Can I apply for SDI after being laid off if work caused severe anxiety/depression?

This is a tricky situation, but you might have options. The key question is whether your doctor will certify that your disability (anxiety/depression) prevents you from doing your "regular or customary work" regardless of the layoff. The fact that you had documented mental health issues before the layoff is important. You need to talk to your doctor ASAP about whether they'll support an SDI claim. Timing matters here - if too much time passes after the layoff, it becomes harder to connect your disability to your previous employment. Also worth noting that SDI pays approximately 60-70% of your wages, which might be more than UI depending on your income. I went through something similar in 2023 (different industry, similar situation). My doctor certified my claim 3 weeks after my layoff because my anxiety/depression made me unable to work or effectively job search. EDD initially questioned it but ultimately approved my claim.

I don't think u can get both UI and disability at the same time. UI means ur able to work but just don't have a job. SDI means u CANT work bc of medical issues. Its one or the other from what I know. My roomate tried to do both last year and got a nasty letter saying he had to pay money back.

Okay but WHY were you going to take medical leave BEFORE the layoff but now suddenly need disability AFTER? Sounds like you're just trying to get more money since UI isn't enough. The system is for people who are ACTUALLY disabled not just stressed about money. Sorry to be harsh but some of us have real disabilities and it's frustrating when people try to game the system.

Have you tried calling EDD directly to ask about your situation? I think they'd give you the most accurate answer about switching from UI to SDI. The problem is actually REACHING someone at EDD - I spent 3 weeks trying to get through about my disability claim last month and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me get through to an EDD representative in about 20 minutes. They have a video demo at https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd that shows how it works. It was worth it because the EDD agent was able to explain exactly what documentation I needed and how to handle my specific situation. Might be worth checking out since your case is complicated.

Another important point: If your doctor does support your disability claim, you'll need to submit the claim within 49 days of when your disability began. This is why it's critical to talk to your doctor right away and be clear about when your condition began affecting your ability to work (which sounds like it was before the layoff). Also, be prepared that your claim might require additional review since it's coming after a layoff. EDD sometimes flags these cases for extra scrutiny to prevent exactly what the other commenter was suggesting (people using SDI to get higher benefits). Having clear medical documentation from before the layoff will help your case. I'd recommend downloading the DE 2501 form from the EDD website and reviewing it with your doctor before they submit it electronically. The way your doctor describes your condition and its impact on your ability to work is crucial.

I went thru similar in 2024!! Lost my nursing job and was already seeing therapist for anxiety from work stress. My doc put me on SDI for 3 months even tho I got laid off 2 wks before filing. Had to provide LOTS of documentation tho and theey kept asking for more info. took almost 5 wks to get approved but it did work. Helped me get back on my feet mentally b4 job hunting again.

Since you've already filed for UI but haven't received payments, here's what you need to do if your doctor supports an SDI claim: 1. Contact EDD to withdraw your UI claim (document this communication) 2. Have your doctor complete the medical certification for SDI 3. File your SDI claim through SDI Online (https://edd.ca.gov/Disability/SDI_Online.htm) 4. Provide clear documentation of your pre-existing condition 5. Be prepared to explain the timeline of your condition in relation to the layoff Also, as someone mentioned, look into Covered California immediately rather than COBRA. If you have no income currently, you'll likely qualify for Medi-Cal or heavily subsidized coverage that will be FAR cheaper than COBRA while providing comparable benefits for your mental health needs. Finally, some mental health providers offer sliding scale fees for patients without insurance. Ask your current providers if they have such options while you're sorting out your coverage.