Can I reactivate my old EDD SDI claim instead of filing a new one?

You'll need to file a new claim unfortunately. EDD SDI doesn't have a 'reactivation' process like unemployment might. Each disability period requires a new claim, even if it's for the same condition. The good news is that if it's within 90 days of your previous claim, you might not have to serve another waiting period (the 7 days without benefits). But you definitely need a new claim form (DE 2501) and medical certification.

i went thru the same thing last year. def new claim needed even tho its same problem. use your same SDI account tho, dont make new one

The others are right - you always need a new claim for a new period of disability. But I wanted to add: make sure your doctor clearly indicates this is a RECURRENCE of your previous condition on the medical certification. This can be important if there are any questions about your eligibility or the waiting period waiver. Also, file as soon as you know you'll be off work - don't wait until after your last day like I did. That caused delays in my case.

Yes, you must file a new claim. Also worth noting - if your previous claim was for the EXACT same condition and it's within 60 days of the end of your last claim period, you might be able to skip the 7-day waiting period. Make sure to answer the question about previous claims accurately on your application. Your Weekly Benefit Amount will be calculated the same way as your previous claim if it's in the same benefit year.

THE EDD SYSTEM IS BROKEN!!!! I filed a claim for the same condition twice and they made me wait 12 WEEKS the second time because they said they "needed to verify it was the same condition" even though it clearly was!!! Good luck getting anyone on the phone to help you too!!!

I was on short term disability back in 2022 for a surgery and then again in 2023 for complications from that surgery. I had to file a brand new claim each time, with all the paperwork. The second time, I got really confused because my SDI Online account showed my old claim, but there was no option to "reopen" it. I learned you have to select "File a New Claim" and then just reference the previous claim when asked in the application. Hope that helps!

My sister works processing EDD claims (not disability but unemployment) and she always says the systems don't talk to each other very well. So even though it seems logical that they could just "reactivate" a previous claim, their computer systems aren't set up that way. Each claim is like a standalone thing in their database.

also make sure u keep track of ur paperwork this time. take pics of everything before u send it. my claim got lost twice last year

One last piece of advice: When you file your new claim, make sure your "last day worked" is correct. This is critical because if you put the wrong date, it can mess up your benefit calculation or even get your claim denied. If your doctor says you need to stop working on a Friday, but you normally don't work weekends, your last day worked is still Friday (not Sunday). I see this mistake a lot and it causes unnecessary delays.