
California Disability
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Hi everyone, I'm in a bit of a complicated situation and hoping someone can help clarify. I was on California SDI disability for 12 months after having double knee surgery (both ACLs). My doctor finally cleared me to return to work, but only part-time (20 hours per week) while I continue physical therapy. My employer couldn't accommodate my reduced schedule in my original position, so they've put me in a different role with fewer hours than I need. I'm wondering if I can apply for unemployment benefits to cover the days/hours I'm not scheduled? I'm actively looking for additional part-time work to supplement my income, but nothing's panned out yet. Does transitioning from disability to partial unemployment make me eligible for EDD unemployment insurance? I've heard mixed things about whether this is allowed and the EDD website is confusing me. Thanks in advance for any advice!
Hey everyone, I'm having an issue with my supplementary certificate. It started a couple weeks ago and I'm not sure what to do. Has anyone else dealt with this? Any advice on how to handle it or who to contact?
Hey OP, what exactly is the issue with your supplementary certificate? Did you not receive it, or are you having trouble filling it out?
Gotcha. For any sections you're unsure about, call EDD and ask for clarification. Better to get it right than risk delays!
@Connor O'Neill Which specific sections are giving you trouble? I just went through this process a few months ago and might be able to help you figure out what info they're looking for. Also, if you're missing documents they're asking for, you can usually write "Will provide upon request" or "Not available" and explain why in the margins.
I've been struggling with an autoimmune disorder for about 3 years now, and it's getting harder to maintain employment. Every time I find a job, I end up having flare-ups that require doctor appointments or time off, and within 1-3 months, I'm suddenly let go for 'performance issues' (even though my work is good when I'm there). My last position ended in February, and I've been living off savings since then, which is nearly gone. I'm wondering if I qualify for any EDD disability benefits even though I'm not currently employed? My doctor has documented my condition extensively and agrees it's affecting my ability to maintain steady work. Has anyone navigated disability benefits with a chronic condition rather than a temporary one? I'm in California and honestly getting desperate as my savings dwindle.
Based on what you've shared, I think you have a reasonable case for SDI if: 1. You worked recently enough (through February 2025) 2. Had SDI deductions taken from your paychecks 3. Have a doctor willing to certify your disability 4. Can establish a disability date within the last 49 days Start the application online through SDI Online at the EDD website. Have all your employment information, doctor's contact details, and diagnosis information ready. The system will guide you through the process and generate the physician's portion that you'll need to take to your doctor. If you run into issues with the application, don't give up - reach out for help, as others have suggested. Chronic conditions absolutely can qualify for SDI.
Just wanted to add that when you're filling out the SDI application, be very detailed about how your autoimmune disorder affects your daily work activities. Don't just say "fatigue" - explain specifically like "unable to concentrate for more than 30 minutes at a time" or "joint pain prevents typing for extended periods" or whatever applies to your situation. The more specific you are about functional limitations, the better your chances of approval. Also, keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit - I learned this the hard way when EDD claimed they never received my doctor's form even though we faxed it twice. Good luck with your application!
Hey everyone, I'm having trouble filing my SDI claim online. Every time I try, I get an error message telling me to call them instead. Has anyone else run into this issue? Any tips on how to get through to a real person on the phone? I'm starting to get really frustrated with this whole process.
Ive been dealing with SDI for 3 months now and still havent gotten my claim sorted. its a nightmare. hope u have better luck than me OP
tried everything except that claimyr thing. might have to bite the bullet and try it next week if things dont improve
I ran into this same issue a few weeks ago! What finally worked for me was using a different browser entirely - I was using Chrome and kept getting errors, but when I switched to Firefox it went through no problem. Also make sure you're not using any ad blockers or privacy extensions that might be interfering with the site. If the browser switch doesn't work, I'd definitely recommend calling first thing in the morning around 8 AM when they open - that's when I had the best luck getting through. The wait was still annoying but way better than trying later in the day. Good luck with your claim!
Hey everyone, I need to change my routing number for my bank account. Has anyone gone through this process recently? What should I expect when I call? Any tips or advice would be really appreciated!
I went through this process about a month ago and it was actually pretty smooth once I got through. One thing I'd add to all the great advice here - have a backup plan ready in case your first call doesn't go well. I kept a list of different phone numbers (the main line plus the disability-specific line) and different times to call. Also, make sure you're calling on a weekday if possible - I noticed way shorter wait times on Tuesday-Thursday compared to Mondays and Fridays. The whole process took about 15 minutes once I had an agent on the line. Good luck!
Keith Davidson
wait so did you QUIT your job or are you still employed just with fewer hours? thats gonna make a huge difference for eligibility
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Victoria Stark
AuthorI'm still employed, just with reduced hours. My employer couldn't accommodate my full previous schedule with my medical restrictions, so they reduced my hours and changed my position temporarily. I didn't quit.
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Keith Davidson
thats good! partial unemployment is definitely a thing. just make sure u tell EDD exactly that situation and that u are willing and able to work more hours but cant due to employer limitations not just ur medical stuff
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Ryan Vasquez
I think I'm in the exact same boat as you! Was on disability after surgery, now back part time. Did you end up applying for UI? I'm curious how it went because I'm considering doing the same thing!
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Victoria Stark
AuthorI just submitted my application yesterday actually! I'll definitely update this thread once I hear anything. From the advice here, I'm expecting it might take several weeks to get a determination.
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Alice Pierce
Please keep us posted on how it goes! I'm dealing with a similar situation after my ankle surgery - back to work part-time but need more hours. The information in this thread has been really helpful and I'd love to know if the application process goes smoothly for you. Good luck!
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