Can EDD SDI benefits be extended when they expire right before a major surgery?
So I've been on SDI since January for severe back issues, and my benefits are set to run out in June. The problem is my doctor JUST scheduled my spinal fusion for July 8th (first available slot). Talk about terrible timing! I'm panicking because I'll have no income during recovery if my SDI ends right before surgery. Has anyone successfully extended their disability benefits in a situation like this? My doctor says recovery will be at least 2-3 months where I can't work. Do I need to file a completely new claim or is there some extension process? Any advice would be super appreciated!
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Monique Byrd
same thing happened to me! my sdi ran out and then i needed another surgery. you have to file a whole new claim, its stupid but thats how they do it
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Alejandro Castro
•Ugh, that's what I was afraid of. Did you have any gap in payments between claims? I'm worried about how I'll pay rent if there's a long wait for the new claim to start.
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Jackie Martinez
You need to file a new claim for your surgery. SDI benefits can last up to 52 weeks, but if your current disability claim is for a different condition than your upcoming surgery, or if the surgery represents a significant change in your medical status, you'll file a new claim. Have your doctor complete a new medical certification (DE 2501) as close to your surgery date as possible, but you can actually file the claim up to 49 days before your surgery date. Make sure your doctor indicates the surgery date as your new disability start date on the form. You're also entitled to a new waiting period waiver if you file this new claim within 60 days of your previous claim ending.
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Lia Quinn
•SO WRONG!! The 60 day rule doesn't apply for same condition! The waiting period is only waived if its a DIFFERENT condition within 60 days. If its the same condition within 60 days, its considered a RELAPSE and BOTH the waiting period is waived AND it continues the original 52-week benefit period, NOT a new one!!! Don't listen to this advice!
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Jackie Martinez
•You're partially correct about the relapse rules, but in this case, the original poster is having a surgery which represents a significant change in medical status even if it's for the same underlying condition. When surgical intervention becomes necessary, EDD typically treats this as a new claim event. In my experience helping clients navigate this exact situation, filing a new claim with the surgery as the start date has been the most successful approach, especially when there's a clear gap between the end of one disability period and the beginning of another.
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Haley Stokes
Have you called EDD to ask about this directly? I swear it's IMPOSSIBLE to get through to them!!! I was in a similar situation last year (not surgery but needed to extend) and spent THREE WEEKS trying to get someone on the phone. Would call at exactly 8:00:00 am and still got the "we're too busy" message. Finally found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an actual EDD agent in about 20 minutes. They have a demo video of how it works here: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Their website is claimyr.com. Totally worth it because the EDD agent explained exactly what forms I needed and how to file properly for my situation. Every situation is different so talking to an actual agent is probably your best bet.
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Alejandro Castro
•Thanks for the tip! I've been trying to call for days and keep getting the "call volume too high" message. I'll check out that service because I really need to talk to someone who can look at my specific case.
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Asher Levin
This is actually a common situation with SDI claims. Here's what you need to know: 1. If your current claim and upcoming surgery are for the SAME medical condition, and your surgery is scheduled within 60 days of your claim expiring, it's considered a RELAPSE/RECURRENCE. You'll need to complete a "Claim for Continued Disability Benefits" form (DE 2500A). 2. If the surgery is for a DIFFERENT condition OR occurs more than 60 days after your current claim ends, you'll need to file a NEW claim with a new medical certification. 3. For relapses within 60 days of your previous claim, the 7-day waiting period is waived. 4. Important: The maximum benefit period is still 52 weeks total, regardless of whether it's a relapse or new claim for the same condition. I recommend having your doctor document clearly how the surgery relates to your current disability claim. That documentation will be crucial for EDD to determine if it's a continuation or new claim.
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Serene Snow
•This is right! I work in a doctor's office and we help patients with this ALL THE TIME. The doctor needs to be very specific about the connection between your current disability and the surgery. Also, don't wait until the last minute - get the paperwork started at least 2-3 weeks before your current claim ends to avoid payment gaps.
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Issac Nightingale
does anyone know if you get the full 52 weeks again if you file a new claim?? i thought it was only if its a completely different medical thing
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Asher Levin
•You're correct. For the same medical condition, you get a maximum of 52 weeks of benefits, even across multiple claims. If it's a completely different and unrelated medical condition, then you could qualify for a new 52-week benefit period.
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Alejandro Castro
Thanks everyone for the helpful advice! I talked to my doctor today and she said she'll document that the surgery is a necessary progression of my current back issues. She's going to help me fill out the right paperwork next week. Really hoping this works out without a gap in payments - this surgery wasn't exactly in my financial plans for 2025 but I can't keep working with this pain. Will update once I hear back from EDD!
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Monique Byrd
•good luck!! the system is a nightmare but at least ur doctor is helping. mine made me do all the paperwork myself lol
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Dylan Hughes
Just wanted to add that you should also ask your doctor about temporary disability accommodations through your employer if you have them. Some employers have short-term disability insurance that can help bridge gaps between SDI claims. Also, if you're union member, check if your union has any emergency assistance programs. I had to go through this exact situation last year with a knee surgery right after my SDI ended, and having multiple backup plans really helped. The key is starting the paperwork process early - don't wait until the last week of your current claim!
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