Can I still file for EDD SDI 6 weeks after surgery? Doctor charges fee for paperwork

Yes, you can still file! The deadline for California SDI is 49 days from the date the disability began, so you're still within the window. Have your husband file immediately through SDI Online or using the DE 2501 paper form. The doctor's fee is unfortunately legal - medical providers can charge a reasonable fee to complete disability paperwork. When you file, request that benefits be backdated to the actual date disability began (minus the 7-day waiting period). Make sure to explain the delay was due to financial hardship with the doctor's fee.

u should file asap!! my cousin waited 2 months after his accident & still got paid. but dont wait longer, theres def a cutoff

That doctor's fee is ridiculous but unfortunately common. I had to pay $125 for my medical certification last year! One thing to be aware of - if you're approaching that 49-day deadline that was mentioned, you should submit your initial claim ASAP even without the doctor's certification. You can submit the claim first, get a receipt number, then have the doctor submit their medical certification after (they have their own deadline). This starts the clock for your claim so you don't lose out on benefits. Also, consider talking to the doctor's office about a payment plan for the form fee. Some offices will work with you if you explain the situation.

I had a similar situation last year with my pregnancy disability claim. I was shocked when my OB wanted $90 to fill out the paperwork! I called EDD about a million times trying to figure out if there was a way around it and of course could never get through. The stress was INSANE with a newborn and trying to deal with this. Finally used Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual human at EDD. They got me connected to an agent in about 20 minutes when I'd been trying for DAYS on my own. The agent confirmed I needed the doctor's certification but said I could submit my initial claim first to protect my filing date. Totally worth checking out their video demo if you're having trouble reaching EDD: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd

BE CAREFUL about waiting too long!!! My brother-in-law waited almost 2 months to file after his heart surgery and EDD initially DENIED his claim because it was "too late" even though it was within their stupid 49-day window!! He had to go through a whole appeal process and it was a NIGHTMARE. The EDD system is COMPLETELY BROKEN and they look for ANY reason to deny claims. Make sure when you file that you have VERY CLEAR documentation about why you waited.

just wondering has anyone tried asking for a fee waiver from the doctor? my pcp waived their form fee when i explained i was struggling financially

Quick update on something important - when you file, make sure to answer honestly about why you delayed filing. There's actually a question on the form about this. Explain it was due to financial hardship regarding the doctor's fee. This helps establish good cause for the delay which is important for backdating benefits to the actual disability start date. Also, regarding your question about the doctor's portion - you should file your claim first, then the doctor will get notified to complete their portion. They have 15 days from that point to submit the medical certification. Make sure your husband's doctor has his correct SSN and date of birth to avoid processing delays.

One more thing - when your husband gets approved (which he should if it's within the 49-day window), the first payment might take 2-3 weeks to process. After that, payments typically come every two weeks as long as he remains certified as disabled. Just want you to be prepared for a bit more waiting even after you get everything submitted.