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.