


Ask the community...
I'm dealing with a similar situation right now! Got my IME letter yesterday but I'm also planning to return to work next week. From what I've been reading here and researching online, it sounds like the key is being proactive with EDD communication. One thing I wanted to add - if you do end up having to schedule the IME even though you're returning to work, some of the IME doctors are more flexible with scheduling than others. When I called the office listed on my letter, they actually had evening appointments available which would work better if I do go back to work. Also, has anyone here dealt with the situation where your employer wants you to get medical clearance before returning? My HR department is asking for a doctor's note saying I'm fit to return to work, which seems like it might conflict with having to do an IME that's checking if I'm still disabled. Just wondering if that creates any complications with EDD. Thanks for all the helpful responses everyone - this community is so much more useful than trying to navigate EDD's website!
Hey Sofia! I actually just went through this exact situation with the medical clearance vs IME conflict. What I did was get a note from my treating physician that said I was cleared to return to work as of [date], and then I brought a copy of that to my IME appointment (which I ended up having to do anyway). The IME doctor actually said this was helpful because it showed my recovery timeline was legitimate. For your employer, you should be able to get the return-to-work clearance from your regular doctor without any issues. The IME is just EDD's way of verifying your disability claim period, not your current fitness for work. Two different things! Definitely agree about the evening appointments being helpful - wish I had known to ask about that when I was dealing with mine. Good luck with everything!
As someone who went through this exact situation a few months ago, I can share what worked for me. The key is to handle both the IME requirement AND your return to work properly with EDD. Here's what I recommend: 1. **Certify tomorrow as planned** - You were legitimately disabled during that period, so certify normally. 2. **Contact EDD first thing Monday** when you return to work. File your return-to-work notice and explain the IME timing conflict. Ask them to note in your file that you received the IME letter after you had already recovered and planned your return. 3. **Still try to contact the IME doctor's office** - Even though their system doesn't show your paperwork yet, explain your situation. Sometimes they can expedite or work with you on timing. 4. **Document everything** - Keep records of all your calls, when you received the letter, your planned return date, etc. Regarding payments: Yes, EDD typically pays up to 7 days from the IME letter mail date (so through 11/27 in your case). Since you're certifying tomorrow (which should be within that window), you should receive payment for the time you were actually disabled. The good news is that returning to work usually resolves the IME requirement, but you need to communicate this properly to EDD rather than just ignoring the letter. Don't let the bureaucracy stress you out too much - you're doing the right thing by going back to work when you're ready!
Update: I certified for UI this Sunday and reported that I was unable to work Wednesday through Saturday due to my injury. The system prompted me with some additional questions about my medical situation. I've also started my SDI application online and my doctor has the medical certification form. Thanks everyone for the advice! I'll post again if I run into any issues with the transition.
Sounds like you're on the right track! The system is working as intended. Your UI benefits should stop as of the day you became disabled, and once your SDI claim is processed (after the waiting period), you should start receiving those benefits. Good luck with your recovery!
Great to hear you got everything sorted out! That's exactly how the process is supposed to work. One thing to keep in mind - make sure your doctor submits that medical certification form as quickly as possible since the 49-day deadline starts from when your disability began (Wednesday in your case). The sooner EDD gets the medical docs, the faster your SDI claim will be processed. Wishing you a speedy recovery!
That's really good advice about the medical certification timing! I didn't realize the 49-day clock starts ticking from the actual disability date rather than when you file the claim. I'll definitely follow up with my doctor to make sure they get that form submitted ASAP. Thanks for the encouragement on the recovery too - hopefully this back injury heals faster than expected!
I've been through the EDD appeal process twice, and honestly, it's not as scary as it seems at first. The key is being organized and patient. When you call, be straightforward about the date error - they see this kind of mistake all the time. Make sure you have your correct return-to-work date ready, along with any proof like pay stubs or an email from your employer. The rep will likely walk you through filing an appeal right over the phone, and they'll send you forms to complete. One thing that really helped me was keeping a log of every conversation - date, time, rep's name, and what was discussed. The whole process took about 6-8 weeks for me, but it was worth it to get everything sorted out. Don't let the bureaucracy intimidate you - you're fixing an honest mistake, not trying to game the system. Stay calm, be polite to whoever you talk to (they really are just doing their job), and follow up if you don't hear back within the timeframe they give you. You'll get through this! 🙂
This is really reassuring advice! I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and was feeling pretty overwhelmed by the whole process. The tip about keeping a log of conversations is brilliant - I hadn't thought of that but it makes total sense. Thanks for sharing your experience and reminding us that the reps are just people doing their jobs. It's easy to forget that when you're stressed about your claim.
I went through this exact same situation about 6 months ago! Made a typo on my return-to-work date and got disqualified. Here's what worked for me: Call right at 8 AM when they open (seriously, set an alarm), have your correct date and any proof ready, and just be upfront about the mistake. The rep I talked to was actually really understanding and said date errors are super common. They walked me through the appeal process over the phone and sent me the forms to fill out. The whole thing took about 5 weeks to resolve, but I got all my back pay once it was sorted. Don't overthink it - you're not the first person to make this mistake and you won't be the last. Stay patient and persistent, and you'll get it fixed!
Hey OP, just a heads up - make sure you're super clear about which address is which when you talk to them. I made the mistake of assuming they'd understand and ended up with even more confusion. Be explicit!
I went through something similar a few months ago! The key is to act fast before it creates bigger issues down the line. What worked for me was sending a written statement via their online portal (if available) or fax explaining exactly what happened - that you accidentally provided your PO box as residential address when it should have been your actual home address. Include both addresses clearly labeled and attach copies of documents that verify your real residential address like a lease or utility bill. Also, if you have any confirmation numbers from when you submitted the original form, include those too. EDD actually deals with this kind of mix-up pretty regularly, so don't stress too much - just get ahead of it!
This is super helpful advice! I'm new to dealing with EDD and honestly feeling pretty overwhelmed by the whole process. Quick question - when you say "online portal," are you referring to the main EDD website where you log in to your account, or is there a separate form submission area? I want to make sure I'm submitting this correction in the right place. Also, did you have to wait long for them to acknowledge the correction?
Luca Romano
You know what's weird about EDD is that UI and SDI are like completely different departments that don't talk to each other. When I switched last fall my doctor told me they were seeing tons of patients with this exact problem. The whole system needs an overhaul.
0 coins
Saanvi Krishnaswami
This thread is so helpful! I'm dealing with a similar situation but mine's a bit different - I'm currently on UI but just found out I might need surgery in a few weeks. Should I wait until after the surgery to file for SDI, or can I file now even though I'm still technically able to work for another week or two? My doctor said the surgery date depends on when they can schedule it. Don't want to mess up the timing and end up in that overlap nightmare everyone's talking about!
0 coins