I got hurt or sick and cannot work
Workers' comp, disability pay and keeping your job.
4 steps
Step 1 of 4: If it happened because of your job
Workers' comp should cover care and part of your pay.
- Workers CompIf you got hurt or sick because of your job, your employer's workers' compensation should pay for your medical care and part of your lost pay. California's law covers workers whether or not they have papers. Here is what to do first, which form to ask for, and what happens next.Guide
- Workers comp payIf a work injury keeps you off the job, workers' comp should pay you about two thirds of your lost wages while you heal, and more if the injury leaves lasting harm. California law covers you whether or not you have papers. Here is how the pay is figured for 2026, when checks must arrive, how long they last, and what happens after your doctor says you have healed as much as you will.Guide
- Injury notes and checklistPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 2 of 4: If it did not happen at work
Sick days and disability pay may help.
- Paid Sick DaysMost people who work in California earn paid sick days. Your immigration status doesn't change that. Here's how many you get, what they cover and how to ask.Guide
- State Disability InsuranceWhen you are too sick or hurt to work, State Disability Insurance pays you part of your wages. Most people get 70% to 90% of what they earned, for up to a year. Here's who qualifies, how much you may get, how long it lasts and how to keep the payments coming.Guide
- Sick time request (fill in and keep a copy)Print it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 3 of 4: Keep your job
Learn when your job is protected while you recover.
- Job Protected LeaveYou can take time off for your health or your family and come back to your job. In California, most workers at a business with 5 or more employees can take up to 12 weeks of job protected leave a year. Here's who qualifies, how to ask, and what to do if your employer says no.Guide
- Leave request letterPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 4 of 4: Get help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. Ask about cost, languages and current openings before you share documents.
- California EDDOfficial unemployment information, job services, and guidance for navigating an existing claim.Organization
- Legal Aid at WorkFree legal information and advice for low-income California workers about pay, discrimination, leave and retaliation, with help in Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese and other languages. Call 415-864-8848 or start online.Organization
This page puts DNLH guides in a useful order. It is general information, not legal advice. Each guide shows its sources and the date its facts were checked.
Not quite your situation?
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- I lost my jobYour last check, income help and health coverage.5 steps
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- My boss harasses, threatens or discriminates against meName what is happening, keep notes and file a complaint.4 steps