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Can I switch from EDD unemployment to disability after approval? Got $520/week but wrong program

I made a HUGE mistake and feel so stupid right now. My doctor told me to apply for disability due to my severe back injury (herniated disc) but I accidentally filed for unemployment instead. I already had my phone interview, and just got my award letter saying I'll get $520 weekly. But when I talked to my doctor yesterday, he said this was completely wrong - I can't work AT ALL right now so I shouldn't be on unemployment since I'm not 'able and available' for work. Has anyone ever switched from unemployment to disability after being approved? Can EDD just transfer my application or do I have to cancel everything and start over with SDI? I'm really worried because I need the income ASAP and can't afford delays. My pain meds are making it hard to think clearly so any help would be appreciated!

Amina Diallo

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Uhoh ur gonna get in trouble for fraud if u keep claiming UI while disabled. gotta cancel that asap.

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Connor O'Brien

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Oh god that's exactly what I'm worried about! I didn't realize it was the wrong program until my doctor pointed it out. I haven't even certified for any weeks yet!

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GamerGirl99

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You need to file a new SDI claim immediately. Unfortunately, you can't just switch programs - they're completely separate systems with different eligibility requirements and funding sources. Here's what you should do: 1. File your SDI claim right away through SDI Online 2. Have your doctor complete the medical certification form (DE 2501) ASAP 3. Contact EDD to explain the situation about your UI claim (this will be difficult - be prepared to call many times) 4. DO NOT certify for any UI benefits while disabled - this could be considered fraud The good news is that SDI typically pays a higher benefit amount than UI, so you might get more weekly. The bad news is you'll have to wait for the new claim to process and there's a 7-day unpaid waiting period for SDI claims.

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Connor O'Brien

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Thank you so much for this clear explanation! My doctor already filled out some medical form last week, but I think it's still sitting on my desk at home - is that the DE 2501 you mentioned? And do I need to formally cancel my UI claim or just not certify?

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This happened to my cousin last year!!! it was a NIGHTMARE getting it fixed. He kept calling EDD for weeeeeks and nobody would help him. They kept transferring him around departments and hanging up. I think he ended up having to start completely over with SDI and lost like 3 weeks of benefits because of the waiting period starting over. The whole system is rigged!!!

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Isabella Costa

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Thats why i always tell pepl to double check EVERYTHING with edd bcuz once u mess up its like impossible to fix!! they make it so complicated on purpose i swear

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Malik Jenkins

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You definitely need to file a new SDI claim rather than trying to convert your UI claim. These are two separate benefit programs with different funding sources and eligibility requirements. While you can't convert the claim directly, you should: 1. File your SDI claim immediately online 2. Ensure your medical provider submits the certification promptly 3. Contact the UI department to explain that you filed the wrong claim type in error and that you won't be certifying due to disability The contact part will be challenging as EDD is notoriously difficult to reach. If you're having trouble getting through on the phone, I'd recommend trying Claimyr (claimyr.com). They have a service that helps connect you with an EDD representative quickly without waiting on hold for hours. I used it when I had issues with my claim and it saved me so much frustration. You can see how it works in their video: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Keep in mind that SDI has a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and processing can take 1-2 weeks after your doctor submits the certification.

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Connor O'Brien

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Thank you for the detailed advice. I'm going to file the SDI claim today and I'll check out that Claimyr service too. I've already been trying to call EDD for two days with no luck. Just to be clear - even though I haven't certified for any UI payments yet, I still need to contact them to explain the mistake, correct?

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Freya Andersen

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Don't panic! It's a common mistake. UI and SDI are totally different systems within EDD. You'll need to file a NEW disability claim through SDI Online and make sure your doctor submits the medical certification. The form your doctor needs to complete is called the "Medical Certification" portion of the claim. As for your UI claim - if you haven't certified or received any payments, you're probably fine just leaving it inactive. But to be safe, you should try to contact them and explain the situation. The worst thing would be accidentally certifying for UI while claiming disability. One important note: if you've worked as a W-2 employee and had SDI deductions taken from your paychecks, you'll file a regular SDI claim. If you're self-employed or don't have SDI deductions, you'd need to file for Disability Insurance Elective Coverage (DIEC) if you enrolled in that program previously.

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Eduardo Silva

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This is exactly right. And don't listen to people scaring you about fraud - honest mistakes happen all the time. Just don't certify for UI while disabled and you'll be fine. I work in HR and see this mixup at least a few times a year with our employees.

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Amina Diallo

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My neighbr got both UI and disability at the same time and they made him pay ALL OF IT BACK plus a penalty!!!!!

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Freya Andersen

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That's because receiving both simultaneously is fraud. But the OP hasn't actually certified for or received UI payments yet - they just got approved. As long as they don't certify for UI while disabled, they won't be committing fraud or face penalties. They just need to file the correct claim type (SDI) and explain the mistake.

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Isabella Costa

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i hate to be the bearer of bad news but ur gonna have to start all over again. my boyfriend tried to do this last year and EDD made him file a completely new disability claim and wait another 2 weeks for approval. plus theres the stupid 7-day waiting period that u dont get paid for. the whole system is a joke tbh.

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Connor O'Brien

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Ugh that really sucks. Did your boyfriend have to do anything special to cancel his unemployment claim or did he just stop certifying for it?

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GamerGirl99

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To answer your follow-up question - yes, that form your doctor filled out is likely the DE 2501 (Medical Certification). When you file your SDI claim online, you'll need to provide your doctor's information so they can submit this certification electronically. Regarding your UI claim, technically you should contact them to explain the situation, but realistically, if you haven't certified for any weeks or received any payments, you can simply abandon the claim without certifying. The system will eventually close it due to inactivity. Just make sure you never certify for UI while you're disabled. One more thing - when you file your SDI claim, be sure to use the same base period quarters that were used for your UI claim calculation. This should give you a similar or higher benefit amount.

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Connor O'Brien

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Thank you SO much! I just filed my SDI claim online and entered my doctor's info. Fingers crossed this gets processed quickly - those medical bills are already piling up.

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Leila Haddad

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when i had back surgery i got a whole MESS of paperwork from the hospital. make sure ur doctor submits the right forms to edd. i had to bug mine like 3 times before they did it right!!! good luck!

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Malik Jenkins

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Regarding your question about contacting EDD about the UI claim - yes, it's best practice to inform them of the mistake to avoid any potential issues down the road. This creates a record that you recognized the error before receiving benefits. If you use the Claimyr service I mentioned, be sure to tell the representative you need to speak specifically about canceling a UI claim that was filed in error due to disability. They'll connect you to the right department. Also, don't forget that with SDI, there's a maximum benefit duration of 52 weeks (unlike UI's 26 weeks). Make sure your doctor provides an estimated recovery time on the certification form so your claim is established for the appropriate duration.

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Amina Diallo

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i tried that clamer thing once and it actually worked! got thru to edd in like 10 mins after trying for DAYS on my own

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