Based on the information you've provided, you likely have valid grounds for UI eligibility after your SDI benefits expire. California law recognizes that a significant change in commute can constitute "good cause" for refusing work, especially when combined with a documented medical condition. Here's the process you should follow: 1. Request a letter from your treating physician specifically addressing: - Your anxiety diagnosis - How a 22-mile commute in traffic would affect your condition - That you are able to work in general, but with commute limitations 2. Send a formal letter to your employer explaining that due to your documented medical condition, you cannot accept the position at the new location. Request written confirmation of the relocation's distance. 3. When filing for UI, select "job was no longer suitable" as your reason for separation. 4. During your EDD interview, emphasize that: - You are able and available for suitable work - The job materially changed when it relocated - The new commute would exacerbate your documented medical condition The key regulatory standard is whether the new position represents a "material change" from your original employment agreement. A 13-mile increase in commute distance generally meets this threshold, particularly when combined with medical considerations.

I went through almost the exact same situation in 2024! My employer relocated from downtown to the suburbs while I was on SDI for depression/anxiety, and the commute went from 15 minutes to over an hour in traffic. Here's what I learned: EDD approved my UI claim, but it took some persistence. The key things that helped me: 1. I got a letter from my psychiatrist that specifically mentioned how long commutes trigger my anxiety and would interfere with my recovery 2. I documented everything - screenshots of Google Maps showing travel times during rush hour, gas cost calculations, etc. 3. I made it clear to EDD that I was willing and able to work, just not at that specific location due to the material change in job conditions The tricky part is that EDD will ask if you're "able and available" for work. You need to show that yes, you can work, but this particular job is no longer suitable due to the relocation + your medical condition. Don't let them frame it as you being unable to work period - that's different. Also, start the process NOW while you're still on SDI. Get all your documentation ready so you can file for UI immediately when your disability benefits end. The transition can be smoother than people think if you're prepared!

I'm also new to this community and this entire thread has been absolutely eye-opening! I had no idea about the strict 52-week SDI limit or how many people have employer benefits they don't even know about. @Brielle Johnson - what a relief that you found your long-term disability coverage! Your experience really shows how important it is to exhaust every possible resource. I'm currently healthy but work in a physically demanding job, and reading this has made me realize I need to understand my own benefits package much better before I potentially need it. The detailed advice everyone has shared about SSDI documentation requirements is incredibly valuable. It's clear that getting doctors to document specific functional limitations rather than vague statements could make the difference between approval and denial. The tip about keeping a daily symptom journal is also something I hadn't considered but makes so much sense for building a strong case. Thank you all for being so open about your experiences - both the struggles and the solutions. This kind of real-world guidance is exactly what people need when facing these complex systems. It's reassuring to know there's a supportive community here willing to share knowledge and help others navigate these challenging situations!

I'm new to this community but this thread has been absolutely invaluable! As someone who's currently on SDI for chronic pain issues and getting nervous about approaching that 52-week mark, reading everyone's experiences has given me both realistic expectations and hope. @Brielle Johnson - your transformation from panic to having a solid plan is incredibly inspiring! The fact that you discovered long-term disability coverage through your employer that you didn't even know existed is such an important reminder for all of us. I'm definitely calling my HR department first thing tomorrow to see what benefits I might have. What really stands out to me is how this community came together to provide such specific, actionable advice. The guidance about getting detailed functional documentation from doctors, using Claimyr to actually reach EDD representatives, starting SSDI applications early - these are the kinds of real-world tips that make all the difference but aren't available in any official resources. I'm particularly grateful for the detailed explanations about SSDI requirements. I had no idea that they need proof you can't do ANY work, not just your previous job. That's going to completely change how I talk to my doctor about documenting my limitations. For anyone else reading this thread - definitely save it as a reference guide. The combination of personal experiences and practical resources shared here is pure gold for navigating these complex disability systems. Thanks to everyone for being so open and supportive!

I'm in a very similar situation - started my disability claim in December 2024 for a knee replacement and it runs through March 2025. My income is around $52,000 so I should definitely qualify for the 90% rate. Based on what everyone's saying here, it sounds like we should see the increase automatically starting with the first full week of January, but I'm definitely going to call EDD just to confirm my claim will be updated properly. The conflicting information about whether it's automatic or not is making me nervous! Has anyone actually received any official documentation from EDD about this change yet?

I'm also on disability that started in late 2024 and extends into 2025, so this thread has been incredibly helpful! Based on all the information shared here, I'm planning to monitor my first few payments in January closely. It sounds like the consensus is that the 90% rate should apply automatically for those of us earning under $63k, but there might be some initial processing delays. I'm going to screenshot my current benefit amount so I can easily compare when the new payments come through. Really appreciate everyone sharing their research and experiences - this kind of major policy change deserves way better communication from EDD directly!

I'm so sorry your family is dealing with this stressful situation. As someone who has navigated SDI appeals before, I want to emphasize a few crucial points that others have touched on: First, definitely call EDD immediately using the timing strategies mentioned (right at 8 AM, mid-week). When you call, have a list ready of specific questions: the exact reason for disqualification, whether any additional forms like DE 2501 were sent, what address they have on file, and the original notice date for appeal deadline calculation. Second, even if you've missed the 30-day deadline, don't panic. Your mom's cognitive issues from her mental health condition are legitimate grounds for a "good cause" late appeal exception. The fact that organizing paperwork is part of her disability symptoms works strongly in your favor. Third, I'd suggest contacting her psychologist immediately to discuss updating the certification language. EDD often flags cases where the medical language remains identical month after month. The doctor should provide detailed functional assessments showing specific limitations like difficulty with concentration, memory, executive functioning, and yes - managing complex paperwork and bureaucratic processes. Finally, start gathering documentation now while you're trying to reach EDD. Get her complete medical records, have the psychologist prepare a detailed letter about functional limitations, and document how her cognitive symptoms affect daily tasks like mail management. This situation is fixable, but time is critical. You're being a great advocate for your mom by seeking help here and taking action quickly.

I'm really sorry to hear about your mom's situation - dealing with unexpected SDI disqualifications is incredibly stressful, especially when mental health conditions are involved. Based on what everyone has shared here, it sounds like you have a solid plan forming. One thing I wanted to add that I haven't seen mentioned yet: when you do get through to EDD, ask them to put a "hold" or "pending review" status on the case while you're gathering appeal documentation. Sometimes they can temporarily pause any further action on the disqualification while you're actively working to resolve it. This might buy you a little extra time if you're close to deadlines. Also, consider reaching out to your local disability rights organization or legal aid society. Many offer free consultations for SDI appeals, and they're often very familiar with the specific documentation EDD requires for mental health conditions. They might be able to review your appeal paperwork before submission to make sure everything is as strong as possible. You're doing everything right by acting quickly and gathering information. The combination of your mom's consistent medical certification plus the cognitive issues affecting her ability to manage paperwork should create a strong foundation for either a timely appeal or good cause exception. Keep us updated on how the call with EDD goes - this community is really supportive and many of us have been through similar battles with the system.

Guys I think I cracked the code. If you press 2, then 4, then 1, then 3 when calling, you get to a different queue. I got through in 20 minutes yesterday!

I'm in the exact same boat! Filed my extension paperwork in early September and still haven't heard anything back. It's been almost 2 months now and I'm starting to panic about my bills. I've tried calling but like everyone says, it's impossible to get through. Really hoping someone here has some good news or at least knows what the typical timeline is supposed to be. This whole process is so stressful when you're already dealing with a disability 😔