Can my daughter qualify for EDD SDI after workplace shooting triggered severe anxiety? (Less than 12 weeks at job)

yes she can apply for SDI! the work requirements for SDI are different than FMLA. as long as she paid into SDI at any job in the base period (last 18 months i think) then she qualifies. the important thing is getting her doctor to complete the medical certification properly. anxiety/ptsd from a workplace incident is totally valid for SDI.

Your daughter absolutely can qualify for SDI regardless of her time at the current job. The key requirements for SDI eligibility are: 1. She must have paid into SDI during her base period (typically 5-17 months before claim start) 2. She needs a qualified medical provider to certify her disability 3. She must have lost wages due to the disability For mental health claims, a psychologist or psychiatrist can complete the medical certification (Form DE 2501). They'll need to document that her anxiety/PTSD is preventing her from performing her regular work duties. The certification should specifically connect the workplace incident to her current symptoms. Have her file online through SDI Online as soon as possible since benefits are not retroactive beyond the application date. The medical provider has 30 days to submit their portion after she files.

I went through something very similar in 2023! There was a fire alarm at my office building that caused a panic (turned out to be nothing) but it triggered my pre-existing PTSD really badly. I was only at that job for about 4 months when it happened. I did qualify for SDI and was approved for 8 weeks initially. My psychiatrist filled out all the paperwork. The KEY thing your daughter needs to know is that the medical provider must be very specific about what job functions she cannot perform due to her condition. Vague statements about anxiety aren't enough - they need to specify how her symptoms prevent her from working. Don't give up if it takes time. My claim was "pending" for almost 3 weeks before approval. Trying to call EDD was absolutely impossible until I found Claimyr (claimyr.com) - they got me connected to an actual EDD representative within 30 minutes when I'd been trying for days. They have a video demo of how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Sending good thoughts to your daughter. Trauma like that is no joke.

Yes, the 7-day waiting period applies to all SDI claims, including mental health. It's frustrating but unavoidable. The first week essentially counts as a deductible period that isn't paid.

omg that sounds so scary for her! sending prayers 🙏 i actually disagree with some people here tho, my sister tried to get sdi for anxiety and they denied her saying it wasnt serious enough. they told her everybody has anxiety and unless she was hospitalized or something they wouldnt approve it. maybe its different with the shooting situation tho

I work in HR and deal with leave issues regularly. Your daughter has two separate issues that you're conflating: 1. FMLA/CFRA job protection (which she doesn't qualify for yet since she needs 12 months/1250 hours) 2. SDI wage replacement (which she likely DOES qualify for regardless of job tenure) The critical distinction is that SDI is a state insurance program that employees pay into, not an employer benefit. As long as she's paid into SDI during her base period, she can file a claim. That said, without FMLA/CFRA protection, her employer is not legally required to hold her position while she's out on leave. Some employers will still work with employees in these situations, especially for trauma resulting from a workplace incident. I'd recommend she: 1. File for SDI immediately online 2. Get detailed documentation from her therapist 3. Talk to HR about a reasonable accommodation under ADA/FEHA, which might include a leave of absence even without FMLA eligibility The workplace violence aspect may actually work in her favor for both the SDI claim and workplace accommodations.

Yes, for ADA accommodations, her therapist would need to provide documentation that: 1. Confirms she has a condition that qualifies as a disability under ADA 2. Explains how it limits one or more major life activities 3. Recommends specific accommodations (like a leave of absence with a rough timeframe) Most employers have specific forms for this purpose, so have her ask HR for their accommodation paperwork. Getting it in writing is crucial.

THE SYSTEM IS RIGGED AGAINST US!!! I had similar situation after workplace violence and EDD kept saying they "needed more information" for MONTHS!!! They do this on purpose hoping people will just give up!!! My advice: DOCUMENT EVERYTHING, record all phone calls with EDD (California is two-party consent but just tell them you're recording), and be prepared to FIGHT for what you deserve. The mental health system in this country is BROKEN and EDD is part of the problem!!!!

Got approved after THREE MONTHS of fighting and had to involve my state representative's office to get it resolved. By then I was already back at a different job because bills don't wait. The backpay helped but the stress made my condition SO MUCH WORSE. Tell your daughter to prepare for a battle - hope she gets lucky but don't count on it.

Thank you all for the advice. I just spoke with my daughter and she's going to her therapy appointment tomorrow with a list of questions about both SDI and ADA accommodations. She's going to file for SDI right after her appointment, assuming her therapist agrees it's appropriate. I'll also tell her about Claimyr in case she runs into problems reaching EDD. It sounds like it's definitely worth trying for SDI even though she's new at this job. I feel much more prepared to help her navigate this now.