Can I continue receiving EDD SDI benefits after being terminated from my job?

Your SDI benefits are NOT tied to your current employment status! As long as you were employed and paying into SDI when you became disabled, and your doctor continues to certify your disability, you'll keep getting benefits until your doctor releases you or you hit the maximum benefit period (usually 52 weeks). Your employer terminating you doesn't affect your SDI claim at all. I know this because I went through it last year when my company downsized while I was out on disability.

Oh thank goodness! That's such a relief to hear. I've been so stressed thinking I might lose everything at once. Do you know if this affects any return-to-work rights I might have had?

ur fine i got fired when i was on disability 2 months in and still got my benefits for another 4 months no problem just make sure ur doctor keeps submiting those forms on time

Just adding some important info: while your SDI benefits will continue, be aware that losing your job DOES affect your health insurance if you had it through your employer. You'll get a COBRA notice, but it's usually expensive. You should look into Covered California right away as losing employer coverage is a qualifying event. Also, keep in mind that when your doctor releases you, you won't be eligible for unemployment benefits right away because you need to be \

That's a really good point about the insurance! I hadn't even thought about that yet. I'll look into Covered California options right away. Thanks for the warning about unemployment too - I'll need to plan for that gap.

The whole system is such GARBAGE!! My brother got fired while on disability and then EDD kept \

That's not accurate. While EDD can be frustrating, being terminated doesn't automatically trigger a review. If your brother's payments stopped, something else was likely going on - maybe his doctor didn't submit certification forms on time or there was another issue. The system isn't perfect but spreading misinformation just causes unnecessary anxiety.

LOL ok whatever you say. My brother's doctor submitted EVERYTHING on time and they STILL froze his account for \

Hi there, I'm an HR manager and want to clarify something important - while your SDI benefits will continue, you should be aware that terminating you while on medical leave could potentially violate FMLA/CFRA protections depending on several factors (company size, how long you've worked there, if you properly requested leave, etc.). Even if your 12 weeks of protected leave are exhausted, there might be ADA or FEHA reasonable accommodation considerations. I'd recommend consulting with an employment attorney about your termination, as you may have additional rights beyond just continuing SDI benefits.

That's really helpful information. I've been with the company for 4 years and they have about 80 employees. I did formally request FMLA when this started, but that was back in March so I guess the 12 weeks would be used up already. Do you think it's still worth talking to an attorney?

Yes, it's definitely worth consulting with an employment attorney. Even after FMLA/CFRA protection ends, the ADA and California's FEHA may require your employer to provide additional leave as a reasonable accommodation unless they can prove it creates an undue hardship. Most employment attorneys offer free consultations. The fact that your doctor has a specific return date (October) rather than an indefinite leave makes your case stronger.

Thank you so much. I'll look into finding an attorney for a consultation. Really appreciate the expert advice!

Has anyone been able to get through to an actual EDD representative about this kind of issue? I had something similar happen last year and spent DAYS trying to reach someone. Eventually I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep in under 25 minutes when I'd been trying for weeks on my own. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd\n\nIf you're worried about your specific case, I'd recommend talking directly to EDD rather than relying solely on advice here. They can verify that your benefits will continue and note your employment change in their system.

Thanks for the suggestion! I've been trying to call EDD all week with no luck. I'll check out that service - at this point I just need definitive answers from someone official.

i used that claimyr thing too worked good but its stupid we gotta pay extra just to talk to edd when its there job to answer the phone lol

I know, right? I was annoyed too but after spending like 3 days redialing constantly I figured my time was worth something. At least I got actual answers instead of just stressing about it.

my cousin works at EDD and she says for sure you keep getting SDI after getting fired. but she also says its super important to tell EDD about the job change. you should report it through your SDI Online account AND try to call them (good luck with that tho lol). if you dont report it and they find out later from your employer it might cause problems.

That's good to know! I'll definitely report the change through my SDI Online account. Do you happen to know which section of the portal I need to use to report an employment change? I've logged in but couldn't find anything obvious about updating employment status.

i think you need to go to

Perfect - thank you! I'll do that today.

Just to wrap things up with accurate information:\n\n1. Your SDI benefits WILL continue regardless of employment status as long as you remain disabled and your doctor certifies it\n2. Report your job change to EDD through your SDI Online account (Contact DI section)\n3. Look into healthcare options immediately (COBRA or Covered California)\n4. Consider consulting an employment attorney about possible FMLA/ADA/FEHA violations\n5. Keep all your termination paperwork for future reference\n6. When you're eventually cleared to work, be aware you may need to wait before qualifying for unemployment\n\nHope everything works out for you!

Thank you so much for this clear summary. It's exactly what I needed. This community has been incredibly helpful during such a stressful time. I've already contacted an attorney and am looking at Covered California plans. I'll definitely update my SDI account with the employment change too. Really appreciate everyone's support and advice!