Can I switch from EDD Disability to Unemployment if my disability ends before I find work?

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.

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

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!!!

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).

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!!!!!!

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

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.

I've been through this exact transition twice - once in 2019 and again in 2023. Here's what I learned that might help: 1. **Get your medical clearance letter BEFORE May 5th** - Don't wait until the last minute. Ask your doctor for a "return to work" or "able to work" letter dated for May 6th. 2. **File your UI claim on May 6th (the day AFTER your disability ends)** - Set a reminder. Filing even one day early can cause automatic denial. 3. **Prepare for income shock** - As others mentioned, UI pays significantly less than SDI. I went from $1,400/week on disability to $450/week on unemployment (this was in 2019, so rates may be different now). 4. **Start your job search documentation NOW** - Even though you can't officially work yet, you can start researching companies, updating your resume, and preparing. Once you're cleared to work, you'll need to show 3 job search activities per week. 5. **Consider temp agencies** - They often have immediate openings and can help bridge the gap while you look for permanent work. The financial drop is brutal, but unemployment will at least give you some breathing room while you find new employment. Hang in there!

I'm in a very similar situation and this thread has been incredibly helpful! My disability ends in July and I'm already stressing about the transition. A few things I wanted to add based on my research: 1. **Check if you qualify for CalFresh (food stamps)** - With the lower unemployment income, you might now qualify for food assistance even if you didn't before. The application is online and can help stretch your budget. 2. **Look into your local One-Stop Career Centers** - They often have free job search workshops, resume help, and sometimes even job placement assistance. Some also offer short-term training programs that can make you more competitive. 3. **Consider filing for unemployment online late at night or very early morning** - The system is less congested then and you're more likely to avoid crashes or timeouts. Has anyone dealt with explaining the gap in employment during interviews? I'm worried employers might see the disability leave negatively, even though legally they're not supposed to discriminate. Also, @Fernanda Marquez - given your spine injury, make sure to mention any work restrictions or accommodations you might need when you apply for jobs. It's better to be upfront about reasonable accommodations than to risk re-injury.

I'm new to this community but going through something very similar - my disability benefits end in June and I'm terrified about the transition. Reading through everyone's experiences here has been incredibly reassuring and informative! A few questions based on what I've learned from this thread: 1. **For those who successfully made the transition** - how long did it typically take to find employment after switching to unemployment? I'm trying to set realistic expectations for how long I might need to rely on the lower UI benefits. 2. **Regarding the medical clearance letter** - should this be from the same doctor who's been managing my disability case, or can it be from my primary care physician? My specialist is pretty hard to get appointments with. 3. **Job search documentation** - I see people mentioning 3 activities per week, but has anyone been audited by EDD to actually show this documentation? How detailed do the records need to be? The financial drop everyone's describing is honestly scary. Going from disability pay to unemployment pay sounds brutal, but it seems like the alternative of having no income at all is worse. Thank you all for sharing your experiences so openly - it's really helping those of us facing this transition feel less alone and more prepared!

As someone who just completed this transition last month, I wanted to share a few additional tips that really helped me: **Before your disability ends:** - Screenshot or download all your disability payment records - you might need them for your UI application - Start researching unemployment offices in your area in case you need in-person help - Consider reaching out to former colleagues/network contacts now to let them know you'll be job searching soon **During the transition:** - Apply for UI online early in the morning (6-7 AM) when the system is most stable - Have your employment history for the last 18 months ready - dates, employer addresses, and gross wages - Be prepared for identity verification - EDD has tightened security and may ask for additional documents **Managing the income drop:** - Contact your landlord/mortgage company BEFORE you miss payments to discuss options - Look into local utility assistance programs - many have funds specifically for people transitioning between benefits - Check if your local library offers free career services or computer access for job searching The whole process took about 2 weeks for me from application to first payment, but having everything prepared in advance made it much smoother. The income drop is tough, but temporary. You've got this, Fernanda! Focus on one step at a time and don't hesitate to ask for help when you need it.