I'm going through something similar right now and wanted to share what I've learned. EDD absolutely CAN take your SDI benefits to pay off UI penalties - it happened to my cousin last year. The key thing is getting proper documentation of what you actually owe and why. Since you never received notification about the false statement penalty, you have strong grounds for an appeal. I'd recommend calling EDD before your interview this week to get clarity on the penalty amount and ask them to mail you a detailed breakdown. Also, make sure to mention during your interview that you never received any written notice about the false statement issue - they're required by law to provide proper notification before assessing penalties. Don't give up hope - there are options available, but you need to be proactive about requesting the right paperwork and understanding your appeal rights.

I'm so sorry you're going through this - the stress of dealing with EDD while also managing health issues is absolutely overwhelming. From what I've read in these responses, it sounds like you have several potential avenues to explore. The most important thing right now is getting that detailed breakdown of what exactly you owe and why. When you have your interview this week, definitely emphasize that you never received any notification about the false statement penalty - this could be key to getting it dismissed or reduced. Also, don't forget to ask about financial hardship exemptions since you mentioned needing the SDI money for medical expenses. I've heard these can sometimes reduce or eliminate penalties, especially when there are serious health issues involved. Document everything from your interview and keep pushing for answers. The system is frustrating but there are people here who've navigated similar situations successfully. Hang in there!

Yes, standard SDI benefits can last up to 52 weeks if medically necessary (and certified by your doctor). However, the benefit amount is based on your past wages during your base period. After SDI, you can transition to PFL for additional time if needed. The process requires a new application and medical certification, but it uses the same benefit calculation as your SDI claim. Something else to consider: if your treatment extends beyond 12 months and you're unable to return to work, you might want to explore long-term disability options either through Social Security (SSDI) or any private insurance you might have through a previous employer. These take longer to process but provide benefits for extended disabilities. I hope your treatment goes well and your recovery is smooth!

I'm so sorry about your diagnosis, Nia. Cancer treatment is overwhelming enough without having to navigate EDD bureaucracy. I went through a similar transition last year when I had to switch from UI to SDI for surgery. Here's what worked for me: I called the UI phone line (1-800-300-5616) and spoke to a rep who put a note on my account that I was transitioning to disability due to medical reasons. This wasn't required, but it created a paper trail that helped later when SDI asked about my UI claim. The most important thing is making sure there's NO overlap in benefit periods. If your last UI payment covered through a specific date, your SDI should start the day after. The systems do eventually cross-reference, and any overlap will result in an overpayment that you'll have to repay. For your medical certification, make sure your oncologist is very specific about your functional limitations. Don't let them just write "patient has cancer" - they need to explain exactly why lymphoma treatment prevents you from performing your usual work duties (fatigue, immune suppression, treatment schedule, etc.). One last tip: consider applying online late at night or early morning when the system is less busy. The SDI online portal sometimes crashes during peak hours. Sending you strength for your treatment journey. You've got this! 💙

Update us on what happens! I'm sure many others will face similar situations and your experience could help them navigate the process.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with this nightmare situation! I went through something similar when my mother was in the ICU for three months. Here's what finally worked for us: Contact the hospital's "Utilization Review" department - they're different from case managers and specifically handle insurance/disability coordination. They have more authority to get doctors to sign paperwork because it affects the hospital's discharge planning. Also, if your dad has a social worker assigned through the hospital (most do for long-term patients), they can often facilitate getting the attending physician to complete the forms. The key is explaining that his discharge is being delayed by the disability paperwork issue. One more tip - if he's being transferred to a long-term care facility, call them NOW and ask them to assign a physician before he even arrives. That way you'll have someone lined up to handle future extensions without the runaround. Hang in there - the system is absolutely broken but there are people within it who will help once you find the right ones!

Is anyone else lowkey impressed by how quick these scammers are? Like, I can barely figure out how to update my own info sometimes 😂

Same thing happened to me last month! Even after changing everything, they were still getting in somehow. Turns out they had set up email forwarding rules in my account so they could see all my EDD correspondence. Make sure to check your email settings and look for any forwarding rules you didn't create. Also, enable two-factor authentication if EDD offers it. The whole process was a nightmare but I eventually got it sorted out. Don't give up!