Can I receive EDD SDI benefits while my unemployment appeal is still pending?

Yes, you absolutely can apply for SDI disability while your UI appeal is pending! These are two completely separate systems within EDD. Your pregnancy disability is a medical issue certified by your doctor, while your UI appeal is about your previous employment separation. Since your doctor has determined you're unable to work due to your high-risk pregnancy, you qualify for SDI regardless of what's happening with your unemployment claim. Just make sure when you file the SDI claim that you note you have a pending UI claim - there's a specific question about this on the application. Your doctor will need to complete the medical certification (DE 2501) thoroughly documenting your high-risk pregnancy conditions.

i was kinda in the same boat last year. had a UI claim then got injured and needed SDI. you can't collect both for the same time period but u can switch from one program to another. just be honest on all the forms and ur doctor needs to be clear about when u became disabled. the important thing is DATES - make sure the dates dont overlap!!! EDD gets really picky about that stuff.

You need to understand that while you can apply for SDI with a pending UI appeal, there are some important technical details to consider: 1. You cannot receive UI and SDI for the same period - they're mutually exclusive because UI requires you to be able and available for work, while SDI certifies you cannot work. 2. If your UI appeal is eventually approved, you would potentially be eligible for benefits from the date of your original claim through the date your disability began (as certified by your doctor). 3. Your SDI claim would cover from the date your disability began (with the standard 7-day waiting period) through your recovery period. 4. Be very clear about these dates on all forms to avoid complications. Make sure your doctor clearly documents the exact date your disability began. Since you have a high-risk pregnancy with specific medical complications, this should be straightforward for your OB-GYN to certify.

I had this EXACT situation in 2023!!! My company fired me while I was 5 months pregnant (probably illegal but whatever) and I applied for UI. Then I had preeclampsia at 30 weeks and my doctor put me on bedrest. I switched to SDI and it was actually really smooth. After my appeal finished (I won!) they paid me UI for the weeks before my disability started. You'll be fine, just apply for SDI right away since your doctor says you need it!!

I've been dealing with EDD for weeks trying to get through on the phone because of a similar issue. Completely impossible to reach anyone! Finally used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD rep in about 25 minutes instead of spending days redialing. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd When I talked to the rep, they confirmed you CAN have a disability claim while a UI appeal is pending - they'll just make sure the benefit periods don't overlap. I'd recommend calling to have them notate your account about the situation though. Much better than waiting anxiously!

The SDI application asks specifically if you've filed for unemployment! Make sure you check "yes" on that question and provide your UI case number if you have it. The system is designed to handle overlapping claims, but only if you're truthful on both applications. I always tell people to create a simple timeline document for yourself with all the relevant dates: - Last day worked - Date UI claim filed - Date employer filed appeal - Date doctor certified disability began Keep this handy because EDD might ask for clarification of dates. Also be prepared that they might contact your doctor to verify your disability status is legit - this is standard procedure.

After you submit your SDI claim, I highly recommend keeping a detailed log of every communication with EDD. In complicated cases like yours (with both UI and SDI involvement), things can get confused. Document every call, including the date, time, who you spoke with, and what was discussed. This documentation will be invaluable if there are any issues later. Also, make copies of EVERYTHING you submit to EDD, especially your doctor's certification. Technical issues happen more often than you'd think, and having your own copies can save weeks of delays.

the WHOLE SYSTEM is a mess!! my cousin was pregnant last year and EDD kept sending her confusing letters - first they said she qualified for disability then they said she didnt then they wanted more paperwork from her doctor who already sent everything!!! took her like 8 weeks to get her first payment and she almost got evicted. just warning you it might take WAY longer than they say to get paid especially with the UI thing going on too

Once your doctor submits the medical certification for your SDI claim, you should check your SDI Online account daily. If there are any issues, they'll show up in your account before you get a letter in the mail. Watch for status changes from "pending" to either "processing" or "additional information needed." Also, one technical detail: make sure you properly end your UI claim when you start SDI. There's a specific process for this. You need to stop certifying for UI benefits once your disability begins. If you continue certifying for UI while on SDI, the system will flag it as potential fraud, even if you're not actually receiving UI payments due to the appeal. Your SDI benefits will be based on the same base period as your UI claim was, so your weekly amount should be similar to what your UI would have been (though calculated slightly differently).