support this state-run insurance program.
How much does CASDI cost in 2026?
The CASDI rate for 2026 is 0.9% of your wages, but only on earnings up to $153,164 per year. This means:
Example: Your CASDI calculation
Let's say you earn $80,000 annually in California:
This deduction appears on every paycheck as "CASDI" or "CA SDI" and is automatically withheld by your employer.
What benefits does CASDI provide?
CASDI provides temporary disability insurance if you can't work due to:
Weekly benefit amount: Up to $1,540 per week in 2026 (roughly 60-70% of your average weekly wage)
Maximum benefit period: Up to 52 weeks for most disabilities
CASDI vs. other deductions comparison
Key factors about CASDI
What you should do
1. Verify the deduction: Check that CASDI is exactly 0.9% of your gross wages (up to the cap)
2. Understand your coverage: You're automatically enrolled and don't need to take any action
3. Keep records: Save pay stubs showing CASDI contributions in case you ever need to file a claim
4. Use our paycheck calculator to see exactly how CASDI affects your take-home pay
Key takeaway: CASDI costs 0.9% of your wages (maximum $1,378.48 annually in 2026) and provides temporary disability benefits worth up to $1,540 per week if you can't work due to non-work-related illness or injury.
Key Takeaway: CASDI costs 0.9% of wages up to $153,164 annually and provides temporary disability benefits of up to $1,540 per week for non-work-related disabilities.
CASDI rates and costs by income level for 2026
| Annual Income | CASDI Rate | Annual CASDI Cost | Monthly Cost | Biweekly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $40,000 | 0.9% | $360 | $30 | $13.85 |
| $60,000 | 0.9% | $540 | $45 | $20.77 |
| $80,000 | 0.9% | $720 | $60 | $27.69 |
| $120,000 | 0.9% | $1,080 | $90 | $41.54 |
| $180,000 | 0.9% | $1,378.48* | $114.87 | $53.02 |
| $200,000+ | 0.9% | $1,378.48* | $114.87 | $53.02 |
More Perspectives
Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst
New California employees seeing CASDI for the first time and wondering if it's legitimate
Is CASDI a legitimate deduction?
Yes, CASDI is completely legitimate and required by California law. If you're working in California and seeing this deduction for the first time, don't worry—it's not a mistake or a scam. Every California employee pays this.
Why am I paying CASDI on my first job?
California requires all employers to withhold CASDI from employee paychecks, just like federal taxes. Think of it as insurance you're paying for now that could help you later if you get sick or injured and can't work.
Real example for entry-level worker:
If you're earning $40,000 per year (about $19.23/hour full-time):
That $13.85 per paycheck buys you disability insurance that could pay up to $1,540 per week if you need it.
When might I actually use CASDI benefits?
Common situations where young workers use CASDI:
The bottom line for new workers
CASDI is like car insurance—you hope you never need it, but you're glad it's there. At 0.9% of your wages, it's relatively inexpensive protection. Focus on understanding all your deductions so you can budget properly and know what benefits you have available.
Key takeaway: CASDI is a required 0.9% deduction that provides valuable disability insurance coverage from your very first paycheck, even if you're young and healthy.
Key Takeaway: CASDI is a required 0.9% deduction that provides valuable disability insurance coverage from your first paycheck, offering up to $1,540 weekly benefits if you can't work due to illness or injury.
Sources
- California Employment Development Department SDI Information — Official California State Disability Insurance rates and benefits
- IRS Publication 15 — Employer's Tax Guide including state tax withholding requirements
Reviewed by Sarah Chen, Payroll Tax Analyst on February 28, 2026
This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional tax advice. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice specific to your situation.