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.