I'm new to this community and just wanted to say thank you for such an incredibly detailed and helpful discussion! I'm actually in a similar boat - been dealing with chronic pain issues and my doctor is recommending extended leave, possibly up to 8 months. Reading through all these responses has been like getting a masterclass in disability rights and job protection. A few things I learned from this thread that I want to highlight for anyone else in similar situations: - SDI provides income but NOT job protection - Multiple laws can overlap (FMLA, CFRA, ADA/FEHA) to potentially extend protection beyond 12 weeks - The "interactive process" is legally required and should start EARLY - Documentation is absolutely critical - get everything in writing - Ask HR specifically about ALL available leave options under company policy AND legal requirements - Your doctor can be a powerful advocate in suggesting specific accommodations Miguel, your systematic approach is inspiring and I'm definitely going to follow your checklist. The advice from Natasha (working in disability rights) and Malik (HR perspective) was particularly valuable in understanding both sides of the process. One question for the group: has anyone had success negotiating a "trial return" or graduated re-entry as part of their accommodation? I'm wondering if that might be another angle to explore with employers who are hesitant about indefinite leave. Thanks again everyone for sharing your knowledge and experiences so generously!

As someone who just went through a similar process with a chronic illness, I wanted to add that it's also worth checking if your company has any "return-to-work" coordinator or occupational health nurse on staff. Many larger employers have these roles specifically to help navigate complex medical leave situations, and they often know about accommodation options that general HR might not think to mention. Also, regarding the trial return/graduated re-entry that Julia mentioned - I actually negotiated something like this! My employer agreed to a "working trial period" where I could test my ability to handle job duties for 30 days with the understanding that if my condition flared up, I could return to medical leave without it being considered a "failed return." Having that safety net made both me and my manager more comfortable with attempting a comeback. The key was presenting it as a structured plan with specific metrics for success (like "able to work 6+ hours per day for 3 consecutive weeks" rather than vague goals). My doctor helped draft the parameters, which gave it more credibility with HR. Miguel, you're doing everything right by being so thorough and proactive. The fact that so many people here have shared successful strategies shows there are definitely paths forward, even when the initial situation seems overwhelming!

Just went through this exact process last month for my ACL recovery! One thing I wish I had known earlier is that you can actually call your doctor's office a few days before your appointment to let them know you'll need the DE 2525XX extension form submitted. This gives them time to have it ready and ensures they don't forget during your visit. My orthopedic surgeon's office was super busy and I could tell they appreciated the heads up. Also, if your doctor mentions any specific restrictions or limitations during your appointment (like no lifting over 10 pounds, limited range of motion, etc.), make sure those details get included on the form - it can help support your case if EDD has any questions about the extension. The whole process was much smoother than I expected once I understood what needed to happen. Hope your recovery goes well!

I'm new to this community but going through a very similar situation right now! My disability claim for ankle surgery is set to end in two weeks, but my physical therapist says I need at least another month before I can safely return to my job (I work in a warehouse). Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful - I had no idea about the DE 2525XX form or that timing was so critical. I'm scheduling an appointment with my orthopedic surgeon ASAP to get the extension paperwork submitted. One question though - if my doctor thinks I might need even more time beyond the initial extension (like if recovery takes longer than expected), can I do multiple extensions or is there a limit? I'm worried about planning for just 4 more weeks if I might actually need 6-8 weeks. Thanks everyone for sharing your experiences - this thread is a lifesaver for someone navigating this process for the first time!

This whole thread has been so educational! As someone who's been navigating the EDD system myself, I wanted to add that it's also worth noting that even if your initial application gets denied, you have appeal rights. I've seen cases where people were initially denied because of confusion about employment status vs. disability onset dates, but won their appeals with proper documentation. The appeal process can take time, but it's definitely worth pursuing if you believe you qualify. Make sure to keep copies of everything you submit and document all your interactions with EDD. And definitely don't let one denial discourage you - sometimes it takes persistence to get through their system, especially with more complex timeline situations like many of you are describing. @Evelyn Xu's success story really shows that it IS possible to get approved even when unemployed, as long as the medical condition predates the job loss. Great job coming back to share your positive outcome!

Reading through this entire thread has been incredibly insightful! As someone who works in workers' compensation advocacy, I see cases like this regularly and wanted to emphasize a few key points that might help others: 1. **Medical onset date is crucial** - Your doctor's certification must clearly establish when your condition began, not just when you finally decided to seek treatment or file for benefits. 2. **Base period wages matter** - Even if you're currently unemployed, SDI benefits are calculated based on your earnings during the base period (typically 5-18 months prior), so gather those wage records. 3. **Don't wait** - The longer you delay filing after your condition prevents you from working, the more complicated it becomes to establish the connection between your disability and your work history. @Evelyn Xu's case is a perfect example of how proper documentation and timing can lead to approval even in complex situations. The fact that she had medical treatment records from January while still employed made all the difference. For anyone facing similar situations, consider consulting with a disability advocate or attorney if your case gets denied. Sometimes having professional help navigate the appeals process can make the difference between getting benefits or not.

I'm going through this exact situation right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! I was approved for SDI in February, went back to work after 3 weeks because I was desperate for money, and now 5 weeks later I'm barely hanging on. My anxiety and depression have gotten so much worse since forcing myself back to work too early. Reading about the DE 2525XX form and the 60-day rule gives me so much hope that I don't have to start completely over. I had no idea there was a difference between supplemental claims and new claims! One thing I want to add that might help others - I called my doctor's office yesterday to ask about this and the nurse told me they deal with these supplemental certifications pretty regularly. She said they actually prefer when patients are honest about needing more time rather than trying to tough it out and ending up worse. So don't feel guilty about asking for the form! Thank you everyone for sharing your experiences so openly. It means everything to know I'm not alone in this impossible situation of choosing between health and paying bills.

I'm really glad this thread has become such a comprehensive resource for people dealing with supplemental SDI claims! As someone who went through a very similar situation last year, I want to emphasize something that's been touched on but is so important: don't underestimate the stress that the supplemental claim process itself can add to your recovery. When I filed my supplemental claim, I was constantly worried about whether I'd filled out the forms correctly, whether my doctor's paperwork would get "lost" by EDD, and when the payments would start. That anxiety actually made my original condition worse and probably extended my recovery time. Here's what I wish I had done differently: I should have set up a simple tracking system from day one. I created a folder (physical and digital) with copies of everything - my original claim documents, the DE 2525XX form, screenshots of my online submissions, confirmation numbers, and notes from any phone calls with EDD. Having everything organized in one place made me feel more in control and helped when I needed to reference information quickly. Also, if you're dealing with chronic conditions like autoimmune issues or mental health challenges, consider asking your doctor about intermittent FMLA alongside your SDI claim. Sometimes having both protections in place can give you more flexibility for managing flare-ups without having to go through the whole supplemental claim process repeatedly. Best of luck to everyone navigating this system - it's complicated but you're all handling it with such thoughtfulness and care for your health!

I'm also a military spouse who went through this exact situation! We PCS'd from California to North Carolina in 2022 while I was on SDI for a back injury, and I can confirm your benefits will absolutely continue since you qualified while working in CA. The process was much smoother than I expected. Here's what worked for me: - Called EDD about 2 weeks before our move and mentioned it was military PCS orders (they were very helpful once I explained the situation) - My doctor continued certifications via telehealth without any issues - Updated my address through SDI Online immediately after arriving - Never had any interruption in payments One thing I'd add - make sure to save digital copies of all your important SDI documents before the move, just in case anything gets delayed with the movers. Also, if you're going to Fort Liberty, the medical facilities there are excellent and very familiar with helping military families transition benefits between states. You're being so smart by planning ahead! The anticipation is always worse than the actual process. Focus on your recovery and don't let this add stress to an already big transition. Thank you for your family's service! 💙

I'm a military spouse who just went through this process six months ago when we PCS'd from California to Oklahoma while I was on SDI for complications from a C-section! Your benefits will definitely continue - I never had a single interruption in payments. The key things that made my transition seamless: - Called EDD exactly 2 weeks before our move date and emphasized it was military PCS orders (they immediately understood and were super helpful) - My OB agreed to continue doing telehealth appointments for my disability certifications - Updated my address in SDI Online the day after we arrived at our new base - Kept digital copies of all my medical records and SDI paperwork in my phone One military-specific tip I haven't seen mentioned yet - if you have a dependent ID card, bring it when you call EDD. Sometimes they ask for additional verification that you're actually military-connected, and having that ready speeds things up. Also, don't worry about the timing with your doctor certifications. Since your current doctor is willing to continue remotely, you're in the best possible position. The remote certification process is actually really smooth - my doctor just did video calls and submitted everything electronically. You're being incredibly smart by planning this out in advance! The worry beforehand was definitely the hardest part for me. Once the actual move happened, everything went exactly as promised. Focus on your recovery and trust that the system works - it really does for military families. Thank you for your husband's service! 🇺🇸