Can I switch from EDD unemployment to disability benefits for upcoming surgery?

yes you can switch but you cant get both at same time. stop ur UI before filing for SDI

You absolutely can transition from UI to SDI, but there are specific steps you need to follow. First, you need to stop certifying for unemployment benefits before your surgery date. Then you need to apply for SDI with form DE 2501 right away - your doctor will need to complete the medical certification portion. There is a 7-day waiting period for SDI benefits, but this doesn't necessarily mean you'll have a gap in income. If you time it correctly, you can have your last UI payment cover that waiting period week. Make sure your doctor dates your disability beginning as soon as your unemployment ends. The key is to not have any overlap between the two benefits - that would cause problems and potential overpayment issues. Your SDI benefit amount might be different than your UI amount, so prepare for that possibility.

I tried calling EDD to ask about switching from UI to disability last month and it was IMPOSSIBLE to get through. Spent 6 hours trying to reach an actual person. If you're trying to get specific info about your situation, I highly recommend using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an EDD rep in about 25 minutes after I'd been trying for days on my own. They have a video demo showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The EDD rep I spoke with was actually super helpful and walked me through the exact timing of when to stop UI and start SDI. Saved me from making a costly mistake!

To answer your specific question about applying for SDI before surgery - yes, you can! If your back problems are severe enough that your doctor certifies you cannot work RIGHT NOW, you don't need to wait until the surgery actually happens. The qualifying factor for SDI is that you're unable to perform your regular or customary work due to a non-work-related illness or injury. Many people think surgery is the trigger for disability, but it's actually the medical condition itself. Talk to your doctor about whether your current condition warrants disability now, which would solve your timing issue.

I went through something similar but with pregnancy disability and then regular disability for complications after. Make sure when u fill out the application online u answer all the questions correctly or they'll make u do phone interview which takes FOREVER to schedule. also keep track of all your certification dates once ur on SDI so u don't miss any!!! its different from UI certification.

One more important point: your SDI benefit amount is calculated differently than UI. For 2025, SDI pays approximately 60-70% of your average wages earned during a base period (roughly 5-18 months before your disability claim begins). So depending on what you were earning before being laid off, your SDI weekly benefit amount could be higher or lower than your UI payments. The maximum SDI weekly benefit for 2025 is $1,720, but most people receive less than the maximum. Just something to prepare for as you budget for your recovery period.

dont forgwt to ask ur doctor about when u can go back to work. EDD might check with them if u try to extend ur disability claim. some ppl try to stay on it 2 long.

Based on everything you've shared, here's what I recommend: 1. Talk to your doctor about certifying your disability now based on your current back condition rather than waiting for surgery 2. Stop certifying for UI as soon as your doctor agrees to certify your disability 3. Apply for SDI immediately after your last UI certification 4. Remember the 7-day waiting period for SDI benefits 5. Prepare for a possible difference in your benefit amount With proper timing and communication with your doctor, you should be able to transition from UI to SDI with minimal or no gap in income. Just be absolutely certain not to certify for both programs for the same period, as that would constitute fraud and could result in penalties.

Just wanted to add that you should also gather all your medical records and documentation related to your back problems from October onwards. EDD will likely request these as part of your SDI application review. Having everything organized and ready to submit will help speed up the approval process. Also, if your warehouse job involved heavy lifting or physical labor, make sure your doctor notes this in the medical certification - it strengthens your case that you truly cannot perform your usual work duties due to your back condition. Good luck with your surgery and recovery!

I went through this exact transition last year when I needed knee surgery! The most important thing is timing - you absolutely cannot overlap the benefits even for a single day. Here's what worked for me: 1. I stopped certifying for UI on a Sunday (my last certification) 2. Had my doctor date my disability starting the Monday after my UI ended 3. Applied for SDI online the same day I stopped UI 4. The 7-day waiting period covered by my final UI payment meant no income gap One tip nobody mentioned yet - make sure you save all your UI correspondence and note your exact end date. EDD will ask about this when you apply for SDI. Also, if you're worried about the income difference, you can potentially apply for other assistance programs during your recovery period. The whole process was way less scary than I thought it would be. You've got this!

I'm in a similar situation - been on UI since September and just found out I need shoulder surgery in a few weeks. Reading through all these responses has been incredibly helpful! One thing I wanted to add based on my research: make sure you understand that once you're on SDI, you can't just switch back to UI if your disability period ends before you find a new job. You'd have to reapply for unemployment and might face issues if your benefit year has expired. Also, for anyone worried about the 7-day waiting period - some people don't realize that if you have any accrued PTO or vacation pay from your previous employer that you haven't claimed yet, receiving that during the waiting period could affect your SDI claim timing. Just something to double-check with EDD if it applies to your situation. The medical documentation advice is spot-on though. I've been gathering everything from my orthopedist since my injury started. Better to have too much documentation than not enough when dealing with EDD!

I just went through this exact same transition 6 months ago! Here's what I wish someone had told me upfront: The biggest thing is DON'T PANIC about the timing. Yes, you need to be careful about overlapping benefits, but if you follow the steps everyone outlined here, it's totally manageable. One thing I'd add - when you meet with your doctor tomorrow, bring a copy of your job description or be ready to explain exactly what your warehouse work involved (lifting limits, standing requirements, etc.). This really helped my doctor write a more detailed medical certification that clearly showed why I couldn't do my specific job. Also, while you're waiting for approval, start thinking about your return-to-work plan. Some people need physical therapy before they can go back to full duty, and SDI can sometimes continue during a gradual return-to-work period if your doctor approves it. The income difference between UI and SDI was actually minimal for me - sometimes SDI pays better depending on your wage history. And honestly, the peace of mind of not having to certify that you're "able and available to work" when you're clearly not is worth it. You're going to get through this! Surgery recovery is tough enough without worrying about money, but it sounds like you're getting all the right information to make this transition smooth.

One thing I haven't seen mentioned yet - make sure to keep detailed records of everything during this transition! I learned this the hard way when I switched from UI to SDI for my own medical situation. Keep screenshots of your final UI certification, save confirmation numbers from your SDI application, and get copies of all the medical forms your doctor submits. EDD systems don't always talk to each other perfectly, and having your own documentation can save you hours on the phone if there are any discrepancies. Also, once you're approved for SDI, set up the EDD online account specifically for disability if you haven't already - it's separate from the UI portal. You'll need it for your bi-weekly certifications and to check payment status. The transition sounds overwhelming but you're asking all the right questions. With your doctor appointment tomorrow, you should be able to get this sorted out well before your UI runs out in 3 weeks. Wishing you a smooth surgery and quick recovery!

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I've been on UI since last fall and just got news that I need gallbladder surgery next month. One thing I wanted to add that might help - when you talk to your doctor tomorrow, ask them specifically about the "unable to perform regular work duties" language. My doctor explained that for SDI approval, they need to certify not just that you have a medical condition, but that the condition prevents you from doing your specific job functions. Since you're dealing with back problems and warehouse work involves heavy lifting, that should be a pretty clear connection. Also, I've been keeping a pain diary since my symptoms started getting worse - documenting bad days, limitations on activities, etc. My doctor said this kind of documentation really helps them write a stronger medical certification because it shows the progression and impact of the condition. The timing advice everyone's given is spot-on. I'm planning to follow the same strategy of stopping UI certification right before my surgery date and having my doctor date the disability to start immediately after. Fingers crossed it goes as smoothly for both of us as it did for others here! Best of luck with your appointment tomorrow and your surgery. It sounds like you're getting great advice here to make this transition work.