Can I file for EDD SDI disability after being disqualified from unemployment benefits?

yeah u can still apply for SDI even if ur not with that employer anymore as long as u were employed and paid into SDI within the base period. the base period is like the 5-18 months before ur claim. totally different system from unemployment

You absolutely can file for SDI after being disqualified from unemployment. They're completely separate programs with different eligibility requirements. The key factors for SDI eligibility are: 1. You have a medical condition preventing you from doing your regular work 2. You were employed or actively looking for work when you became disabled 3. You paid into SDI during your base period (check your pay stubs for "CASDI" deductions) 4. You have lost wages due to your disability 5. You're under the care of a doctor who certifies your disability Just make sure your doctor clearly documents how your medical condition prevents you from working. The timing matters too - file your claim within 49 days of becoming disabled.

I was in a similar situation last year. Got denied for UI, but was approved for SDI because my doctor documented that my health conditions were the actual reason I couldn't work. There's a 7-day waiting period before benefits start, and then it took about 2-3 weeks for my first payment to arrive. Make sure you complete the application carefully - any mistakes can delay the process by weeks.

I TRIED CALLING EDD when I had questions about filing disability after unemployment and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get through!!! Spent DAYS trying and either got hung up on or sat on hold for hours only to get disconnected. So frustrating!!!!

My sister got denied unemployment but got SDI. Your employment status doesn't matter for SDI - it's about whether you're medically unable to work. You just need to have paid into the system at some point during your base period. Good luck!

Just be aware that there's a big difference between SDI and disability through Social Security (SSDI). EDD's State Disability Insurance (SDI) is short-term (up to 52 weeks) and easier to qualify for. Social Security Disability is long-term, much harder to get approved, and has stricter medical requirements. Sounds like you're on the right track with SDI since your doctor is supportive. Make sure you have your last employer's information ready when you apply.

One more thing - when you file for SDI, you'll need to provide the date you became disabled. This is important because it affects your base period calculation. If possible, have your doctor indicate that your disability started while you were still employed or within 7-14 days of leaving your job. This strengthens your case that you left work due to disability rather than quitting for other reasons.

i got denied 4 times for unemployment n then i tried disability 4 my back n got approved right away. its CRAZY how they treat people!!! the whole system is rigged but sometimes it works out

JUST FYI - my claim took SIX WEEKS to process last quarter because of their "new improved system" 🙄 so apply ASAP and be prepared to wait!!

To answer your question about applying online vs. paper: the online application through SDI Online is much faster. Create an account at edd.ca.gov if you don't already have one. The system will guide you through the process step by step. Your doctor will submit their portion electronically too if they're registered with EDD (most are). Paper applications can add weeks to processing time.

Just wanted to add that you should also gather your wage statements or W-2s from the past 18 months before applying. EDD will use these to calculate your weekly benefit amount, which is typically 60-70% of your wages during your highest-earning quarter in the base period. Having all your documentation ready upfront will help speed up the process. Also, don't let the unemployment denial discourage you - I've seen plenty of people get approved for SDI even after UI rejection because the medical evidence requirements are completely different. Your doctor's support is really the key factor here.

I went through this exact situation about 8 months ago! Got denied UI for "voluntary quit" even though I left due to chronic migraines that were making it impossible to function at work. Applied for SDI right after and got approved within 3 weeks. The key things that helped me: 1) My doctor had been documenting my condition for months before I left work, 2) I made sure the disability start date on my application matched what my doctor put on the medical certification, and 3) I applied online which was way faster than paper. Don't worry about not being employed anymore - as long as you paid into SDI during your base period (which you definitely did if you worked for 2 years), you're eligible. The medical documentation is what really matters for SDI approval. Good luck!

I'm in a very similar situation right now - left my job due to worsening depression and panic attacks, got denied UI, and now considering SDI. Reading through all these responses is giving me hope that there might be another option. My therapist has been documenting my condition but I'm worried it won't be seen as "serious enough" compared to physical disabilities. Has anyone here successfully gotten SDI approved for mental health conditions like anxiety/depression? I know you mentioned severe anxiety in your post - did your doctor emphasize how it physically prevents you from working?