Can I collect remaining SDI benefits after claim end date? Doctor form confusion

You might be confusing two different processes. EDD SDI doesn't automatically pay out "leftover balances" like some kind of refund. What they're likely talking about is extending your claim period if you're still disabled beyond your original end date. For that, you need a new medical certification (DE 2501) from your doctor confirming you still have the same condition and need additional recovery time.

i had something similar happen last yr. if its the same disability diagnoses and within 90 days of ur claim ending u can reopen it and use whats left. different from extension which is when u use all benefits but still cant work

What you're describing is a claim reactivation, not collecting a balance. If you returned to work before using all your SDI benefits, and then became disabled again with the same or related condition within 90 days, you can reopen the claim to use the remaining benefits. Your doctor needs to complete a Supplemental Certificate (DE 2525XX) form, not a new initial claim form. This should be available in your SDI Online account under "Forms", but sometimes the system glitches and doesn't show it. If you don't see it by the end of this week, I'd suggest calling EDD directly. Unfortunately, their call center is overwhelmed, but you might want to try Claimyr (claimyr.com) - it helped me get through to a live agent when I had a similar issue. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd

BE CAREFUL WITH THIS!!! I tried reopening my claim last year and it was a NIGHTMARE!!! The rep I talked to said the same thing about sending a form but it NEVER showed up in my account. Called 47 TIMES over two weeks and couldn't get through. Finally got through and they said I had to have my doctor submit a paper form instead of online but by then it was too late and I missed the 90-day window. They denied my reactivation and I lost $2,800 in benefits I was entitled to!!!! The system is BROKEN!!

You need to be proactive with this process. Don't wait for the form to magically appear in your account. Call EDD SDI and specifically request the Supplemental Certificate form (DE 2525XX) to be sent to your doctor. Also, have your doctor's fax number ready as sometimes they can fax it directly, which is faster than waiting for online access. Make sure your doctor understands this is NOT a new claim but a continuation of your existing one. Different medical offices handle these forms differently, and some doctors aren't familiar with the reactivation process versus filing a new claim. Just tried Claimyr last week when I needed to talk to someone about my pregnancy disability claim conversion to PFL, and it was worth it to avoid the endless busy signals.

My sister had similar situation but different outcome. She tried to collect remaining balance after going back to work for 3 months but was denied because it was past 90 days. They told her she needed to file new claim instead. So make sure you're within that timeframe!!!

To summarize for anyone else finding this thread with a similar question: 1. What you're describing is called a claim reactivation (not "collecting a balance") 2. It's only available if: - You're disabled again with the same or related condition - You're within 90 days of your previous claim's end date - You didn't use all your maximum benefits during the initial claim 3. You need a Supplemental Certificate (DE 2525XX) from your doctor 4. Be proactive about getting this form - call if it doesn't appear in your SDI Online account 5. This is different from an extension (which is when you've used all benefits but still can't work) Hope you get this resolved quickly!

Glad to hear you got it sorted out! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this - make sure your doctor fills out the DE 2525XX form completely and accurately. I've seen cases where forms get rejected because doctors accidentally check the wrong boxes or don't provide enough detail about how the condition prevents you from working. It's worth having a quick conversation with your doctor about what EDD is looking for before they submit it. Also keep copies of everything for your records!