Can I switch from UI to EDD SDI mid-claim? Doctor put me on disability after job loss
I'm in a weird situation and need advice. I was laid off unexpectedly on March 12th and immediately filed for unemployment (UI). Had my phone interview with EDD yesterday, but here's where it gets complicated - two weeks after losing my job, my doctor diagnosed me with severe anxiety and insomnia from the job loss stress and put me on disability. I filed for SDI right away (last Friday). Now I'm confused about what happens with these overlapping claims. Do I need to contact the UI department to let them know I'm now on disability? Will they automatically know? Can I even collect disability if I was already unemployed when the medical condition started? I've been looking at the EDD website but can't find clear answers for my situation. Has anyone dealt with switching from UI to disability?
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Omar Hassan
You absolutely need to inform UI about your disability claim. These are separate systems within EDD and they don't automatically communicate with each other. If you don't tell them, you could end up with an overpayment situation where you're technically getting benefits from both programs simultaneously, which isn't allowed. Call the UI department ASAP and let them know your doctor put you on disability. Also make sure on your SDI application you indicated that you had filed for unemployment. Your SDI claim should be valid since your condition developed after job loss - the key factor is that you're unable to work according to your doctor's certification.
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Freya Larsen
•Thank you! I'll call UI right away. Should I still certify for UI weeks while waiting for SDI to process? I'm worried about creating gaps in my benefits.
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Chloe Taylor
same thing happened to my cousin last year. They ended up havin to pay back some UI $ becuz they didnt tell unemployment fast enough that they went on disability. its a MESS trying to fix it once they decide u got overpaid!
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ShadowHunter
•This 👆 EDD system is so broken it's ridiculous. Two departments under same agency that don't talk to each other and expect us to navigate their bureaucracy perfectly. Meanwhile takes them MONTHS to fix their own mistakes.
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Diego Ramirez
You need to inform UI immediately, but expect some complications. Here's what to do: 1. Stop certifying for UI benefits effective the date your disability began 2. Call the UI department and explain your situation (tell them the exact date your disability started) 3. Make sure your doctor clearly documented that your condition began after your job separation 4. On your DE 2501 (SDI application), you should have indicated your unemployment status The transition isn't automatic, but your SDI claim is likely valid since your medical condition developed after your job loss. Just be prepared that there might be a short gap between your last UI payment and first SDI payment while they process everything.
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Freya Larsen
•This is really helpful - thank you! Do you know if the 7-day waiting period for SDI would start from when I filed the claim or from when my doctor certified the disability?
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Anastasia Sokolov
Yo im in nearly IDENTICAL situation right now! Got laid off in February, started UI, then my back problems flared up BAD and doctor put me off work. Been trying FOR WEEKS to reach someone at UI to tell them im on disability now. Get disconnected every single time or wait for hours. So frustrating!!!
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Sean O'Connor
•Have you tried Claimyr? I was in a similar situation and couldn't get through to EDD for days. Used their service at claimyr.com and they got me connected to a real person in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. Totally worth it when you're dealing with something time-sensitive like switching between benefit types.
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Anastasia Sokolov
•Never heard of it but ill try ANYTHING at this point. Thanks for the tip!
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Zara Ahmed
You're actually in a pretty common situation! The most important thing is making sure you don't double-dip benefits - that's when the real headaches start. When your doctor certified your disability, did they use the date after your employment ended? That's crucial for your claim. Also, stop certifying for UI immediately if you haven't already. I went through something similar last year and had to repay about $1,200 because of overlap. The systems don't talk to each other as well as you'd think!
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Freya Larsen
•Yes, my doctor dated the disability certification about two weeks after my job ended. I've been afraid to certify for UI since filing for SDI, so I haven't submitted anything for this week yet. Hoping I don't end up with an overpayment situation!
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Diego Ramirez
Quick clarification on the waiting period, since you asked about it in another comment - the 7-day waiting period for SDI starts from the date your doctor certified as the beginning of your disability, not the date you filed the claim. So if your doctor indicated your disability began on March 26, your waiting period would be March 26 - April 1, and benefits would start April 2 (if approved). This is separate from the processing time for your claim, which is currently running about 14-17 days for new claims.
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Freya Larsen
•That makes sense, thank you for explaining. My doctor dated my disability from March 28th, so I should expect the waiting period to be March 28-April 3rd. Really appreciate the clarification!
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ShadowHunter
I swear EDD WANTS us to mess up so they can hit us with overpayments later!!! They make everything SO COMPLICATED and then act like we're supposed to magically know all their rules. When I switched from SDI to PFL last year it was a complete disaster and took 3 months to straighten out.
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Omar Hassan
•While it can definitely feel that way, most of these issues come from the fact that UI and SDI are completely separate programs with different funding sources and eligibility requirements, even though they're both administered by EDD. The systems weren't designed to communicate with each other. That's why it's so important to be proactive about notifying each program about changes in your situation.
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Chloe Taylor
wait do u have to pay taxes on SDI? i remember UI had taxes but cant remember about disability
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Zara Ahmed
•SDI benefits are not taxable at the federal level, unlike UI which is federally taxable. That's actually one advantage of being on SDI vs UI if you qualify for both! You won't receive a 1099-G for SDI benefits.
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Omar Hassan
Based on everything in this thread, here's a summary of what you should do: 1. Call UI immediately (which sounds like you're planning to do) 2. Stop certifying for UI as of the date your disability began 3. Make sure your SDI application correctly shows the start date of your disability 4. Be prepared for a potential gap between your last UI payment and first SDI payment 5. Keep all documentation from both UI and SDI in case there are questions later Your situation is actually quite common, especially after job loss when the stress can trigger or worsen medical conditions. As long as you're proactive about informing both departments, you should be able to transition from UI to SDI without major issues.
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Freya Larsen
•Thank you so much for summarizing everything! I'll follow these steps exactly. Really grateful for all the help from everyone here - feeling much less anxious about the whole situation now.
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