Can I file retroactive EDD SDI claim for previous injury while currently on disability?

i dont think u can get 2 disability claims at the same time, even for different injuries. my brother tried something like that and edd said no way

This is actually a complex situation that comes up fairly often. Here's what you need to know: You CAN file for SDI benefits to supplement workers' comp if your WC payments were less than what SDI would have paid. This is called "coordination of benefits" and it's specifically allowed in California. There IS a filing deadline though - typically you must file for SDI within 49 days of the first day your disability began. However, EDD allows for late filing if you can show "good cause" for the delay. In your case, you would need to: 1. Complete a DE 2501 Claim Form 2. Include a detailed letter explaining why you're filing late (lack of information about eligibility is often accepted) 3. Provide documentation showing your workers' comp payment amounts 4. Include medical certification covering that previous disability period The fact that you're currently on a separate SDI claim shouldn't automatically disqualify you, but it might complicate the review process.

I went through something EXACTLY like this in 2023!!! The EDD makes everything SO COMPLICATED and nobody tells you what you're eligible for!! I had a work injury (shoulder) and was on workers comp for 3 months, then 6 months later had surgery for something completely different and got regular SDI. I tried filing a retroactive claim for the difference between workers comp and what SDI would have paid. Here's what happened: I spent WEEKS trying to get through to someone at EDD who understood what I was asking about. Kept getting hung up on or transferred to people who had no idea about this situation. FINALLY got through to someone who knew what they were talking about and they told me I needed all these specific forms and medical records from the first injury. By the time I got everything together, they denied me because it was "too late" to file!!! So frustrating!!

When I was dealing with my complicated claim situation, I was getting nowhere with EDD until I discovered Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected with an actual EDD representative within 20 minutes when I had been trying unsuccessfully for weeks. The representative was able to explain exactly what documentation I needed for my retroactive claim and how to properly submit it. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd In your situation, you'll definitely need to speak with a knowledgeable EDD representative who can access your current claim in the system while discussing the potential retroactive claim. Most phone representatives won't understand the nuances of what you're trying to do.

Just be careful with this whole process. I tried filing a retroactive claim last year and it triggered a review of my current disability claim too. EDD started asking for additional documentation for BOTH claims and my current payments got delayed for almost 5 weeks while they sorted everything out. Not saying it will happen to you, but just be prepared that opening up this conversation might complicate your current claim. Also, make sure you have ALL your workers comp payment stubs/documentation ready. They'll need to see exactly how much you received and for what dates to calculate any potential supplemental payment.

To answer your follow-up question about medical certification: You will definitely need some form of medical documentation specifically for the SDI claim. Your workers' comp medical records are a good starting point, but EDD typically requires their own form (DE 2501) to be completed by the treating physician. Since your case involves a retroactive claim from several months ago, you should: 1. Contact your treating physician from the workers' comp claim 2. Explain that you need them to complete Section B of the DE 2501 form retroactively 3. Provide them with copies of their own medical reports/documentation from your workers' comp case to refresh their memory 4. Be clear about the exact disability period you're claiming Many doctors are familiar with retroactive certification requests, especially in workers' comp situations. You might need to pay a fee for this service since it involves additional paperwork outside normal treatment.

@OP - Yes, they helped me with a retroactive filing situation, though mine was for PFL that I didn't realize I qualified for after using some SDI benefits. The key is getting through to a Tier 2 specialist, not just the frontline phone staff who often give incomplete or even incorrect information. Once I got through to someone who actually understood the regulations, they walked me through exactly what to submit and how to phrase my explanation letter.

wait im confused. is workers comp and disability the same thing? i thought they were different systems completely??

I just went thru something similar and finally got it resolved last month! My advice is to write "REQUEST FOR RETROACTIVE BENEFITS - COORDINATION WITH WORKERS COMPENSATION" in big letters at the top of your claim form and your explanation letter. My first attempt was just processed as a normal claim and rejected for being late. When I resubmitted with that header, it got routed to the right department that handles these special cases. Also MAKE COPIES OF EVERYTHING before you send it in!

I sent mine to the regular SDI claims PO Box address but I also included a cover letter asking them to forward it to the appropriate department for retroactive workers comp coordination claims. Not sure if that helped but my claim did eventually make it to the right place. Took about 3 weeks longer than a normal claim to get processed though.

Thanks everyone for your help! I was able to get through to EDD today using that Claimyr service (it actually worked!). The EDD rep confirmed I can file a retroactive claim for the difference between workers comp and SDI from last year. I need to submit: 1. DE 2501 with "RETROACTIVE CLAIM - WORKERS COMP COORDINATION" written at the top 2. Letter explaining why I'm filing late 3. Copy of all workers comp payment stubs 4. Medical certification from my previous doctor The rep also noted it in my current claim file so there shouldn't be any issues with my current payments. Fingers crossed this works out!

Awesome update! So glad you were able to get through to someone who actually knew what they were talking about. The EDD phone system is such a nightmare most of the time. Quick tip from my experience with retroactive claims - when you send in your paperwork, I'd recommend using certified mail with return receipt so you have proof they received it. Also take photos/scans of everything before you send it in case anything gets lost in their system. Hope it all works out smoothly for you! Keep us posted on how it goes - this thread will probably help other people in similar situations.

Just wanted to add one more thing that might help - when you're getting your medical certification from your previous doctor, make sure they specifically mention the dates you were unable to work due to the wrist fracture. EDD is really picky about having exact disability periods documented by the physician, not just treatment dates. Also, if your doctor's office charges a fee for completing retroactive paperwork (mine charged $25), you can sometimes get reimbursed for that if your claim gets approved. Keep the receipt just in case! Really hoping this works out for you - it's frustrating how much hoops we have to jump through for benefits we've already paid into through payroll deductions.

Just wanted to share my experience since I went through something very similar last year! I had a work-related knee injury in 2023 where I was on workers comp, then later found out I could have gotten supplemental SDI benefits since my workers comp payments were lower than what SDI would have paid. The key things that helped me were: 1. Being very organized with all my workers comp documentation - payment stubs, medical records, everything 2. Writing a clear explanation letter about why I was filing late (I used the "lack of information about eligibility" reason that someone mentioned) 3. Following up regularly but politely with EDD My claim took about 6-8 weeks to process once I submitted everything, but I did eventually get approved for the retroactive benefits. The supplemental payment wasn't huge, but it definitely helped cover some of the financial gap I had during that time. One thing I learned is that EDD's online system doesn't handle these coordination cases well - you really do need to talk to an actual person who understands how workers comp and SDI interact. Sounds like you're already on the right track with getting proper guidance from an EDD rep!

I'm also dealing with a similar situation but mine is even more complicated - I had a workplace injury in 2023 that was initially denied by workers comp, so I applied for regular SDI at the time. Then workers comp finally approved my claim 8 months later and started paying retroactively, but now I owe EDD back all the SDI payments I received! Has anyone dealt with an overpayment situation like this? I'm worried that if I try to file for coordination benefits like you're doing, it might mess up my current overpayment repayment plan. The whole system is so confusing when workers comp and SDI overlap - I wish there was clearer guidance on all these different scenarios. @Ethan Anderson - definitely keep us updated on how your claim goes! Your situation might help me understand my options better too.

@Gabriel Freeman - Your situation with the overpayment is definitely tricky, but don't panic! I went through something similar in 2022. When workers comp gets approved after you've already received SDI, EDD will typically set up a repayment plan, but you may still be entitled to keep part of the SDI if your workers comp rate was lower. Here's what I learned: EDD has to do a "coordination calculation" to figure out exactly how much you owe back. If your workers comp weekly benefit was less than your SDI weekly benefit, you might only owe the difference, not the full amount. For example, if SDI was paying you $400/week and workers comp is only $300/week, you'd only owe back $300 per week, not the full $400. The key is to request a formal review of your overpayment calculation. Don't just accept whatever number they initially give you - make sure they're properly accounting for the coordination rules. You can usually do this by calling the overpayment department and asking them to explain exactly how they calculated what you owe. Also, keep making your scheduled overpayment payments while this gets sorted out - stopping payments can cause bigger problems. But definitely push for that calculation review!