Can I get unemployment after EDD SDI ends if I was fired during disability leave?

Yes, you can apply for unemployment after your disability ends! I went through this exact situation last year. The key is timing - you CANNOT receive both benefits at the same time, so wait until your doctor officially releases you and your last SDI payment processes before filing for UI. Make sure your doctor's release note has a specific date stating you're able to return to work.\n\nWhen you apply for UI, you'll need to explain that you were terminated because you exhausted protected leave while on disability. EDD generally considers this a valid reason since you didn't commit misconduct - you were simply unable to work due to a medical condition. Just be completely honest about your situation when you file.\n\nOne important thing: be prepared to actively look for work as soon as your UI claim starts. You'll need to certify every two weeks that you're able to work and searching for jobs.

Thank you so much! This is a huge relief. My doctor appointment is on the 18th and I think that's when I'll get my release paperwork. Do you know if there's typically a gap between when SDI ends and UI begins? I'm trying to figure out if I need to dip into my emergency savings.

my friend got fired on disability too and they DID get unemployment after. but it took like 3 weeks to get the first payment so save some $$$ if u can

The SAME EXACT THING happened to me!!! My employer terminated me after I used all my sick leave while on disability for pregnancy complications!! I was SO ANGRY because I thought they couldn't fire you when you're sick?? But apparently they CAN if you use up all your protected time. It's RIDICULOUS!!\n\nAnyway, I DID get unemployment after my disability ended, but I had to call EDD like 50 times because they kept saying I wasn't able to work when I applied. I had to explain over and over that YES I was disabled BEFORE but NOW I'm cleared to work!!! The system is SO BROKEN!!!\n\nBe prepared to FIGHT for your benefits because they make EVERYTHING complicated!!!!

Oh no, that sounds like a nightmare! Did you just keep calling the regular EDD number? I'm worried about the same thing happening to me.

YES and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get through!! I would call at exactly 8:00 am when they opened and STILL couldn't get through!!! So frustrating!!!!!

You should be eligible for unemployment after your disability ends, but there's an important technicality to be aware of. When you apply, EDD will look at your \

I wanted to clarify something important here. Your eligibility for UI after SDI depends on a few technical factors:\n\n1) You must be medically able to work when you file for UI (with documentation)\n2) You must be available for work (no restrictions that prevent employment)\n3) You must be actively seeking employment\n4) Your separation from employment must not be due to misconduct\n\nIn your case, since you were terminated due to exhausting leave entitlements rather than misconduct, you would likely qualify. This is considered a \

This is really helpful information. I'll make sure to have all my medical documentation ready. I hadn't thought about my employer potentially contesting it, but they did send me an official termination letter stating it was due to \

When I was trying to reach EDD about a similar situation (transitioning from SDI to UI), it was nearly impossible to get through on the phone. After days of frustration, I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that helped me actually reach an EDD representative without the endless busy signals and disconnections.\n\nThey have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd\n\nIt was super helpful because I had specific questions about my situation that weren't answered on the website. The EDD agent I spoke with explained exactly what I needed to do for a smooth transition between benefits. Saved me so much stress during an already stressful time!

Thank you for the tip! I'll definitely check this out if I run into problems getting through to EDD.

does it actually work tho? seems sketchy

It worked for me! I was skeptical too, but I was desperate after trying to call for three days straight. They basically keep dialing for you until they get through, then connect you directly to an EDD rep.

i heard unemployment is denying people who were on disability first. my cousin tried to do this and they said he wasnt looking for work while on disability so he got denied. the whole system is rigged if you ask me.

This is incorrect information. Being on disability before applying for unemployment doesn't automatically disqualify you. Your cousin was likely denied for other reasons or there was a misunderstanding.\n\nThe key is that you cannot receive both benefits simultaneously, and you must be medically able to work at the time you apply for unemployment. Your previous disability status doesn't matter once your doctor has cleared you to return to work.\n\nI'd recommend your cousin appeal the decision if he was truly medically cleared to work when he applied for UI.

well whatever they did something wrong because he definitely got denied. maybe he filed too early or something idk

Just adding to what others have said - when you apply for UI after SDI, make absolutely sure your SDI claim is completely closed out before you apply. I accidentally overlapped mine by 2 days (applied for UI before my last SDI payment processed) and it caused a huge headache with both claims. EDD flagged it as potential fraud and I had to do multiple interviews to sort it out.\n\nAlso, start your job search the moment your doctor clears you. You'll need to list job search activities when you certify for UI benefits every two weeks. Keep detailed records of everywhere you apply.

That's a really good point about making sure the SDI claim is fully closed out. Do you know if there's a way to check that online? Or do I just need to wait until I stop receiving payments?

You can check your claim status in your SDI Online account. Once your doctor submits the final certification with your return-to-work date, the claim status should eventually update to

One more thing I forgot to mention - if you're concerned about a gap between benefits, you might want to check if your disability can be extended slightly if your doctor supports it. Sometimes doctors can justify a short extension to allow time for

I'm in a similar situation right now - on SDI for a shoulder injury and worried my employer might let me go soon. Reading through everyone's experiences here is really helpful! It sounds like the key things are: 1) Make sure you have that doctor's release with a specific return-to-work date, 2) Don't apply for UI until SDI is completely done, and 3) Be ready to start job searching immediately. @Elijah Brown - it sounds like you're getting great advice here. I'd definitely keep that termination letter from your employer since it clearly states you were fired for exhausting leave, not for misconduct. That should help your case with EDD. Best of luck with your doctor appointment on the 18th!

I just went through this exact transition last month! You absolutely can get unemployment after your SDI ends - I was also terminated while on disability leave for a knee surgery and successfully got UI benefits. The most important thing is timing: wait until you get your official medical release AND your last SDI payment has been processed before applying for UI. I made the mistake of applying too early and had to deal with some complications. When you apply, be completely upfront about your situation. EDD understands that being terminated for exhausting medical leave isn't misconduct on your part. Keep that termination letter - it's actually helpful documentation that shows you weren't fired for performance issues. One tip: start preparing your job search materials now (updated resume, LinkedIn profile, etc.) so you're ready to hit the ground running once you're cleared to work. You'll need to show active job search efforts right away. The whole process took about 2-3 weeks for me to get my first UI payment, so definitely try to have some savings as a buffer. Hang in there - it's stressful but it does work out!

I'm currently dealing with a similar situation - been on SDI since February for a work-related injury and my employer just sent me a "final notice" letter about my job security. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly helpful and honestly a bit of a relief! It sounds like the consensus is that you CAN transition from SDI to UI as long as you time it correctly and have proper documentation. The key points I'm taking away are: 1. Get that official medical release with a specific return-to-work date 2. Make sure SDI is completely closed before applying for UI 3. Keep all termination paperwork showing it was due to leave exhaustion, not misconduct 4. Be prepared to start job searching immediately once cleared @Elijah Brown - your situation gives me hope that this transition is possible. I'd definitely recommend keeping detailed records of everything and maybe even consulting with a disability/employment attorney if you run into any roadblocks with EDD. Some offer free consultations and can clarify your rights. Has anyone here had experience with getting UI benefits if your disability was work-related? I'm wondering if that changes anything about the process.

I'm going through something very similar right now - been on SDI since December for a chronic condition and just got word that my employer is "reviewing my position." This thread has been incredibly informative and honestly gives me some peace of mind! From everything I'm reading here, it seems like the transition from SDI to UI is definitely possible as long as you follow the right steps. I'm taking notes on all the key points everyone has mentioned: - Wait for complete medical clearance with specific return-to-work date - Ensure SDI claim is fully closed before applying for UI - Keep all documentation showing termination was due to leave exhaustion, not misconduct - Be prepared to actively job search immediately @Elijah Brown - your doctor appointment on the 18th is coming up soon! It sounds like you're getting excellent guidance here. I'd also suggest maybe reaching out to your local EDD office or visiting their website to get familiar with the UI application process ahead of time, so you're ready to go as soon as you get medical clearance. One question for the group - has anyone had experience with how long it typically takes for SDI to update your claim status to "closed" after your doctor submits the final return-to-work paperwork? I want to make sure I don't accidentally overlap like some mentioned here. Thanks to everyone sharing their experiences - this kind of peer support is invaluable when dealing with these complex benefit transitions!

I've been following this thread closely as I'm potentially facing a similar situation soon. The information everyone has shared here is incredibly valuable and reassuring! It's clear that transitioning from SDI to UI is definitely possible when done correctly. The common themes I'm seeing are: proper timing (wait for complete SDI closure), thorough documentation (medical release + termination paperwork), and being prepared for immediate job searching. @Elijah Brown - it sounds like you're in good hands with all the advice here. One additional thought: since you mentioned your doctor thinks you'll be cleared in about 3 weeks, you might want to start preparing your job search strategy now (updating resume, researching potential employers, networking) so you can hit the ground running immediately after getting medical clearance. This proactive approach could help minimize any gap between benefits. Also, based on what others have shared, it might be worth documenting your current medical treatment and progress leading up to your release date. This could provide additional evidence of your legitimate medical need for disability leave if EDD has any questions about your case. The fact that you have official termination paperwork stating it was due to exhausted leave (not misconduct) should really work in your favor. Keep all that documentation organized and easily accessible for your UI application. Wishing you a smooth recovery and successful transition to UI benefits!

I'm new to this community but this thread has been incredibly helpful as I'm facing a very similar situation! I've been on SDI since late February for a serious car accident injury and just received notice that my employer is terminating me for exhausting my leave entitlements. Reading through everyone's experiences here gives me so much hope that the transition from SDI to UI is actually possible when done correctly. The key takeaways I'm getting are: wait for complete medical clearance, ensure SDI is fully closed before applying for UI, keep all termination documentation, and be ready to actively job search immediately. @Elijah Brown - your situation is almost identical to mine and I really appreciate you asking these questions! It sounds like you're getting excellent guidance here. I'm planning to follow the same approach - wait for my doctor's clearance (hopefully next month), make sure my SDI claim shows as closed in the online portal, then apply for UI with all my documentation ready. One thing I wanted to add based on my research - it might be worth checking if your state has any specific protections for people transitioning between these benefits. I've heard some states have streamlined processes to prevent gaps in coverage for people in our situation. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences - this peer support means everything when you're dealing with such a stressful and confusing situation!

This thread has been incredibly helpful for so many of us in similar situations! I'm currently on SDI for a workplace back injury and have been worried about what happens if my employer decides they can't hold my position much longer. @Elijah Brown - it sounds like you're getting excellent advice here, and I'm really hoping your doctor appointment goes well on the 18th! The key points everyone has mentioned about timing and documentation seem crucial. One thing I wanted to add that might be helpful - I've been keeping a detailed journal of my medical appointments, treatment progress, and all communications with my employer throughout my disability leave. My case worker at the disability office mentioned this could be valuable documentation if there are ever any questions about the legitimacy of my claim or the timing of my recovery. Also, for anyone worried about the gap between benefits, some credit unions and community organizations offer small emergency loans specifically for people transitioning between disability and unemployment benefits. It might be worth looking into local resources if you're concerned about covering expenses during the transition period. Thanks to everyone who has shared their experiences - this kind of peer support makes such a difference when navigating these complex systems!

I'm so glad I found this thread! I'm in a very similar situation - been on SDI since early January for a rotator cuff surgery and my employer just sent me a letter saying they're "evaluating my employment status" due to extended absence. This whole conversation has been incredibly reassuring and informative. The consistent advice I'm seeing is: 1) Wait for complete medical clearance with a specific return-to-work date, 2) Make sure SDI claim is fully closed before applying for UI, 3) Keep all documentation showing termination was for leave exhaustion (not misconduct), and 4) Be ready to start job searching immediately. @Elijah Brown - your doctor appointment on the 18th is coming up fast! It sounds like you have a solid plan based on everyone's guidance here. The fact that you have that termination letter clearly stating it was due to exhausted leave should definitely work in your favor with EDD. One thing I'm doing to prepare is organizing all my medical records and employment documents into a folder so everything is ready when I need it. I'm also starting to update my resume and LinkedIn profile now so I can jump right into job searching once I'm medically cleared. Thank you to everyone who has shared their experiences - knowing that this transition is possible and hearing from people who have successfully done it makes this whole situation feel much less overwhelming!

I just wanted to jump in and thank everyone for sharing their experiences - this thread has been incredibly helpful! I'm currently on SDI for a work-related injury and have been worried about the possibility of losing my job while on leave. Reading through all the responses here has given me so much clarity on the SDI to UI transition process. The key points I'm taking away are: wait for complete medical clearance, ensure SDI is fully closed before applying for UI, document everything (especially that the termination was for leave exhaustion rather than misconduct), and be prepared to actively job search immediately. @Elijah Brown - your situation really resonates with me and I hope your doctor appointment on the 18th goes well! It sounds like you're getting excellent guidance here and have a solid plan in place. One thing I haven't seen mentioned much is whether it's worth reaching out to any disability advocacy organizations for additional support during this transition. Sometimes they have resources or can provide guidance that might be helpful when dealing with EDD. Also, for anyone concerned about the financial gap between benefits, some local food banks and community assistance programs specifically help people who are transitioning between benefit programs. Might be worth looking into if money is tight during the waiting period. Thanks again to everyone who has shared their stories and advice - this kind of community support makes navigating these complex systems so much less daunting!

I'm currently on SDI for a herniated disc injury and have been following this thread closely - your situation sounds almost identical to mine! The advice everyone has shared here has been incredibly valuable and reassuring. One thing I wanted to add that hasn't been mentioned yet is to make sure you get a copy of your complete medical file from your doctor before your appointment on the 18th. Sometimes having the full treatment history can be helpful if EDD has any questions about the timeline or legitimacy of your disability claim. Also, I've been researching local job placement services and workforce development programs that specifically help people returning to work after medical leave. Many of these programs are free and can help speed up your job search process once you're cleared to work, which might help minimize that gap between benefits. It sounds like you're getting excellent guidance here about the timing and documentation requirements. The fact that you have that clear termination letter stating it was due to exhausted leave rather than misconduct should definitely work in your favor with EDD. Best of luck with your doctor appointment - I really hope you get that medical clearance and can start moving forward with the UI application process soon!

I've been reading through this entire thread and wow, what an incredibly helpful resource! I'm currently on SDI for a workplace injury and my employer has been making similar hints about my position, so this information is invaluable. @Elijah Brown - I hope your doctor appointment on the 18th went well and you got the medical clearance you were hoping for! Based on everything everyone has shared here, it really sounds like you have all the right information to navigate this transition successfully. One thing I wanted to add that might be helpful for others in similar situations - I recently spoke with a representative at my local One-Stop Career Center (part of the workforce development system) and they mentioned they have specific programs to help people transitioning back to work after medical leave. They can help with resume updates, job search strategies, and even have partnerships with employers who are understanding about hiring people returning from medical leave. It might be worth connecting with these resources early in the process so you're ready to hit the ground running once you get your UI benefits approved. The more prepared you are to actively job search, the smoother the UI certification process seems to be based on what everyone has shared. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this thread - this kind of peer support and shared knowledge is exactly what people need when navigating these complex benefit transitions!