California Disability
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Late doctor certification for pregnancy SDI - can I still qualify for remaining 4 weeks?
I'm in such a panic right now! Had my baby 5 weeks ago and thought I was supposed to apply for PFL immediately after birth (first-time mom mistakes). When I called EDD yesterday, the rep told me I actually still qualify for 4 more weeks of pregnancy disability before switching to PFL! Problem is, I haven't gotten an SDI payment in about 3 weeks because they needed an updated physician certification form. I think the deadline for submitting it might have already passed 😰 Does anyone know if there's any way to still get that certification submitted late and receive those remaining SDI weeks? Or am I just out of luck and should move straight to PFL now? Has anyone had success submitting late documentation for pregnancy disability? The extra 4 weeks of SDI would be HUGE for our budget right now.
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Can my husband file for EDD SDI retroactively for work injury from 2025?
My husband injured his back lifting heavy equipment at his warehouse job back in February (3 months ago). His employer put him on workers' comp, but he's only getting these tiny monthly payments that barely cover our rent. The workers' comp doctor finally cleared him to return to work last week, but we're drowning in credit card debt from these past 3 months. Someone at his job mentioned he might have been eligible for state disability (SDI) on top of workers' comp? Is this true? Can he still apply for disability benefits retroactively even though he's already back at work? The workers' comp payments were only about 60% of his normal income and we're desperate to catch up on bills. Any advice would be so appreciated!
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just wondering has anyone tried applying for disability after workers comp ended? my situation is kinda different but im dealing with ongoing issues after my claim closed
Yes, it's possible to apply for SDI after workers' comp ends IF you still have medical limitations preventing you from working AND you have a different condition or your original condition has worsened beyond what was covered in your workers' comp case. You would need new medical documentation specifically for SDI showing you have a qualifying disability. Just be aware that there can be scrutiny if it appears to be the same condition that was covered by workers' comp.
Since your husband is already back at work, you might want to look into debt consolidation or hardship programs with your credit card companies. Many credit card issuers have hardship programs they don't advertise but will offer if you call and explain your situation. They can sometimes reduce interest rates, waive fees, or create affordable payment plans. Regarding any potential additional workers' comp benefits, if your husband received a final rating for his injury that was less than 100% recovery, he might be entitled to a permanent disability award that would provide additional compensation.
I hadn't thought about contacting the credit card companies directly. That's a good idea. His doctor did say he had some permanent limitations with heavy lifting, but I don't think anyone mentioned a permanent disability award. I'm going to look into both of these suggestions. Thank you!
Pregnant with COVID & can't get EDD SDI paperwork completed - urgent care/OBGYN/PCP all refusing
I'm in a complete nightmare situation with my EDD disability paperwork and desperately need advice! I tested positive for COVID last week (35 weeks pregnant) and went to urgent care for testing. The doctor there said I needed to isolate for 10 days and should apply for short-term disability since I can't work, but when I asked about completing the medical certification for my disability claim, they told me my OBGYN should handle it since I'm pregnant. When I contacted my OBGYN's office, they said they won't complete COVID-related disability paperwork and referred me to my PCP. Then today my PCP's office told me they "no longer handle disability paperwork" and suggested I go back to urgent care! I'm literally being bounced between three medical providers while sick with COVID, 35 weeks pregnant, and unable to work. My employer needs the disability paperwork ASAP, and I'm panicking about my claim getting denied if I can't find someone to complete the medical certification. Has anyone successfully navigated this situation? Which doctor should actually be responsible for completing my DI claim for COVID while pregnant?
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my sister had this exact problem!!! the solution was she went back to urgent care and asked for the actual doctor who did her covid test, not just the front desk person. showed them the EDD website rules that says the diagnosing doctor has to sign it. she had to wait 2 hrs but eventually got it signed. good luck, the system is broken!!
That's a really smart approach! Always ask for the doctor who actually did the diagnosis, not just whoever is working that day. And bringing the EDD rules printed out is brilliant too.
Regarding transitioning directly from COVID disability to pregnancy disability: There's no required waiting period between claims if you genuinely can't return to work. However, your medical certifications need to accurately reflect your inability to work for each specific condition. Since you're 35 weeks pregnant, your timeline might look like: 1. COVID disability: Current date → approximately 10-14 days 2. Pregnancy disability: Could begin immediately after COVID disability ends if your OBGYN certifies you're unable to work due to pregnancy One important note: When filing the pregnancy claim, you'd submit a new application with your OBGYN's certification. In the application, indicate your previous COVID claim so EDD knows these are consecutive periods of disability for different medical conditions. Document everything carefully, especially any overlap between your COVID recovery and pregnancy disability start date.
Thank you so much! I'm going to urgent care tomorrow with my paperwork and will schedule an appointment with my OBGYN next week to discuss the pregnancy disability claim. I really appreciate everyone's help navigating this complicated situation!
SDI ran out but doctor says I need 3 more months for seizure disorder recovery - what options do I have?
My SDI claim just expired after I hit the maximum period (52 weeks I think?) and I'm at a complete loss about what to do next. I have a severe seizure disorder that's made significant progress but isn't fully controlled yet. My neurologist says I absolutely need at least 3 more months of recovery before returning to work, especially since I work construction and I CANNOT legally drive with my condition. When I called EDD about extending my disability, the rep immediately shut me down saying they don't do extensions and told me to 'just call 211 for resources' without any other help. I'm panicking because I have rent due next week and my medication costs are insane. Has anyone been in this situation? Are there actually any extension options or other programs I should apply for? My doctor is willing to provide any documentation needed, but I don't even know where to start. I can't risk having a seizure at work and my employer has made it clear they need me 100% cleared before returning.
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have u tried applying for unemployment?? sometimes u can get that if ur not totally disabled but still cant do ur regular job
This is actually incorrect and could cause problems. To qualify for unemployment, you must be able and available for work. If a doctor has certified that the person cannot work due to a medical condition, they would be denied for unemployment and could potentially face issues if they state they're able to work on an unemployment application while having medical documentation saying the opposite. SSDI is the appropriate next step for a long-term disability.
You've gotten great advice here already. Just wanted to share that I was in a somewhat similar situation with a different medical condition. What helped me bridge the gap was working with a disability rights advocate from the Legal Aid Society in my county. They helped me navigate the system and find emergency assistance programs I didn't know existed. Google "legal aid disability advocate" plus your county name. Many offer free services if you're low income. They can sometimes find solutions that regular social workers might miss.
I had no idea Legal Aid could help with disability issues - thank you for this suggestion! I'll look for one in Sacramento County. Did they help you apply for programs or did they actually help dispute any denials too?
EDD SDI ended, need rental assistance in Orange County - any legitimate programs?
My disability benefits just ran out last week and I'm in a serious financial bind with rent due in 10 days. I've been on SDI for the maximum period (52 weeks) after a complicated back surgery, but my doctor says I still need another 6-8 weeks before I can return to full-time work. I've applied for dozens of remote/part-time jobs but nothing yet. I've been searching for rental assistance programs in Orange County but everything I find either looks sketchy or is related to expired COVID relief programs. I've tried calling 211 three times but keep getting disconnected or transferred to voicemails that are full. Does anyone know of LEGITIMATE rental assistance programs in Orange County that are actually accepting applications? My landlord is being somewhat understanding but I can only stretch that goodwill so far. I've already borrowed from family and maxed out my credit cards just to keep afloat these past few months. Any guidance would be hugely appreciated!
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When i had knee surgery last yer i got help from my church. Have you tried asking local churches? A lot of them have benevolence funds for people in the community even if your not a member. Worth a shot!
this is good advice. i got help from catholic charities when i was between jobs and they didnt even ask if i was catholic (im not
I hadn't thought of this approach! There are several large churches near me, and I'm willing to try anything at this point. Thank you for the suggestion.
Important note about timing: Most rental assistance programs in Orange County take 3-4 weeks to process applications, so this won't solve your immediate 10-day problem. I'd recommend: 1. Talk to your landlord NOW about a formal payment plan (get it in writing) 2. Apply for emergency assistance through multiple agencies 3. Contact Orange County Legal Aid (714-571-5200) which has a tenant rights program that can help prevent eviction while you're securing assistance 4. File for UI immediately if you're able to work part-time The good news is that many landlords will work with you if you're proactive and transparent about your situation and have a clear plan.
Thank you for the reality check on timing. I'll call my landlord tomorrow to set up a formal meeting about a payment plan. And the Legal Aid suggestion is really helpful - I hadn't thought about tenant rights resources. I'll start making all these calls first thing tomorrow.
Lucy Lam
my sister just had this exact problem! she got her doctor to backdate the form and it worked fine. dont stress too much!
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Max Knight
Update: I just got off the phone with my OB's office and they're going to fill out the form today and fax it directly to EDD! The nurse was super understanding and said they'll include a note explaining the confusion about timing. Fingers crossed this works out! Thank you all for the advice and support!
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Zoe Wang
That's great news! If you don't see any update in your SDI Online account within 3-5 business days after they fax it, definitely follow up. Sometimes these forms get lost in the shuffle.
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Max Knight
AuthorWill do! I've set a reminder to check next Tuesday. Really hoping this all works out!
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