Can I get EDD unemployment after transitioning from SDI disability to part-time work?

ur probably not eligible for UI if u can only work part time. unemployment is for people who can work FULL time but cant find a job. since ur medical restrictions only allow part time, that disqualifies u. at least thats what happened to my cousin.

This is actually incorrect information. You CAN potentially qualify for unemployment benefits even with work restrictions. The key requirements are: 1. You must be able to work (even if only part-time due to medical restrictions) 2. You must be available for work 3. You must be actively seeking work 4. You must have lost hours/income through no fault of your own The fact that you transitioned from SDI to reduced hours makes this a special case. When you apply, be very clear about your work restrictions and that you're able and available to work within those medical restrictions. You may receive a reduced benefit amount based on your part-time availability, but you can absolutely be eligible. Also make sure your disability claim is properly closed before applying for UI to avoid any cross-program issues.

I went thru something similar last yr!!! After my back surgery I was on SDI for 8 months then went back part time. I DID get unemployment for the hours I couldn't work at my regular job. But here's the thing - you HAVE to tell them your looking for work that fits your restrictions. And they will probably interview you before approving. It took like 6 weeks to get first payment so prepare for that.

The system is DESIGNED to be confusing! That's how they save money by making people give up. When I applied after my shoulder disability, they made me do THREE interviews and still denied me because they said I "wasn't available enough hours" even though I had doctors notes saying I could work 25-30 hours! The whole system is a JOKE and they just don't want to pay people who actually need help!!!!

I work at a nonprofit that helps people navigate EDD benefits, and this situation comes up fairly often. Here's what you need to know: 1. You MUST be medically released from disability before applying for UI 2. You need clear documentation of your work restrictions 3. You must be able to work and be available for at least 20 hours per week 4. You need to be actively searching for work within your restrictions The tricky part is that EDD will evaluate if there's a "substantial field of employment" available to you with your restrictions. If your restrictions are so limiting that very few jobs would accommodate them, you might be denied. Also important: your weekly benefit amount will likely be based on your earnings before your disability, not your current reduced income. Have you tried reaching EDD directly to discuss your situation? I know it can be frustrating to get through to them.

I struggled contacting EDD for weeks about a similar situation last month until someone recommended Claimyr to me. It's a service that helps connect you to an EDD representative much faster than waiting on hold yourself. I was skeptical but tried it and got through to someone in about 20 minutes instead of hours. You can see how it works in their demo video: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Their website is claimyr.com if you want to check it out. Honestly saved me so much frustration when I needed answers about my transition from disability to partial unemployment.

One more important point: when you apply for UI after disability, you may hit a "false stop" in the system where they need to verify your wages. This happens because the system may not immediately recognize wages from before your disability period. Make sure you have your income information from the 18 months BEFORE your disability claim started, as that will likely be your base period for UI calculations. This includes all W2 forms and any other employment documentation. Also, don't be surprised if you're assigned to a special claims examiner who handles disability-to-UI transitions. These cases are more complex and often require additional review.

wait so did you QUIT your job or are you still employed just with fewer hours? thats gonna make a huge difference for eligibility

I think I'm in the exact same boat as you! Was on disability after surgery, now back part time. Did you end up applying for UI? I'm curious how it went because I'm considering doing the same thing!