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Just got my first SDI payment via direct deposit yesterday (woohoo!), but now I'm confused about what happens next. Do I need to certify that I'm still disabled every two weeks like with unemployment benefits, or does the system automatically keep sending payments until my doctor submits the release form? I've looked through the EDD website and I'm getting mixed messages. Some pages make it sound like SDI is automatic after approval, but others mention certification periods. I'm worried about missing something and having my payments stop. My disability claim is for a back injury that required surgery and I'm supposed to be off work for at least another 6 weeks. Any help appreciated!
I've been dealing with severe back issues and my doctor put me on disability starting early October. My claim was finally approved on 10/14/25 according to my EDD SDI Online account. It shows the claim is active and approved, but I still haven't received the Bank of America debit card they're supposed to send. Getting really worried as rent is due soon and I was counting on this money. Does anyone know how long it typically takes for the debit card to arrive after approval? I've tried calling EDD multiple times but just get disconnected or the automated message saying call volume is too high. Any insight would be super helpful!
I had a baby in August and went on disability. My experience: claim approved Aug 21, payment issued Aug 23, card arrived Sept 2. So it took about 10 days from approval to get the card. But what I learned is that the payment processing and card shipping are two separate things. You should call the BofA EDD number (not regular BofA) to check if your payment has been issued and if your card has been mailed. That's the best way to know what's happening.
Just wanted to add that if you're really in a bind waiting for your card, some food banks and emergency assistance programs can help with groceries or utility bills while you wait for your disability payments. I know it's frustrating when you're approved but can't access the money yet. Also, make sure your address is correct in your EDD account - I've seen cases where cards were delayed because they were sent to an old address. You can update your address through SDI Online if needed.
I'm getting ready to file for disability through EDD but I'm super confused about what medical documentation I need from my doctor. Do they fill out a specific form or just write a letter? Does it need to be submitted before I apply or after? My HR person mentioned something about DE 2501 but wasn't sure. I have surgery scheduled in 3 weeks and want to make sure everything is ready to go beforehand since I know how slow paperwork can be. Can someone help me understand exactly what paperwork I need from my doctor and when?
One more thing I should mention - if your doctor doesn't provide sufficient medical information, EDD may send you a DE 2525XX form requesting more details. This can delay your claim by weeks. To avoid this, make sure your doctor includes: - Specific diagnosis with ICD-10 code - Detailed description of restrictions and limitations - Clear explanation of why you cannot perform your regular work - All relevant test results and treatment plans - Consistent dates (disability start date should match the surgery date or when symptoms became disabling) Being proactive about this can save you a lot of time and stress.
One thing I learned the hard way - make sure you keep copies of EVERYTHING! I kept a folder with copies of my claim confirmation, my doctor's completed form, and any correspondence with EDD. When there was confusion about whether my doctor had submitted the medical certification, having those copies saved me so much time. Also, if you can, try to be present when your doctor fills out the form or at least review it before they submit it. Some doctors rush through it and miss important details that can cause delays.
Hey everyone, I'm trying to figure out the dates for my disability claim. I need to know what to put for the recovery date and when I can go back to work. My surgeon sent a letter saying I can't start working again until May 14th. Has anyone dealt with this before? What should I do about the forms?
I'm on my first disability claim ever (carpal tunnel surgery) and just received paperwork from EDD indicating something about 'automatic payment' on my claim. Does this mean I don't need to certify every two weeks? I'm paranoid about making mistakes that could delay my benefits since I'm already stretched thin financially. The paperwork is a bit confusing - if it says automatic payment, does that confirm I'm NOT supposed to certify? I don't want to do something wrong and mess up my whole claim. Has anyone else had this type of SDI claim where they didn't have to certify?
just dont go back to work early without telling them or they'll say u committed fraud!!! happened to my cousin and he had to pay back like $1700
Just wanted to add - make sure you keep all your paperwork organized! I had automatic SDI payments for my wrist surgery last year and everything went smoothly, but I'm glad I kept copies of everything. Also, if you're worried about payment timing, mine came on the same day every two weeks like clockwork. The EDD debit card they send is actually pretty convenient too - you can check your balance online or with their app. Hope your recovery goes well!
Freya Nielsen
im on pregnancy disability and its totally different from regular disability just fyi. for pregnancy you DO have to submit forms every time even when its automatic for regular disability. the EDD website is super confusing about this!!! i almost lost a payment because i didnt realize this.
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Natasha Kuznetsova
That's a great point! Pregnancy disability claims do have different requirements. For standard SDI claims (like OP's back surgery), payments are automatic once approved until the claim expires. But for pregnancy-related claims, there's often additional paperwork, especially when transitioning from pregnancy disability to Paid Family Leave for bonding time. The systems should be more clearly explained on the EDD website.
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Zoe Papanikolaou
Congrats on getting your first payment! Just to add to what others have said - you're right that SDI is automatic once approved, but I'd recommend setting up text alerts through your SDI Online account if you haven't already. This way you'll get notified about any important updates or if they need additional documentation. Also, keep all your medical records and correspondence organized in case you need to reference anything later. With back injuries especially, recovery timelines can be unpredictable, so having everything documented will help if you need to extend your claim or if EDD has any questions down the line. Hope your recovery goes smoothly!
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