Can I file for EDD SDI before my scheduled surgery date? Also confused about self-employment reporting

you can totaly file before surgery! when i had my knee surgery in feb, i filed like 5 days before. the trick is you gotta call them bc the online system is stupid and doesnt let u put future dates. but if u call, the rep can put it in their system for u. make sure u already have the docs paperwork filled out before u call tho!!

Regarding your self-employment question, you should answer "yes" to being self-employed, but you can still qualify for SDI benefits. The key is that you've been paying into SDI through your W-2 job. Your benefit amount will be calculated based on wages reported during your base period, which includes your W-2 earnings. Self-employment income is only factored in if you've been paying SDI taxes on that income (which most self-employed people don't unless they've elected to participate in Disability Insurance Elective Coverage). For the pre-filing question, your doctor should complete the medical certification with your anticipated surgery date and expected recovery period. While the online system doesn't allow future dates, you have two options: 1. Wait until the day of surgery or after to file online 2. Complete the paper DE 2501 form before surgery, then mail or fax it on the day of surgery or after If you need the benefits to start promptly after surgery, option 1 is usually faster.

I went through this EXACT thing last year!!! When I had my gallbladder surgery the EDD website kept rejecting my application because it was 3 days before my actual surgery. SO FRUSTRATING! I just waited until after my surgery and filed from the hospital bed (lol) and it worked fine. The problem is that you can't claim disability until you're actually disabled, and technically your not until after the surgery. 😖

You're getting some confusing advice here. Let me clarify: The correct way to handle this is to have your doctor complete the medical certification portion BEFORE your surgery with the anticipated disability date. Then YOU file your claim portion on or after your first day of disability (surgery date). The confusion stems from people mixing up the doctor's certification (which can be done in advance) and your claim filing (which can't be done until the disability actually starts). And yes, disclose your self-employment, but know that if you haven't been paying into SDI via elective coverage for that portion of income, those earnings won't be counted toward your benefit calculation. Your W-2 job's contributions will be the basis for your benefit amount. Side note: There's a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, so you won't get paid for the first week of disability anyway. Your actual first payment will cover day 8 onward.

i tried for 3 dayz to get thru to EDD when i had my shoulder surgery and it was impossible!!!! they NEVER answer the phone and the online thing is useless if u have questions. ended up having to wait 2 extra weeks for my first check because i filled something out wrong and couldnt get help fixing it

Hello! As a person who processes medical certifications for a surgical center, I can tell you the correct procedure: 1. Your doctor should complete the medical certification with your planned surgery date and estimated recovery time 2. You cannot file your portion before your actual first day of disability (your surgery date) 3. For maximum efficiency, create your SDI Online account now if you haven't already 4. On your surgery date, have someone file for you online or file as soon as you're able 5. Always answer truthfully about self-employment - but your benefits will be based on your W-2 income if that's where you've paid SDI taxes The 7-day waiting period means your benefits begin on the 8th day of your disability, so filing a day or two after surgery won't actually cost you any money. But filing promptly helps avoid processing delays. Hope your surgery goes well!

Why is EDD so UNBELIEVABLY BROKEN?? This is a perfect example. If doctors tell patients to file before surgery, but the system doesn't allow it, that's a DESIGN FAILURE. I've been through 3 separate disability claims and each one has been a nightmare of contradictions and confusion. And don't even get me started on how they calculate benefits if you have multiple income sources! The whole system needs to be rebuilt from scratch!!!

Just to follow up on your self-employment question, since you're primarily a W-2 employee, you should still qualify for SDI benefits based on those wages. However, it's important to be truthful about your self-employment on the application. The EDD will determine your benefit amount based on the highest quarter of earnings in your base period where SDI contributions were made. If you haven't opted into the Disability Insurance Elective Coverage (DIEC) program for your self-employment income, then only your W-2 wages will count toward your benefit calculation. This won't disqualify you - it just means your benefit amount will be based solely on your W-2 income. When you file, be prepared to explain that your primary income is from your W-2 employment if they have questions.

Hey Isabella! I just went through this same situation last month with my herniated disc surgery. Here's what worked for me: I called the SDI line first thing in the morning (around 8:15 AM) and got through after about 45 minutes on hold. The rep was super helpful and explained that while you can't file online with a future date, they can absolutely take your application over the phone for a scheduled surgery. Just make sure you have your doctor's completed certification form ready with all the details about your expected disability period. They'll process it to start on your surgery date. And definitely be upfront about the self-employment - I had a similar situation with freelance work and it didn't cause any issues since my main SDI contributions came from my regular job. One tip: ask the rep to email you a confirmation of your claim submission so you have documentation. Good luck with your surgery - spinal fusions are tough but you'll get through it! 🙏