Can I transition from SDI to UI after maxing out disability for chronic back condition?

You've hit on a tricky situation many people face. To qualify for UI after SDI, you need to be able to work and actively seeking work - but with medical restrictions. Here's what you should consider: 1. You may be eligible for UI if you can work with restrictions and are available for some type of suitable work 2. When you apply, be honest about your work limitations but emphasize what you CAN do 3. Consider applying for SDI Extension - if your doctor certifies you're still disabled, you might get up to 52 more weeks 4. Look into State Disability Insurance - Partial Recovery (PR) benefits if you can work part-time The key is documenting everything. Get a detailed work restriction note from your doctor that clearly states what you can and cannot do. This helps both for UI eligibility and potentially for a disability extension.

I went thru almost the EXACT same thing last year!! UI will prob deny u at first bc of your work restrictions. They ALWAYS say ur not "able and available" for work if u have ANY restrictions. I had to appeal my UI denial and it was such a nightmare. Took like 3 months to get a hearing date and I had zero income during that time. btw the SSDI timeline is even worse than u think - took me 27 months to get approved!!! my advice: apply for SDI extension ASAP!!!

Actually, you can potentially get California SDI benefits extended beyond the standard period. It's called a "Continued Claim Certification" and you'll need your doctor to complete a supplemental medical certification. Also important: while waiting for SSDI approval, look into these options: 1. California State Disability Insurance allows extensions up to 52 additional weeks (maximum total 104 weeks) for certain conditions 2. If you were injured at work, have you filed for Workers' Compensation? That's separate from SDI 3. Some counties offer General Assistance/Relief while SSDI is pending Regarding UI - technically you can apply if you're able to work with restrictions, but as the other commenter mentioned, EDD often initially denies these claims. You must be "able and available" for work, which gets complicated with medical restrictions.

Maybe try vocational rehab thru EDD? They helped my brother after his accident when he couldn't go back to his old job.

I was in a similar situation in 2023. Tried calling EDD for weeks about extending my disability and got nowhere. Kept getting disconnected or waiting 3+ hours. Finally used Claimyr.com to get through to an actual SDI agent in 23 minutes. They helped me file the extension paperwork correctly. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The agent explained that for my SDI extension, I needed specific language from my doctor about why I couldn't return to work yet. Just saying I was still in pain wasn't enough - the doctor had to explain the functional limitations and ongoing treatment plan.

Regarding your question about the extension process - you don't file a completely new claim. Your doctor needs to certify your continuing disability by completing the "Physician/Practitioner's Supplementary Certificate" (DE 2525XXX). This form should be submitted before your current claim expires. Make sure your doctor is specific about your functional limitations and expected recovery timeframe. Vague statements like "patient still in pain" often lead to denials. The documentation should clearly explain why you cannot perform your regular/customary work.

I'm really worried about your construction background and trying to get UI with restrictions. I've been an EDD eligibility interviewer for 7 years (not speaking officially). The system is designed to return people to their USUAL occupation. If you say you can't do construction anymore due to permanent restrictions, that often triggers a denial because you're not "able and available" for your usual work. However! There's a workaround. When you apply for UI, you can specify you're seeking a NEW occupation that matches your current abilities. You need to be very clear about this. Also, request a phone interview right away if denied - don't just file an appeal. Sometimes we can resolve it faster that way.

did u try applying 4 calfresh (food stamps) and medical? at least that would help with food and doctors while u wait for disability to get approved

One other thing nobody mentioned - if ur disability is from a work injury, SDI can sometimes be extended past the normal limits!!! My friend got 2 full years of benefits for his back surgery from work injury. Its some special rule for work related stuff. Ask about that specifically!!

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful advice! I've made a plan of action: 1. Talk to my doctor next week about completing the SDI extension paperwork with detailed functional limitations 2. Look into vocational rehabilitation services through EDD 3. Apply for CalFresh since my income will be dropping 4. If I need to call EDD and can't get through, I'll try that Claimyr service 5. File for UI as a backup plan, being clear I'm seeking work in a new field within my restrictions This community has been amazing - I was feeling pretty hopeless yesterday but now I see I have several options to explore. I'll update once I get some results!