Can I get EDD SDI during unpaid medical leave? Confused about disability vs. unemployment eligibility

You should definitely apply for State Disability Insurance (SDI), not unemployment. SDI is specifically for when you can't work due to a medical condition, which is exactly your situation. Unemployment is for when you're able to work but can't find a job - they actually require you to certify that you're ABLE to work each week, which you won't be able to truthfully do. For SDI, you'll need your doctor to complete the medical certification portion of your claim. There's a 7-day waiting period before benefits start, but you should apply right away. Your benefit amount will be approximately 60-70% of your wages. Most claims take about 14 days to process if there are no issues with your medical certification.

You CAN'T get unemployment if your doctor says you cant work!!! They make you certify every 2 weeks that your looking for work and ABLE to accept work. Your doctor literally saying you cant work means you need disability.

When I hurt my shoulder last year I tried filing for unemployment first and got denied. Such a waste of time! Had to start all over with disability. Just go straight to SDI and make sure your doctor fills out their part ASAP.

Apply for State Disability Insurance (SDI) immediately. Here's what you need to know: 1. You qualify even for a short-term disability like yours 2. The 7-day waiting period means benefits start accruing on day 8, but you should apply right away 3. You'll need your doctor to complete the medical certification (form DE 2501) promptly 4. For a straightforward claim with proper medical documentation, you could see payment in about 2-3 weeks 5. Your weekly benefit amount will be based on your highest-paid quarter in the base period Make sure all your contact information is correct and that your doctor provides detailed information about your inability to work and expected recovery timeline. Your claim will be processed faster if everything is complete and accurate from the start.

i was in same boat last year!!! applied for disability got approved but took FOREVER to actually get paid. like almost 3 weeks before i saw the money in my account!

Just adding a critical piece of info: Your doctor MUST fill out the actual DE 2501 form (medical certification). A doctor's note is NOT sufficient for EDD SDI. Many doctors aren't familiar with the process and might think a standard work excuse is enough, but it's not. Either they need to complete the section online through SDI Online, or they need to complete the paper form. This is the #1 reason claims get delayed.

Just fyi, i think theres a waiting period so you wont get money for the first week anyway. my cousin had to wait like 9 days before he could even apply or something weird like that

EVERYONE keeps talking about disability but nobody mentioned paid family leave!!! My brother used that when he broke his leg and couldn't work. It's through the same EDD system I think?

When you apply online make SURE you save the receipt number they give you at the end!!! I didn't write mine down and then had trouble logging back in later. Also the SDI paperwork is different from unemployment so don't get confused if you've filed unemployment before.

To summarize what you should do: 1. Apply for SDI immediately on the EDD website (not unemployment) 2. Have your doctor complete the medical certification form (they can do it electronically or on paper) 3. Be aware of the 7-day waiting period, but you'll still get benefits for most of your month off 4. Expect 60-70% of your wages as your benefit amount 5. Have your ID and income information ready when you apply 6. Choose direct deposit for faster payment Since your medical leave is only for a month, make sure to follow up with your doctor and EDD promptly if there are any delays. Good luck with your recovery!