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