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This thread has been so helpful! I'm currently on SDI for a knee injury and was wondering about this exact scenario for when I eventually return to work. It's great to see that EDD does pay for the remaining claim days, even if it's a partial payment for the return-to-work day. The explanation about reporting gross wages earned (not when you receive the paycheck) is really important - I wouldn't have thought of that distinction. Thanks Romeo for sharing your experience and everyone else for the detailed explanations!
I'm so glad this thread was helpful for you too! I was really stressed about potentially losing those final days of benefits, especially being tight on money. The community here really came through with clear explanations. That distinction about reporting wages earned vs. when you get paid is definitely not intuitive - I almost would have waited to report until I actually got my paycheck! It's reassuring to know that EDD does handle these transition situations fairly, even if the process can be confusing at first. Hope your knee recovery goes well and you have a smooth return to work when the time comes!
This whole thread is such a goldmine of information! I'm currently dealing with workers' comp but will likely transition to SDI soon, and seeing how the return-to-work process actually works is incredibly valuable. The fact that EDD calculates partial payments based on what you earn (not when you get paid) seems fair but definitely not obvious. Romeo, congrats on getting back to work after your surgery - that's a huge milestone! And thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, especially the detailed breakdown of the calculation process. It's posts like these that make this community so helpful for navigating the complexities of California's disability system.
Welcome to the community! You're absolutely right about this being a goldmine of information. I'm actually new here too and stumbled across this thread while researching similar questions about SDI. The transition from workers' comp to SDI can be tricky, so it's great that you're getting informed early. I've been reading through all the posts here and it's amazing how helpful everyone is with sharing real experiences and practical advice. The whole wage reporting vs. paycheck timing thing definitely would have confused me too! Hope your workers' comp situation resolves smoothly and that you don't need the SDI transition, but if you do, at least you'll be prepared. This community seems like a great resource for navigating all these systems.
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I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that helped me when I was facing a similar SDI-to-SSDI transition gap. Have you considered applying for emergency assistance through your local Community Action Agency? They often have one-time emergency funds for rent, utilities, and other basic needs specifically for people going through benefit transitions. Many people don't know these agencies exist, but they're federally funded and operate in most counties. Also, if you're receiving any ongoing medical treatment, ask your healthcare providers about patient hardship funds or sliding-scale payment options. Many medical practices have funds set aside specifically for patients experiencing financial difficulties due to disability transitions, but they don't always advertise these programs. One more thing - document everything related to your disability and work limitations now while you still have some SDI income. Get letters from all your doctors detailing your functional limitations, keep records of all medical appointments, and take photos/videos if your condition affects your mobility or daily activities. This documentation will be crucial for your SSDI application and any appeals if needed. The gap between programs is genuinely scary, but you're being proactive by reaching out here and planning ahead. That preparation is going to make a real difference in getting through this transition period successfully.
Luca, thank you for mentioning Community Action Agencies - I've never heard of them before but emergency assistance specifically for benefit transitions sounds like exactly what I might need. I'm definitely going to look up if there's one in my county. Your advice about documenting everything now is really important too. I've been keeping medical records but hadn't thought about getting specific letters from doctors detailing my functional limitations or taking photos/videos of how my condition affects daily activities. That's really smart preparation for the SSDI application. I appreciate you emphasizing the importance of doing this documentation while I still have some income - it's much easier to be proactive about these things now than trying to scramble when the benefits run out. Thank you for taking the time as someone new to the community to share these specific resources and practical advice. It really helps to hear from people who have successfully navigated this scary transition period.
I'm new to this community but wanted to share something that might help during your transition. Have you looked into applying for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) if your spinal injury affects your ability to do daily activities like cleaning, cooking, or personal care? It's a California program that provides paid assistance for people with disabilities and can continue regardless of your other benefit status. Even if you live alone, you might qualify for hours that could provide some income to a family member or friend who helps you. Also, many counties have emergency rental assistance programs specifically for people with disabilities facing benefit gaps - these are separate from general rental assistance and often have shorter waiting lists. Try searching "[your county] disability emergency rental assistance" or contact your local Center for Independent Living. One thing I wish I had known earlier is that some food banks have special programs for people with disabilities that include things like prepared meals, medical nutrition supplements, or even pet food if you have service/emotional support animals. The regular food bank lines can be physically difficult when you're dealing with spinal issues. The transition period is terrifying, but you're asking all the right questions and getting great advice here. Document everything, apply for multiple programs simultaneously, and don't be afraid to ask for help - that's what these safety net programs are designed for.
Jessica, thank you for mentioning IHSS - I hadn't heard of that program at all! My spinal injury definitely affects my ability to do household tasks like cleaning and some cooking, so that might be something I could qualify for. The idea that it could provide some income to a family member or friend who helps me is really interesting too. I'm definitely going to look into emergency rental assistance programs specifically for people with disabilities - I've been so focused on the general programs that I didn't realize there might be disability-specific ones with shorter waiting lists. Your point about food banks having special programs for people with disabilities is really helpful too, especially since standing in long lines is really difficult with my back issues. I appreciate you mentioning prepared meals and medical nutrition supplements since cooking has become much harder for me. Thank you for taking the time as a newcomer to share these specific California programs and practical tips. It's encouraging to know there are programs designed specifically for situations like mine that I wasn't even aware of.
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I'm new to the community and facing the exact same situation - scheduled for rotator cuff surgery in a few weeks and trying to figure out this payment timing puzzle! Reading through everyone's experiences has been incredibly eye-opening and honestly a huge relief. I had no idea that payment timing was so unpredictable, but knowing that most people eventually settle into some kind of pattern after 2-3 months makes it feel more manageable. I'm definitely going to implement the "multi-layered approach" that keeps coming up: building a small buffer fund, setting up bank alerts, tracking everything in a spreadsheet like JaylinCharles suggested, and moving my bill due dates to later in the month. The tip about certifying consistently early in the window seems to be mentioned by everyone who found stable patterns, so that's going on my list too. One question for those with experience - did anyone find that keeping a written log of when you certified versus when payments actually arrived helped you communicate better with EDD if you had to call about delays? I'm thinking it might be useful documentation to have on hand. This thread has given me so much more practical information than hours of searching the EDD website. Thanks to everyone for sharing their real-world experiences - it's made me feel way less alone in navigating this uncertainty!
Welcome to the community! I'm so glad you found this thread helpful - I was feeling pretty overwhelmed about the whole payment timing thing before reading everyone's experiences too. Your rotator cuff surgery is coming up soon, so you're smart to get all this planning done ahead of time. To answer your question about keeping a written log - yes, absolutely! I haven't had to call EDD yet (knock on wood), but several people in other threads have mentioned that having detailed records of certification dates and payment timing made their calls much more productive. The reps apparently appreciate when you can give them specific dates and details rather than vague complaints about timing. Plus, having it all written down will probably help you spot your own payment pattern faster once it emerges. The multi-layered approach really does seem to be the way to go based on everyone's advice here. I'm implementing the same strategy for my upcoming surgery. It's such a relief to know we're not the first people to face this uncertainty and that others have successfully navigated it. Good luck with your rotator cuff surgery - hopefully we both end up with nice predictable payment schedules once everything settles in!
I've been on SDI for about 4 months now after a workplace injury and wanted to share my experience since I see you're getting lots of great advice here! Like everyone has said, there's definitely no set day, but I did eventually settle into a pattern - mine comes every other Tuesday now, though it took about 6 weeks to stabilize. One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet that might help with your planning: I found it useful to screenshot my EDD online portal whenever I certified, just to have a record of the exact time/date. A couple times there were processing delays and having that timestamp helped when I had to call EDD. Also, if you're planning to use direct deposit, make sure your bank account info is 100% correct because even a small error can cause delays that throw off your whole timeline. The uncertainty is definitely stressful at first, but reading through this thread, it's clear that most people do find their rhythm after those first few chaotic payments. Your herniated disc surgery prep sounds very thorough - that planning mindset will definitely help you get through the initial uncertainty period. Wishing you a smooth surgery and recovery!
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Hey there! I'm new to this community but going through something very similar right now - my SDI claim is about to hit the 52-week mark in a few weeks and I'm still recovering from a shoulder injury that required surgery. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful since I had no idea you could file a new claim! I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who shared their stories and practical advice. The timeline breakdowns and tips about working with doctors' offices are exactly what I needed to hear. It's so reassuring to know that others have successfully navigated this transition, especially when dealing with ongoing medical issues. One question for those who've been through this - did any of you have issues with EDD questioning why you need a new claim for the same medical condition? I'm worried they might think I'm trying to game the system somehow, even though my doctor says I need at least 2-3 more months of recovery time. Also, for anyone still reading this thread who's in a similar situation - don't panic like I initially did! Based on everyone's advice here, it seems like as long as you time everything right and get your medical paperwork completed promptly, the process works. The 7-day waiting period is rough but manageable if you plan ahead. Thanks again to this community for being so supportive and informative! 🙏
Welcome to the community! I'm new here too but have been following this thread closely since I'm in almost the exact same situation. From what I've learned reading everyone's experiences, EDD doesn't seem to question filing a new claim for the same ongoing medical condition - it's actually pretty standard when you need continued disability benefits beyond the initial 52-week period. The key things everyone emphasizes are: 1) Having current medical certification that clearly shows you're still unable to work, and 2) Filing at the right timing (7-10 days before your current claim expires). As long as your doctor documents that you genuinely need 2-3 more months of recovery time, that should support your new claim. Your shoulder surgery situation sounds really challenging - I hope your recovery goes smoothly! It's been so helpful having this community share their real experiences since EDD's website doesn't explain any of this clearly. Good luck with your new claim process!
I'm going through the exact same situation right now - my claim balance is down to about $500 and my benefit year ends in 6 weeks. I've been on disability since last March for chronic pain issues that have required multiple treatments. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been such a lifesaver because I had absolutely no idea you could file a new claim! The timeline advice everyone's given is so helpful - I'm going to call my pain management doctor tomorrow to get the ball rolling on new medical paperwork. It's really reassuring to hear from so many people who successfully made this transition, especially knowing that benefit amounts often stay similar when you have qualifying wages from 2023. One thing I'm curious about - for those who had ongoing chronic conditions rather than surgical recovery, did your doctors have any issues with completing the new DE 2501 form? My condition is managed but not "cured" so I'm hoping that won't complicate things. The 7-day waiting period is definitely going to be tough financially, but at least I can plan for it now instead of being blindsided. Thanks to everyone for sharing such detailed experiences - this community has been incredibly helpful during a really stressful time! 🙏
I can definitely relate to the chronic pain situation! I've been dealing with fibromyalgia and had to file a new claim last year when my original one expired. My rheumatologist had no issues completing the new DE 2501 form for ongoing chronic conditions - they actually said it's pretty routine for them since chronic pain management often requires extended periods of work limitations. The key is making sure your pain management doctor documents your specific functional limitations clearly on the form - things like how long you can sit/stand, lifting restrictions, concentration issues from pain medication, etc. They need to show that even though your condition is "managed," you're still unable to perform your regular job duties. My doctor was really thorough about explaining how my pain levels and medication side effects prevent me from maintaining consistent work attendance and performance. EDD approved my new claim without any issues. The chronic nature of the condition actually worked in my favor because there was clear medical documentation of ongoing treatment needs. Don't stress too much about the "not cured" aspect - many people on disability have conditions that are managed rather than cured. As long as your doctor can medically justify why you still can't work, you should be fine. Good luck with your new claim!
@Fatima Al-Suwaidi, when filing the new claim, what dates do you use, the same ones from the prior claim? I'm in the process of opening my new claim and was not sure what dates to use. Please advise. Thank you.
StarSeeker
I'm going through something similar right now - my doctor mailed in my certification form for a back injury last week and I'm also anxiously waiting for it to show up online. Reading through everyone's experiences here really helps put things in perspective. It sounds like 7-14 days is pretty normal for mailed forms, which is frustrating but at least I know what to expect now. The tip about having the doctor fax a copy too is brilliant - I'm definitely calling my doctor's office tomorrow to see if they can do that. And I had no idea about services like Claimyr to actually get through to EDD reps. Might have to try that if I don't see any movement by early next week. Thanks Aurora for posting about this and everyone for sharing your timelines. Sometimes just knowing you're not alone in the waiting game makes all the difference!
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Sophie Hernandez
•You're absolutely right that knowing you're not alone makes such a huge difference! I was driving myself crazy refreshing my account every few hours before finding this community. The fax option really is a game-changer if your doctor can do it - I wish I had known about that from the start. One thing I learned from this whole experience is to ask your doctor upfront about electronic submission options when you're scheduling any procedure that might require disability leave. Some offices can set it up even if they don't advertise it. Hope your back injury heals up quickly and your certification processes faster than mine did!
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Mateo Rodriguez
I'm dealing with this exact same situation right now! My doctor mailed in my medical certification for a knee injury three days ago and I've been obsessively checking my SDI account every few hours. Reading through everyone's experiences here is so reassuring - I had no idea that 7-14 days was normal for mailed forms. The advice about having your doctor fax a copy too is gold! I'm definitely calling my orthopedist's office first thing Monday morning to see if they can send a fax as well. And I'm bookmarking that Claimyr service just in case I need it. It's crazy that in 2025 we're still dealing with such slow paper processing when everything else is digital. But at least knowing what to expect timeline-wise helps manage the anxiety. Thanks Aurora for starting this thread and everyone for sharing your experiences!
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