Can I file for EDD SDI disability benefits after quitting my job due to stress?

U can still apply but they might deny u bc u voluntarily quit. Sometimes they think ur just trying to get free money after quitting. Did ur doc write specifically that u left bc of medical reasons?

You CAN absolutely apply for SDI even after leaving your job. The important factor is whether your doctor certifies that your medical condition (including mental health conditions) prevents you from performing your regular or customary work. The timing of when you left employment isn't the deciding factor. What matters is: 1. You have a medical condition certified by your doctor 2. This condition prevents you from doing your regular work 3. You have earned enough wages during your base period to establish a claim Make sure your doctor clearly documents that your condition (stress, anxiety, hypertension, etc.) directly impacts your ability to work. This medical documentation is crucial.

I WENT THROUGH THE EXACT SAME THING!!!! My workplace was so toxic I developed severe anxiety and depression. I quit in January and my doctor put me on disability AFTER I'd already left. EDD approved my claim but it took FOREVER. Make sure your doctor is VERY specific about how your medical conditions prevent you from working. They denied my first claim because the doctor wasn't specific enough about WHY I couldn't work. Had to appeal and everything. Such a nightmare.

my cousin works for edd and says they look at why you quit. if you just say "i quit cuz work sucked" then no disability. but if doctor says "patient has diagnosed anxiety disorder caused by workplace and cannot work" then yes disability. its all about how the paperwork is filled out.

To address your question about the base period: EDD uses a system where they look at your earnings from approximately 5-18 months before your claim filing date. They divide this into four quarters and use the highest-earning quarters to calculate your benefit amount. Since you worked full-time for 18 months, you likely have sufficient wages in your base period. Part-time work before that may also contribute to your base period earnings. When filing your claim, be careful about how you report your separation reason. Select the option that indicates you left work due to a medical condition. Do NOT select "voluntary quit" without explanation, as this could complicate your claim. One more important point: there's a 7-day unpaid waiting period for SDI benefits. Benefits begin on the 8th day of your disability.

I had a very similar situation in 2025 - quit my job due to severe workplace anxiety and filed for SDI afterward. My claim was initially flagged for review because I had already separated from my employer. Here's what helped me get approved: 1. My doctor clearly stated that my medical condition (anxiety disorder) was directly caused by workplace conditions 2. Doctor specified that my condition prevented me from performing ANY work at that time, not just my previous job 3. I submitted additional documentation showing I had sought medical help for this condition while still employed I think you're on the right track by having your doctor prepare proper documentation. Just make sure they're very explicit about the connection between your health issues and work environment, and that these issues prevent you from working.

Also make sure your doctor puts the correct date for when your disability actually started!! My doctor put the date of my appointment instead of when my symptoms actually started making me unable to work and it caused so many issues with my claim!!

my sister just went through something similar she said the key thing was she told her doctor about the work issues BEFORE quitting and had it in her medical records

Update: I talked to my doctor today and she's adding specific language about how my medical conditions (anxiety disorder, hypertension, insomnia) were directly caused by workplace stress and prevented me from continuing to work. She's also backdating the disability start date to when my symptoms first became severe enough to impact my ability to work, which was actually about 2 weeks before I officially quit. I'm going to file my claim online tomorrow. Thank you all so much for your help and advice! I'll update once I hear anything from EDD.

Best of luck with your claim! You've gotten some really solid advice here. One thing I'd add - keep copies of EVERYTHING you submit to EDD. Screenshot your online application, save PDFs of all medical documentation, and keep a log of any phone calls or correspondence. If there are any issues with your claim later, having that paper trail can be a lifesaver. Also, be patient with the process - it can take several weeks to get a decision, but based on what you've described, it sounds like you have a strong case with proper medical documentation. Take care of yourself during this stressful time!

I went through something very similar about 8 months ago. The key thing that helped my case was that I had been seeing my doctor for stress-related symptoms WHILE I was still employed. EDD wants to see that medical timeline - that your condition was developing and being treated before you left work, not just after. Since you mentioned panic attacks and high blood pressure, make sure your doctor includes any previous visits or treatments for these issues in her certification. Even if you didn't specifically connect them to work stress at the time, having that medical history documented will strengthen your claim. Also, when you file online, there's a section where you can upload additional supporting documents. I'd recommend scanning and uploading any medical records, urgent care visits, or even pharmacy receipts for anxiety/blood pressure medications if you have them. The more documentation you can provide upfront, the smoother the process usually goes. One last tip - after you submit your claim, you'll get a confirmation number. Write it down immediately and keep it handy. You'll need it for any follow-up calls or correspondence with EDD. Wishing you the best with your recovery and your claim! You're doing the right thing by prioritizing your health.

I'm so glad you found this community and are getting such helpful advice! As someone who's been through the EDD system, I just wanted to add one more thing that might help: when you're filling out the online application tomorrow, pay close attention to the "reason for separation" section. There should be an option for "medical reasons" or "health condition" - make sure you select that rather than just "voluntary quit." Also, if at any point during the process EDD sends you additional forms to fill out (like a continued claim form or medical certification update), respond to them immediately. I've seen claims get delayed or denied simply because people didn't realize they needed to submit additional paperwork within the required timeframe. You sound like you're being really proactive about this, which is exactly the right approach. Having that medical documentation clearly stating the connection between your workplace stress and your health conditions is going to be crucial. Best of luck with your application and your recovery!

Just wanted to chime in with some encouragement - it sounds like you're doing everything right! I had a similar situation about a year ago where workplace stress led to severe health issues. The fact that you have documented medical visits while you were still employed (those urgent care visits for panic attacks) is going to really help your case. One thing that worked well for me was creating a timeline document that I kept for my own records - dates of when symptoms started, medical appointments, medications prescribed, etc. Even though you don't submit this to EDD, having it organized helped me answer questions accurately when they called for clarification. Also, don't be discouraged if the process takes a few weeks. EDD is notoriously slow, but that doesn't mean anything is wrong with your claim. Focus on your recovery and know that you've taken all the right steps to document your medical need for disability benefits. You've got this! 💪

I just want to say how helpful this entire thread has been! I'm in a somewhat similar situation - dealing with work-related stress that's affecting my health, though I haven't quit yet. Reading through everyone's experiences and advice has given me so much valuable information about how to properly document everything with my doctor and what to expect from the EDD process. @Darren Brooks - it really sounds like you're handling this the right way by getting proper medical documentation that clearly connects your health issues to your work situation. The fact that you have those urgent care visits from while you were still employed is going to be really important evidence. For anyone else reading this thread who might be in a similar situation, this has been like a masterclass in navigating SDI claims after leaving work due to health issues. Thank you all for being so generous with sharing your experiences and knowledge!

This has been such an informative thread! I'm currently dealing with work-related anxiety and depression, and my doctor has been encouraging me to consider disability benefits. Reading through everyone's experiences has really helped me understand the importance of proper documentation and timing. A few key takeaways I'm getting: 1. Having medical visits documented WHILE still employed is crucial 2. The doctor needs to be very specific about how the condition prevents work 3. Keep detailed records of everything submitted to EDD 4. The separation reason should be listed as "medical reasons" not just "voluntary quit" @Darren Brooks - it sounds like you're in a much better position than you initially thought! Having those urgent care visits for panic attacks while still employed is exactly the kind of evidence EDD looks for. For anyone else in similar situations - this thread is a goldmine of practical advice. Thank you all for being so open about sharing your experiences. It's helping more people than you probably realize!

Reading through this entire thread has been so educational! I'm currently employed but struggling with severe work-related anxiety and considering my options. What really stands out to me is how crucial it is to have that medical paper trail BEFORE leaving employment. @Darren Brooks - you mentioned having urgent care visits for panic attacks while still working, which seems like it's going to be key evidence for your claim. The fact that your doctor is willing to backdate the disability start date to when your symptoms actually became severe is also really smart. One question for those who've been through this process - how long did it typically take from filing to getting your first payment? I'm trying to plan financially in case I need to go this route. The 7-day waiting period that @Kara Yoshida mentioned is helpful to know about. Also wanted to echo what others have said - this community is amazing! The level of detailed, practical advice here is exactly what people in these difficult situations need. Thank you all for being so generous with sharing your experiences.