Can I get unemployment after 1-year SDI claim expired mid-treatment? Surgery complications left me income-less

I hate to say this, but you're facing a common problem with the 52-week SDI limit. The representative who told you about filing a new claim after 60 days was partially right but crucially wrong. You CAN file a new claim after a waiting period, but NOT for the same medical condition or a related one. EDD regulations specifically prohibit what's called "claim stacking" for the same disability. As for unemployment, unfortunately that's not an option either since UI requires you to be able and available for work. If your doctor says you can't work, you won't qualify for UI benefits. What you might want to look into: 1. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) if your condition will last longer than 12 months 2. State General Assistance/Relief programs 3. Ask your doctor if you qualify for Partial Return to Work under SDI 4. Contact the Department of Rehabilitation for return-to-work assistance

i had almost the exact same thing happen to me!! my claim ended and i needed another surgery. wat i did was had my doctor change the diagnosis code to something slightly different (like from disc herniation to radiculopathy or something) and then it worked for a new claim. worth trying maybe?????

The whole disability system is DESIGNED to leave ppl falling thru the cracks!!! My sister had almost identical situation but with a knee replacement & they did the SAME THING. When she went back at the end of her claim they had NO RECORD of anyone telling her she could file again. Its all a scam to save money and kick disabled ppl off the system. I've seen it OVER AND OVER again!!!!!

Have you looked into California's Paid Family Leave (PFL)? It's different from SDI but sometimes people can qualify for it after SDI runs out depending on circumstances. My brother-in-law used it after his medical treatment. Worth checking out maybe?

I had to call EDD literally 87 times in one day last month trying to sort out a similar situation with my disability claim. It was absolutely maddening! Finally I found this service called Claimyr that got me connected to an EDD representative in about 15 minutes. They have agents who know how to navigate the phone system and get you through to a real person. Saved me hours of frustration. Their site is claimyr.com and they have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd In your situation, I think you need to speak directly with an SDI specialist about possible extensions or exemptions. There are some rare exceptions to the 52-week rule, but only a knowledgeable agent can tell you if you might qualify. The standard reps at the front desk of EDD offices often don't know the disability exceptions.

Here's the actual regulation that applies to your situation: California Unemployment Insurance Code Section 2653 establishes the 52-week maximum benefit period for a single disability benefit period. You cannot receive more than 52 times your weekly benefit amount for any one disability claim. However, there is a potential option: if your doctor can certify that your current inability to work stems from a *new and different* condition that resulted from your surgery (like a surgical complication), this could potentially be classified as a new disability. It's a technical distinction, but one that might help in your case. I'd recommend getting a detailed letter from your surgeon explaining any complications or new medical issues that weren't part of your original claim. It's a long shot, but worth trying if legitimate.

Have you considered asking your doctor if you could work part-time with restrictions? Even if it's just a few hours a week? That way you might qualify for partial unemployment or partial disability. I was able to get partial benefits when I was recovering from my health issues last year. It wasn't much money but it helped with some bills.

u might want to check if ur eligible for calfresh (food stamps) and also look at rental assistance programs. theres smthing called the Housing Is Key program in cali that helps with rent when ur in a crisis. might take a while to get approved but could help eventually

Update us on what happens!!! So many people face this EXACT situation and EDD does NOTHING to help!! The whole 52-week limit is arbitrary and cruel - how can they expect people to magically recover from major surgery in exactly 52 weeks???