Can I file another SDI claim right after returning to work or need supplemental certification?

omg i went thru almost exactly this last year!! if ur going out for the SAME medical condition and its within like 2 months of ur last claim i think u can just get a supplemental certification from ur doctor. you dont have to start all over!! call them and ask for a DE 2525XX form (the supplemental one). way easier than filing brand new

What you're describing is a relapse/recurrence claim. Since you've been back to work for less than 60 days and it's the same medical condition, this would qualify as a recurrence rather than a new claim. You'll need form DE 2525XX (Supplemental Certificate) from your doctor. The key advantages: 1. No new waiting period required 2. Usually processes faster than a new claim 3. Same weekly benefit amount as your original claim Contact your doctor ASAP to get this form completed and submitted. Make sure they include clear documentation showing this is the same condition that hasn't fully resolved.

You will need to log into your SDI Online account and complete a "Supplemental Claim" form on your end as well. Your doctor's DE 2525XX is only part of the process. Both pieces need to be submitted for your claim to be processed correctly as a recurrence.

BE CAREFUL about the timing!!! If you've been back at work for more than 60 days since your last disability period ended, you CAN'T file a supplemental claim - you'd have to start a whole new claim with a new waiting period. From what you said, it sounds like you're still within the window, but just make sure!!! Also don't be surprised if they put some extra scrutiny on your claim. They sometimes get suspicious when someone returns to work briefly and then goes back out on disability. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and make sure your doctor is super clear about why you need more time off.

Since you're dealing with a recurrence/relapse situation with the same medical condition, you won't need to serve another 7-day waiting period, which is definitely good news for your financial situation. Just to clarify the process: 1. You'll need to complete a "Request for Supplemental Claim Certification" in your SDI Online account 2. Your physician must complete and submit form DE 2525XX 3. EDD will review both documents to verify this is the same condition As others mentioned, timing is critical. The 60-day rule applies from the date your last disability period ended to the date your new disability period begins. Based on what you've shared, you're within this window. One thing to note: processing times for supplemental claims are typically faster than new claims but can still take 7-10 business days once all documentation is received.

this EXACT thing happened to my sister!!! she went back to work too soon, then had to take more time off. EDD made it SOOO COMPLICATED even though it was supposed to be a simple supplemental claim. they kept saying they never got her doctor's paperwork even though the doctor faxed it TWICE. took like 3 weeks to sort out when it was supposed to be faster than a regular claim. just be ready to follow up a lot.

Wait I'm confused - is this for SDI or for PFL?? Because PFL has different rules for continuing benefits I think. If your talking SDI for your own medical condition then yeah supplemental cert is the way to go but make sure your not mixing up the two programs because the 60 day rule might be different for family leave.

One additional piece of advice: When you complete your portion of the supplemental claim, be very specific about how your condition has worsened since returning to work. This helps establish why you need additional time off for the same condition. Also, if your supplemental claim is for a shorter duration than your original claim (for example, if you're planning to take 2 weeks instead of the original 3), payment processing is typically faster. Make sure your doctor indicates a specific estimated return-to-work date on the DE 2525XX form rather than leaving it open-ended, which can trigger additional reviews.

Just wondering - did you get paid for all of your first disability period? You mentioned it took FOREVER to get paid. If they still owe you money from that first claim, make sure you follow up on that separately! Sometimes when you file a supplemental claim they focus just on the new period and the old payments can get forgotten.

I'm going through something similar right now and this thread has been so helpful! I had no idea about the DE 2525XX form or the 60-day rule. My first SDI claim was approved in February and I went back to work after 2 weeks, but now I'm struggling again with the same back injury. Reading everyone's experiences gives me hope that I won't have to start completely over. Question for those who've been through this - when you submit the supplemental claim online, does it show up differently in your SDI account than a regular new claim? I want to make sure I'm doing the right thing and not accidentally filing a brand new claim instead of the supplemental one.

I'm in a very similar situation right now - had my first SDI claim approved in December, went back to work after 4 weeks in January, but now my chronic pain condition is flaring up again and I can barely function at work. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful, especially learning about the DE 2525XX form and the 60-day rule! One thing I want to add that might help you and others - when I called EDD last week to ask about this exact scenario, the representative told me that for supplemental claims, they often process payments faster if you submit everything at once rather than having the doctor fax their form separately. So if possible, ask your doctor's office to give you the completed DE 2525XX form to upload yourself when you submit your supplemental claim online, rather than having them fax it directly to EDD. Also, keep detailed records of your work days since returning - EDD may ask for this information to verify you're within the 60-day window. Hope this helps and that you get the relief you need soon!

Just wanted to jump in here as someone who went through this exact situation twice in 2024! Everyone's advice about the DE 2525XX form and the 60-day rule is spot on. One thing I'd add - when you're filling out your part of the supplemental claim online, be VERY detailed about how your symptoms have worsened since returning to work. I made the mistake of being too brief the first time and they requested additional documentation, which delayed everything by almost 2 weeks. The second time I wrote a detailed explanation of specific symptoms and how they interfered with my job duties, and it went much smoother. Also, if your employer has been accommodating or if you've had to miss partial days due to your condition since returning, document that too. It helps support your case that you tried to make it work but the condition genuinely requires more recovery time. Hang in there - I know the financial stress makes everything worse, but the supplemental claim process really is faster than starting over!

This thread is such a goldmine of information! I've been dealing with a similar situation and had no idea about the supplemental claim process. Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when I was researching this earlier today, I found that the 60-day window is calculated from your actual last day of disability benefits, not your return-to-work date. So if there was any gap between when your disability period officially ended and when you actually went back to work, that counts toward your 60 days. Also, for anyone worried about the financial gap while waiting for supplemental claim processing - some county social services offices have emergency assistance programs for people with pending disability claims. It's not much, but might help with utilities or rent if you're really struggling. Worth calling your local office to ask. Hope everyone gets through this process smoothly! The stress of being sick AND worrying about money is just awful.

I'm new to this community but found this thread incredibly helpful as someone who might be facing a similar situation soon. I'm currently on my first SDI claim (approved in late February) and planning to return to work next week, but I'm honestly not sure if I'm ready. Reading about everyone's experiences with supplemental claims and the 60-day rule is making me think I should be more conservative about my return-to-work date. A few questions for those who've been through this: 1) Is there any penalty or red flag if you extend your original claim instead of returning to work and then needing a supplemental claim? 2) Does EDD look more favorably on someone who takes adequate time initially versus someone who returns too early and needs additional time off? I'm trying to balance my financial needs with not wanting to end up in the same cycle of returning too soon and having to go through this process again. Any insights would be really appreciated!

This thread has been incredibly eye-opening! I'm actually in the opposite situation right now - I've been on SDI since early February and keep getting pressure from my employer to return, but after reading everyone's experiences here, I think I need to listen to my body and stay on my original claim until I'm truly ready. The financial stress is killing me, but it sounds like rushing back and then needing a supplemental claim creates even more uncertainty and potential delays. Plus hearing about all the documentation requirements and potential scrutiny for supplemental claims makes me think it's better to get it right the first time. Has anyone here successfully extended their original claim duration? My doctor initially estimated 6 weeks but I'm at 8 weeks now and still not feeling ready. I'm worried EDD will question the extension, but based on what I'm reading here, it seems like that's still easier than the supplemental route.

Reading through this entire thread as someone who's been through the SDI system multiple times - you all have covered the essential points perfectly! Just wanted to add one more crucial tip that saved me a lot of headaches: when you submit your supplemental claim online, take screenshots of EVERYTHING - the confirmation page, your submission details, the date/time stamp, everything. I had a situation where EDD claimed they never received my online submission even though I had completed it, and having those screenshots was the only thing that helped me prove I had actually filed. The representative was able to locate my claim in their system once I provided the confirmation number from my screenshot. Also, if your supplemental claim gets approved, you'll receive a new Notice of Computation (DE 429Z) showing your benefit details. Keep this with your original paperwork because sometimes the system gets confused about which claim period you're in, and having both documents helps clear things up quickly if issues arise. Nia, I hope your supplemental claim goes smoothly! The fact that you're within the 60-day window and have all this great advice from everyone should make the process much easier than your original claim. Take care of yourself and don't rush back to work again until you're truly ready!

This thread has been incredibly valuable! As someone who works in healthcare and sees patients navigate these situations regularly, I want to emphasize something that's been touched on but bears repeating: the importance of clear communication between you and your doctor about your work limitations. When your doctor completes the DE 2525XX form, make sure they understand not just your medical symptoms, but how those symptoms specifically impact your job duties. For example, if you have back pain and your job requires lifting, standing, or repetitive motions, that needs to be clearly documented. The more specific your doctor can be about functional limitations, the stronger your supplemental claim will be. Also, keep a symptom diary during this period if possible. Note pain levels, sleep disruption, medication side effects, etc. This kind of documentation can be invaluable if EDD requests additional information about why you need more time off for the same condition. You're absolutely making the right choice by prioritizing your health this time. Recovery isn't linear, and pushing through when your body isn't ready often leads to longer disability periods in the end. Best of luck with your claim!

I've been lurking in this community for a while and finally had to create an account to respond to this thread! I went through almost the exact same situation last summer - had my first SDI claim approved in June, rushed back to work after 2.5 weeks because of financial pressure, then had to file a supplemental claim about a month later when my condition flared up again. Everyone's advice here about the DE 2525XX form and 60-day rule is 100% correct. What I want to add is that when you're talking to your doctor about the supplemental certification, be really honest about how work has been affecting your recovery. I made the mistake of downplaying my struggles when I first returned to work, and it almost bit me when my doctor was hesitant to certify that I needed more time off. Also, once you submit everything, call EDD after about 5 business days to confirm they received both your online submission AND your doctor's form. Don't wait for them to contact you if something's missing - be proactive about following up. My supplemental claim was processed in about 10 days once they had all the paperwork, which was SO much faster than my original 6-week wait. You've got this! And definitely don't feel guilty about needing more time - your health has to come first.

I'm new to this community but dealing with a very similar situation right now! I filed my first SDI claim in January for a workplace injury, took about 4 weeks off, and went back to work in February. Like you, I was really struggling financially and couldn't wait any longer for my payments to come through. Now it's been about 6 weeks since I returned and my injury is acting up again - my physical therapist thinks I went back too soon and may have re-aggravated it. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! I had no idea about the DE 2525XX form or that there was even a difference between a supplemental claim and filing brand new. The 60-day rule is definitely something I need to pay attention to since I'm probably right at the edge of that window. One thing I'm wondering - has anyone had experience with workers' comp AND SDI? My original claim was through SDI even though it was a work injury (long story), but I'm worried that filing a supplemental claim might complicate things if I end up needing to deal with workers' comp later. Just want to make sure I'm not creating problems for myself down the road. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences - this thread is like a masterclass in navigating EDD! Nia, I really hope your supplemental claim goes smoothly and you get the rest you need to actually heal this time.