Is there a cap on the funds that you can receive from state disability insurance in CA? they just told me 39k.?

Yes and no. The "state" disability funds are for short-term disabilities, usually six months or less. If your disability is for a year or more, then you need to apply for "social security disability" benefits from the federal government. You are not SOL, but you do have to switch from state disability insurance to social security disability benefits.

Usually it is one year if the doctors signs for it for that long because this is short-term disability. If you needed surgery, you would have gotten a referral for that. If your back is the problem that does not go away. You must have a regimen of exercise and physical therapy. Why didnt Workers Comp pay you. If you get a WC check, whatever you received from the state will be deducted to pay them back. Public benefits must be repaid.

California SDI benefits replace 55% of your income, up to $987 per week in 2011. Benefits may last for up to twelve months. SDI replaces income for off the job accidents and sicknesses. Workers compensation covers on the job. Therefore you can collect benefits from one but not both. As the other person suggested, Supplemental Security Income is your next step.