Can I get EDD SDI after job change if my new employer doesn't offer disability for first year?

Good news! You should still qualify for SDI based on your previous employment. There's something called the "base period" that EDD uses to determine eligibility. They look at wages paid about 5-18 months before your claim starts, not your current employment status. So if you've been working steadily and paying into SDI until recently, you'll likely qualify. You need to have earned at least $300 in your base period from employment covered by SDI. It sounds like you easily meet that requirement from your retail job. Don't delay your surgery - apply for SDI when your doctor certifies you can't work. Just make sure to explain your employment situation clearly on the application.

ya i think ur fine. my cousin switched jobs right b4 she needed surgery last year and still got disability from her old job. just apply when ur doctor says ur disabled, the worst they can do is deny you but i bet they wont

Just wondering - have you checked if you have any sick leave at your new job? Some school districts give you a certain amount right away. That could help cover at least part of your recovery time, even if it's not the full 6-8 weeks.

Your benefit amount will be based on your highest-earning quarter during the base period, which is likely from your previous job based on what you've shared. The weekly benefit amount is approximately 60-70% of your average weekly wage during your highest quarter, up to a maximum of $1,620 per week in 2025. One important thing to remember: There's a 7-day waiting period before SDI benefits begin. During this time, you'll need to use sick leave, vacation time, or go unpaid. After that waiting period, benefits can begin if you're still disabled according to your doctor's certification. Make sure when you file your claim that you list your previous employer where SDI was deducted, not just your current school district position.

When I had surgery two years ago I had the WORST time getting through to anyone at EDD to ask questions about my claim. Kept getting disconnected or sitting on hold for HOURS only to have the call drop. Super frustrating when you're already dealing with health issues!! Finally I used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual person. They have this service that gets you connected to an EDD agent quickly instead of waiting on hold forever. Saved me so much stress! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Might be worth checking out if you run into problems getting answers about your specific situation.

my friend works at EDD and she told me that TONS of school district employees end up in this exact situation because most districts don't participate in SDI. but she said as long as you paid into SDI in your "base period" you're fine. that's the quarters that count for eligibility. just apply and be honest about everything - don't try to hide that you changed jobs - and you should be ok!

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED!! State employees and school employees don't pay into SDI but EVERYONE ELSE has to?? And then when you get a state job you're screwed until you work there a year?? What kind of sense does that make? The whole system needs to be overhauled to protect workers. Sorry for the rant but this makes me so mad. OP you should be fine with your previous contributions but it's ridiculous you even have to worry about this!

Update: I applied for SDI yesterday! The online application was actually easier than I expected. I listed both my current and previous employers and explained the situation in the comments section. My doctor already submitted his certification. Now I'm just waiting to see if I'm approved. Will let you all know what happens when I hear back! THANK YOU all for the help and advice!!!

I had almost the EXACT same situation last year! Left my job at a bank where I'd paid into SDI for years, took a job with the county which doesn't participate in state disability. Had to have emergency gallbladder surgery 3 months into my new job. Applied for SDI based on my previous employment and got approved! They used my bank job wages to calculate the benefit. The only hiccup was they initially thought I was still at the bank and kept trying to verify employment there. I had to call and explain I had a new job that doesn't participate in SDI. After that was sorted out, payments started coming regularly. Just be super clear about your employment situation from the beginning and you should be fine!