Can I qualify for EDD SDI if I need surgery but don't have a job at the time?

Yes, you can potentially qualify for EDD SDI even without current employment, but there are specific requirements. You need to have been looking for work (essentially available to the labor market) when you became disabled. Since you mentioned you were planning to take time off before job hunting, this could be problematic. EDD will look at your base period earnings - typically 5-18 months before your disability claim - to determine eligibility. As long as you have sufficient wages in your base period and meet the minimum threshold (around $300 now), you could qualify. But the key is whether you're considered 'attached to the labor market' when your disability begins. I'd recommend filing anyway and explaining your situation truthfully. Sometimes EDD is more understanding with planned medical procedures.

u might have a problem. when i had my shoulder surgery last year i had to have my doc fill out forms saying i couldnt do my JOB anymore. if u dont have a job how can u prove ur too disabled to work? just my 2 cents

I was in almost the EXACT same situation back in 2023!! Had to have major abdominal surgery but was between jobs. I DID qualify for SDI but there were some hoops to jump through. Here's what happened: I had to provide proof that I was actively seeking work (saved all my job applications). They asked for a phone interview to determine if I was "available to the labor market" when I became disabled. The key part was having my surgeon document exactly when my condition became disabling - which was before the actual surgery date (when he determined surgery was medically necessary and my pain was preventing normal functioning). It took about 6 weeks to get approved but I did eventually get benefits for my recovery period. Don't give up!!

When does ur doctor say u cant work anymore? Thats ur disability start date. If ur not working NOW but ur doctor says ur condition makes u unable to work starting TODAY then u can apply right now. U dont need to have a job to lose.

I work for a disability advocacy organization, and this is a common question. The key factor is whether you're considered "attached to the labor market" when your disability begins. Since you recently left your job and hadn't yet started your job search, EDD might question this. Here's my advice: 1) Have your doctor document when your condition became disabling (even if it's before surgery), 2) If you've done any job searching activities since leaving your job, document those, 3) File your claim based on when your doctor certifies you became unable to work, not necessarily the surgery date. Also important: be prepared for additional questions from EDD. They'll likely want to determine if you were truly available for work when your disability began or if you were already planning time off. Be honest but make sure to emphasize that your job separation was unrelated to your medical condition.

Have you tried calling EDD directly to ask about your specific situation? Their website has so much general info but doesn't cover unique cases like yours. I was trying to get through to them for weeks about my own disability claim and kept getting disconnected or waiting for hours. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Worth it to get a definitive answer directly from EDD about your eligibility before surgery.

SDI eligibility can be tricky in your situation. You don't necessarily need current employment, but you DO need to have been available for work when you became disabled. Your base period earnings will determine your weekly benefit amount. Since you worked until recently, you should have sufficient earnings in your base period. The real question is whether EDD will consider you "attached to the labor market" if you were planning to take time off. Honestly? It could go either way depending on who reviews your claim. I'd recommend filing as soon as your doctor says your condition prevents you from working, and be prepared to appeal if denied initially.

One important thing to note that I don't think others have mentioned: Even if you qualify based on labor market attachment and base period earnings, there's still the 7-day waiting period before benefits begin. So if your surgery is scheduled, plan for that week without benefits. Also, your weekly benefit amount will be based on your highest quarter of earnings during the base period, maxing out at around $1,560 per week in 2025 (though most people get less than the maximum). Make sure you understand what your financial situation will look like during recovery so you can plan accordingly.

After reading all these responses, I think you should: 1) Talk to your doctor ASAP about documenting your current limitations (this establishes your disability start date), 2) File for SDI based on your doctor's assessment, not waiting until surgery, 3) Be prepared to show you were available for work when you became disabled (maybe start some job searching activity that you can document), 4) If you get denied, definitely appeal! Many claims are denied initially but approved on appeal. Good luck with your surgery and recovery!