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Can I extend my EDD SDI claim if I'm not ready to return to work after doctor's release date?

My doctor put me on disability for severe back pain after my car accident 6 weeks ago. My SDI claim was approved through May 22, 2025 (next week), but I'm still having major mobility issues and pain. My supervisor texted saying I can take more time if needed, but I'm confused about the EDD process. Do I need my doctor to complete a whole new disability claim form? Or is there some kind of extension form? I tried calling EDD but got disconnected after waiting 2 hours yesterday. I'm nervous about the gap in income if there's any delay getting the extension approved. Has anyone extended their disability claim before? What's the process?

Freya Collins

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You need to have your doctor fill out a "Supplemental Certificate" form (DE 2525XX) to extend your existing claim. Your doctor needs to certify that you're still unable to perform your regular work duties. Make sure they submit it BEFORE your current claim period ends to avoid payment gaps. Remember you can also log into your SDI Online account and there should be an option to request a claim extension.

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Lucas Schmidt

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Thank you so much!! My next appointment isn't until the day before my claim ends. Will that be too late? I'm worried about having to re-serve the waiting period if there's a gap.

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LongPeri

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happened to me last yr too. no new waiting period if u extend b4 current one ends. just make sure doc submits it!!!

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Lucas Schmidt

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That's such a relief! Did you have to remind your doctor multiple times to submit it? Mine can be forgetful with paperwork.

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Oscar O'Neil

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I've been through this a few times with my chronic condition. Here's what you need to know: 1. Your doctor submits the supplemental certification (not a whole new claim) 2. It MUST be submitted before your current certification ends 3. If they submit it late, you might have a gap in payments (though you won't serve a new waiting period as long as it's within 90 days) 4. Call your doctor NOW and make sure they know you need this done by your appointment 5. Bring a printed copy of the form to your appointment if possible Also, keep detailed notes about your symptoms and how they prevent you from doing your specific job duties - this helps your doctor fill out the form properly.

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This is so helpful! My doctor always asks me what dates I need coverage for and I never know what to say lol

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I've tried calling EDD for THREE WEEKS about my extension and can't get through!!! Their phone system is COMPLETELY BROKEN!!!! I press all the right options and then it just says "we're experiencing high call volume" and HANGS UP ON ME!!! How is this legal??!! My benefits stopped and I can't pay rent now because of their incompetence!!

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Liv Park

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Try using Claimyr - I was in the same situation and they got me connected to an EDD agent in like 20 minutes after I'd been trying for days. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd and sign up at claimyr.com. Seriously saved me when I needed to get my extension processed.

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When I extended my SDI claim last year after my surgery, I made sure to: 1. Tell my doctor at LEAST a week before my end date that I needed an extension 2. Asked the office staff specifically which doctor would be completing the form (sometimes it's not your actual doctor) 3. Called the office 2 days after my appointment to confirm it was submitted 4. Checked my SDI Online account daily to see when it was processed If your appointment is cutting it close, call your doctor's office NOW and explain the situation. Some doctors will submit the extension based on your medical records without an in-person visit if they've seen you recently enough.

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Lucas Schmidt

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That's great advice - I'll call first thing tomorrow morning. I didn't realize they might be able to do it without seeing me in person. That would be so much easier!

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LongPeri

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btw got a question... does ur employer have to agree to the extension or is it just between u and the doc and EDD?

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Oscar O'Neil

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Your employer doesn't need to approve SDI extensions - it's a medical decision between you, your doctor, and EDD. Your employer can't override a doctor's disability certification. However, job protection is a separate issue from disability benefits. If you're concerned about your job being held, you should check if you have FMLA/CFRA protection and how much time you've used.

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my doctor filled out the wrong form for my extension last time and it took FOREVER to get fixed. make sure they use the right one!!! not the initial claim form!!!

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Freya Collins

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That's a really important point. For extensions, doctors need to use the "Supplemental Certificate" (DE 2525XX) form, not the initial "Physician/Practitioner's Certificate" (DE 2501). It's a common mistake that can cause serious delays.

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Oscar O'Neil

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One more thing - if there's ANY gap between your current claim end date and when the extension is processed, make sure you continue to certify for benefits anyway. You can still get backpay for that period once the extension is approved, but only if you've been certifying consistently.

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Lucas Schmidt

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Thank you! I didn't realize I needed to keep certifying even if there's a gap. This whole system is so confusing.

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