Can I switch from EDD Disability to Unemployment if my disability ends before I find work?
So my disability is scheduled to end May 5th 2025 (about 3 weeks from now) and my doctor won't be extending it. The problem is I still don't have a job lined up to go back to since my old position was filled while I was out on medical leave. My savings are almost gone and I'm getting really anxious about bills. Can I apply for unemployment after my disability benefits run out? Has anyone done this transition before? I'm not sure if there's a waiting period or if I need to meet different eligibility requirements. I worked full-time for almost 2 years before my spine injury last December.
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Norman Fraser
Yes, you can potentially qualify for unemployment after disability ends, but there are specific requirements: 1. You must be physically able to work (your doctor needs to clear you) 2. You must be actively looking for work 3. You must be available for work 4. You must have sufficient earnings in your base period The fact that your position was filled while you were on disability doesn't disqualify you from unemployment. Since you worked full-time for 2 years before your injury, you likely have sufficient earnings in your base period to qualify. File your unemployment claim as soon as your disability ends. There's no automatic transition - these are completely separate programs requiring separate applications.
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Fernanda Marquez
•Thank you so much! Do I need to wait until my last disability payment comes through before applying for unemployment? Or should I apply on my last official day of disability (May 5th)?
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Kendrick Webb
when i did this last year i filed for UI the DAY AFTER my disability ended. if u try filing while still getting disability theyll deny u automatically. make sure ur doctor signs off that ur able to work or ull get denied too
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Hattie Carson
•This is correct advice. The system flags overlapping benefit claims, so timing is really important. I'd just add that you should request a work release form from your doctor before your disability ends. You'll want documentation showing you're medically cleared to work starting May 6, 2025.
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Destiny Bryant
Be prepared for a NIGHTMARE trying to reach anyone at EDD when you submit your UI claim!!! I spent THREE WEEKS trying to get through after my disability ended and my claim had a simple question they needed answered. Nothing but busy signals and disconnections. My benefits were delayed by over a month while I was trying to reach someone!!!
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Dyllan Nantx
•Have you tried using Claimyr? It's basically a service that connects you directly to an EDD agent without the endless waiting and disconnects. Saved me hours of frustration when I had issues with my claim status. Their website is claimyr.com and they have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd My SDI to UI transition had issues too because EDD flagged my account for "simultaneous benefits" even though there was a gap between them. I needed to speak with someone to get it sorted out, and this was the only way I could actually reach a human.
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TillyCombatwarrior
Sorry about your situation! I went through this exact thing in January. Applied for UI the day after my disability ended and got approved in about 10 days. Just make sure you're answering the questions correctly - they'll ask if you're able to work (you have to say yes) and if you're actively looking for work (also yes).
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Anna Xian
Just a heads-up, the weekly benefit amount for unemployment will probably be LOWER than what you were getting on disability. Disability pays about 60-70% of your wages while unemployment has a lower cap. I was getting $1,427/week on disability but only $775/week when I switched to unemployment last fall. Budget accordingly!!!!!!
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Fernanda Marquez
•Oh no, I didn't realize there would be such a big difference! I'm getting $1,250/week on disability now. A drop to $775 would be really hard to manage with my rent and car payment. This makes job hunting even more urgent.
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Kendrick Webb
btw u might have a case 4 wrongful termination if they filled ur position while u were on medical leave. depends on company size + how long u worked there + if u requested accommodations. might wanna check with a lawyer just sayin
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Norman Fraser
•This is potentially true, but it depends on several factors. If your employer has fewer than 50 employees, they might not be required to hold your position under FMLA. Also, if your disability lasted beyond 12 weeks, they may have been within their rights to fill the position, though they might still have an obligation to offer you a comparable position if one becomes available. If you think your rights might have been violated, the Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) offers free consultations. You can also file a complaint with them without necessarily hiring an attorney first.
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Hattie Carson
One important thing to remember: When you certify for unemployment benefits, you must report any job interviews, applications, and work search activities. Keep a detailed log of all your job search efforts, as EDD can request this information at any time. Also, be aware that there's typically a one-week waiting period before unemployment benefits begin paying out, so plan for that gap in income between your last disability payment and your first unemployment payment.
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Fernanda Marquez
•Thank you for mentioning the waiting period - that's another week without income I need to prepare for. I've already started applying for jobs but haven't been keeping detailed records. I'll start documenting everything properly now!
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