Can I switch from EDD SDI to unemployment after doctor releases me?

Yes, you can apply for UI after your disability claim ends, as long as your doctor has certified you're able to work and available for work. SDI and UI benefits come from different funding sources - SDI from the state disability insurance fund that you pay into via payroll deductions, while UI comes from employer contributions. The qualifying base periods might overlap but they're calculated differently. What you should do is apply for UI immediately after your doctor releases you. Make sure you get documentation showing you're cleared to work. When you apply, EDD will determine if you qualify based on your earnings from the base period (usually 12-18 months before claiming).

i went from disability to unemployment last year its no problem but make SURE ur doctor writes that ur 100% cleared to work or they will deny u!!! my first try i got denied cuz my doc put restrictions on lifting

I had this EXACT situation in 2024 and let me tell you, the EDD makes this process UNNECESSARILY complicated!!! My SDI ran out after my surgery, and when I applied for UI they flagged my account for a phone interview because they saw I was coming off disability. I waited THREE WEEKS for that interview and couldn't get anyone on the phone. Finally I found this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an EDD agent in about 20 minutes instead of waiting on hold forever. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Once I actually spoke to someone, they cleared the flag on my account and my UI payments started the next week. But without getting through on the phone, I would've been stuck in limbo forever.

This happened to my sister last month!! The tricky part is you have to be actively looking for work to qualify for unemployment but if your doctor hasn't fully cleared you then you don't qualify. There's a weird gap that can happen there.

While you can transition from SDI to UI, there are important details to understand: 1. The wage base periods are different but do overlap. For SDI, they look at wages earned 5-18 months before your disability claim. For UI, they look at wages earned 5-18 months before your unemployment claim. 2. You must be able and available for work to qualify for UI. This means no medical restrictions that would prevent you from performing your usual occupation. 3. There is a potential gap: Your SDI benefits end the day before your doctor releases you. You can file for UI that same day, but processing typically takes 2-3 weeks for the first payment. 4. You should request a clear doctor's note stating you are released to work without restrictions to avoid delays. 5. UI requires you to be actively seeking work and document your job search activities. One last thing - in 2025, the maximum SDI benefit period is 52 weeks, so check how many weeks you've used so far to know when your benefits might exhaust.

wait does anyone know if they pay different amounts for disability vs unemployment? i always thought unemployment paid way less

Just be prepared for the financial adjustment when switching from SDI to UI. I wasn't ready for how much LESS unemployment pays compared to disability! My SDI payments were nearly $1,400/week but UI was only $580/week. It was a huge shock to my budget. Start cutting expenses now if you can.

One more important thing - make sure you don't file for UI before your doctor officially releases you. If you apply for UI while still medically disabled, it can create complications with both claims. Wait until you have the official medical release in hand before submitting your UI application, even if it means a day or two gap between benefits.

btw dont forget you need to certify for unemployment every 2 weeks!!! sdI is different its like once a month i think? i missed my first ui certification deadline cuz i didnt know lol