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I think everyone's covered the main points, but I wanted to add: make sure you save copies of EVERYTHING. Screenshots of your last UI certification, your SDI application confirmation, doctor's notes, etc. I had an issue with my claim last year where they claimed they never received my doctor's certification (even though I had confirmation it was submitted). Having my own copies of everything saved me weeks of stress. Also, your UI weekly amount and SDI amount will likely be different since they're calculated differently. The SDI is usually about 60-70% of your wages, calculated differently than UI. Just be prepared for a potential change in your benefit amount!
One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - when you transition from UI to SDI, make sure to check if your employer offers any supplemental disability benefits that could stack with SDI! Some employers have private short-term disability policies that can provide additional coverage during pregnancy leave. Also, don't forget that once you're on SDI for pregnancy, you'll automatically be eligible for Paid Family Leave (PFL) after delivery for bonding time with your baby. The transition from SDI to PFL is usually much smoother than UI to SDI since you're already in the state disability system. Good luck with your pregnancy and the benefit transition!
PSA: If you're having trouble with your SDI claim, make sure you've submitted all the required medical documentation. I found out the hard way that my claim was held up because my doctor hadn't sent in the right forms.
Thanks for starting this thread Paolo! I'm in the exact same boat - been trying to reach EDD for over a week about my SDI claim status and it's like they don't exist. The automated system just hangs up on me after an hour of waiting. Has anyone had any luck with the callback feature on their website? I keep seeing it but not sure if it actually works or if it's just another dead end.
Update us on what happens!!! So many people face this EXACT situation and EDD does NOTHING to help!! The whole 52-week limit is arbitrary and cruel - how can they expect people to magically recover from major surgery in exactly 52 weeks???
I understand the frustration, but the 52-week limit actually exists because SDI is designed as short-term income replacement, not long-term disability. For conditions lasting beyond a year, the federal SSDI program is intended to take over. The problem is the gap between these systems - SSDI takes months or years to approve while SDI ends abruptly at 52 weeks regardless of individual circumstances.
I'm so sorry you're going through this - the timing couldn't have been worse with your surgery happening right as your benefits ended. I went through something similar with a knee replacement that got delayed multiple times due to COVID. A few thoughts that might help: 1. Definitely pursue what Sean mentioned about surgical complications being a potentially new condition. Document everything with your surgeon about the additional nerve compression they found. 2. Contact your local America's Job Center for disability-to-work transition services - they sometimes have emergency assistance programs while you're waiting for other benefits. 3. Look into your county's General Relief program immediately. It's usually small amounts ($200-400/month) but can help with basic needs while you sort out other options. 4. If you had any employer-provided short or long-term disability insurance, now would be the time to file those claims even if you think you missed deadlines - some have appeal processes. The system really does fail people in your exact situation. Don't give up - there are usually a few more options than what the first EDD rep tells you. Keep pushing for answers and document every conversation you have with them going forward.
I went through this exact situation about 6 months ago! Here's what worked for me: 1. Contact your WC adjuster FIRST - tell them you need to pause for maternity leave 2. Get a letter from your OB stating your due date and that you're medically able to work (for SDI eligibility) 3. Apply for SDI online through EDD about 1-2 weeks before you want benefits to start 4. Keep your WC case open but "paused" - don't close it completely The timing is crucial - I had about a 5-day gap between my last WC payment and first SDI payment, but that's pretty normal. After your 8 weeks of SDI, you can apply for PFL if you want bonding time. One heads up: EDD moves slow, so apply early and follow up weekly. Document everything! Feel free to DM me if you need more specific help navigating the process.
Javier Torres
I'm also new to this community and just filed my SDI claim 5 days ago after a work-related injury! This thread has been incredibly helpful - I was getting really anxious about not hearing anything yet, but reading everyone's experiences has shown me that's completely normal at this stage. It's amazing how much clearer everything becomes when you hear from people who've actually navigated this system rather than trying to make sense of the confusing EDD website alone! Based on all the timelines shared here, it sounds like getting your Notice of Computation after just 2 weeks is actually a really encouraging sign that your claim is moving forward. I had no idea about the different notice types or the 7-day waiting period until reading this discussion. The financial stress while waiting and recovering is definitely overwhelming, especially when medical bills are already coming in. I'm going to start checking my online account daily like everyone suggested and keep watching the mail carefully. Thanks to everyone who's shared their real experiences here - this community seems like such a supportive place for newcomers trying to understand this process. Really hoping you get your official approval soon so you can focus on healing instead of worrying about finances!
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Malik Davis
I'm also new to this community and just filed my SDI claim about 2 weeks ago after a minor procedure! This entire discussion has been such a lifesaver - I was completely clueless about what to expect and starting to panic about not hearing anything yet. Reading through everyone's real experiences here has been infinitely more helpful than trying to decipher the EDD website, which honestly feels like it was written to be as confusing as possible! Based on all the timelines and stories shared, it really sounds like getting your Notice of Computation after just 2 weeks is actually a very positive sign that your claim is progressing well. I had no idea there were different types of notices or about the 7-day waiting period until I found this thread. The financial anxiety while waiting and recovering is so real, especially when you're already dealing with medical expenses and can't work. I'm going to start obsessively checking my online account daily like everyone recommended and keep a close watch on the mail. Thanks to everyone who's shared their experiences here - this community seems like such an incredible resource for people trying to navigate this system for the first time. Really hoping you get your official approval notice soon so you can stop stressing about bills and focus on your recovery!
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