Can I appeal EDD SDI denial after Workers' Comp back pay confusion?

not sure but i think they might be right? my cousin had something similar happen with her knee injury. edd has some rule about not getting double benefits for the same time period or something

This sounds like a misunderstanding with the EDD representative. When transitioning from Workers' Comp to SDI, you absolutely CAN receive retroactive SDI benefits for periods AFTER Workers' Comp ended, assuming you meet all eligibility requirements. The rule they're likely confusing is that you can't receive both benefits simultaneously OR receive SDI payments that would exceed what Workers' Comp already paid you for the SAME period. You should definitely appeal this decision. Make sure you have: 1. The exact date your Workers' Comp ended (documentation) 2. The judge's ruling specifically showing the awarded dates 3. Your medical certification showing continued disability Request a formal determination in writing from EDD so you have something concrete to appeal.

You 100% need to appeal this decision! I went through something similar (though with a shoulder injury not back) and it was a NIGHTMARE getting EDD to understand the difference between overlapping benefits (not allowed) and consecutive benefits (totally allowed)! The rep you spoke with clearly doesn't understand the rules. Ask to speak with a supervisor or claims specialist who deals specifically with Workers' Comp transitions. The basic-level phone reps often give incorrect information about these complex situations. Also, make sure your appeal clearly states that you're not claiming SDI for any period during which you received Workers' Comp - only for the period AFTER Workers' Comp ended. Include calendar dates! Good luck!!

Have you tried using Claimyr to reach an actual SDI specialist? I was stuck in a similar situation with confusing info from regular reps, but Claimyr got me through to someone who actually knew how to handle Workers' Comp transitions. They helped me get my benefits straightened out within days after I'd been struggling for weeks. You can see how it works here: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The website is claimyr.com - it saved me so much time and frustration when dealing with this exact situation.

I want to share some FACTS about Workers' Comp and SDI transitions since there's so much confusion: 1) You CANNOT receive Workers' Comp and SDI for the SAME dates 2) You absolutely CAN receive SDI after Workers' Comp ends if you're still disabled 3) EDD frequently SCREWS THIS UP because their systems don't handle these transitions well 4) The specific rule is under California UI Code Section 2629 5) If you received a judge's ruling, the EDD representative is WRONG I've been through this exact nightmare. It took me THREE APPEALS and finally contacting my state representative to get it fixed. The EDD systems are NOT set up correctly to handle these transitions, so it takes a supervisor override. DON'T GIVE UP. Your benefits are LEGALLY OWED to you based on what you've described.

i had a kinda similar situation last year. the trick is you gotta keep calling until you get someone who actually knows what their talking about. first 3 people i talked to gave me completely different answers lol. the 4th person finally knew how to fix it and i got my backpay within 2 weeks be super nice on the phone even when ur frustrated cuz they can put notes on your account. and ya always ask for written determination so you can appeal if needed

Just to follow up on my earlier comment - when you appeal, make sure to specifically reference California Unemployment Insurance Code Section 2629. This section clearly states that while you can't receive duplicate benefits for the same period of disability, you CAN receive SDI benefits for periods where you're not receiving Workers' Comp. Also, be sure to use these exact words in your appeal: "I am requesting SDI benefits for a period of continued disability FOLLOWING the termination of my Workers' Compensation benefits, not for the same period." This specific language will help ensure your appeal is properly understood by the reviewer.

when i had my work injury i just applied for sdi right away not workers comp cuz i heard workers comp is a huge hassle. maybe that was easier?? idk but seems like switching between the two systems is where everyone gets stuck.

Update on your situation? Were you able to get through to someone who could help? The key is getting to a tier 2 specialist who understands the Workers' Comp to SDI transition process.

I'm dealing with a very similar situation right now! My work injury happened in 2021 and I just transitioned from Workers' Comp to SDI in December 2024. The first EDD rep I spoke with told me the exact same thing - that I couldn't get retroactive payments because my Workers' Comp rate was higher. I knew this didn't sound right, so I kept calling back until I got someone more experienced. The third person I spoke with immediately understood that these were CONSECUTIVE benefits, not overlapping ones, and was able to process my retroactive payments within a week. My advice: Don't take no for an answer from the first rep you talk to. Ask to be transferred to a disability specialist or supervisor. Also, when you call, lead with "I need help with a Workers' Compensation to SDI transition" - this seems to get you routed to people who actually understand these cases. The system is definitely confusing, but you're absolutely entitled to those benefits for the period after your Workers' Comp ended. Keep fighting for it!