Can workplace stress/depression qualify for EDD SDI instead of unemployment?

unemployment is for when u lose ur job not for health stuff. u want SDI (state disability). ur doctor has to fill out the medical form part saying u cant work cuz of mental health

You definitely need to apply for State Disability Insurance (SDI), not unemployment. Unemployment is for people who lost their job but are still able to work. SDI is specifically for when you cannot work due to a medical condition. Yes, SDI absolutely covers mental health conditions including stress, anxiety, and depression. Your doctor will need to complete a medical certification (DE 2501) confirming your diagnosis and estimated recovery time. The combination of your mental health symptoms and the physical manifestation (eye twitch with risk of facial paralysis) creates a strong medical case. Start by telling your doctor you need to file for disability. They'll help with the paperwork. Then you'll need to create an account on SDI Online and submit your claim there. The system will guide you through the process.

When I applied for SDI last year for anxiety/depression, there was a 7-day waiting period before benefits kicked in. So you won't get paid for the first week. And I remember it took almost 3 weeks to get my first payment after I applied!!! It was super stressful waiting and wondering if I'd be approved. The EDD never answered their phones so I had no idea what was happening with my claim.

I went through this exact situation last year. My doctor diagnosed me with severe anxiety and work-related stress that was causing physical symptoms. Here's what I learned: 1. You need to apply for State Disability Insurance (SDI), not unemployment 2. Your doctor must certify that you cannot perform your regular work duties 3. Mental health conditions absolutely qualify when properly documented 4. There's a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin 5. Benefits typically pay about 60-70% of your wages The most important thing is having your doctor fully document both your mental health symptoms AND the physical manifestations (your eye twitch and risk of facial paralysis). Be sure to explain to your doctor that you need this documentation for your disability claim. When I couldn't reach EDD on the phone to check my claim status, I discovered a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual EDD representative in about 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. It was so much better than spending days trying to get through on my own.

I tried filing for disability for similar reasons last year but got denied because my doctor didn't fill out the form correctly. Make sure they specifically state you CANNOT work due to your condition. If they just say you're stressed or depressed but don't clearly state you're unable to work, EDD will deny your claim. Learned this the hard way and had to appeal.

Hey there! I just went through this about 3 months ago for pretty much the same thing - work-related anxiety that was causing physical symptoms (in my case insomnia and stomach issues). My psychiatrist helped me file for SDI and I got approved within about 2 weeks. The key things that helped me: - Having both a therapist AND doctor document my symptoms - Being specific about how the symptoms prevented me from working - Filing the claim online right after my doctor's appointment - Making sure I had all my employer info correct on the application Take care of yourself - stress is no joke when it starts causing physical symptoms! The time off really helped me recover.

oh yea forgot to say u have to wait a week before u get any $. theyre suppost to approve ur claim in lke 14 days but sometimes takes longer

One more thing I forgot to mention - since your condition is work-related, you might want to look into whether you should file a workers' compensation claim instead of (or in addition to) SDI. Work-related stress can sometimes qualify for workers' comp, which might provide better benefits. Maybe ask your doctor about this option too?

Thank you all so much for the helpful advice! I've scheduled an appointment with my doctor specifically to discuss filing for SDI. I'll make sure she understands the importance of clearly stating I cannot work due to my condition. I'm feeling much less confused now about which benefit to apply for. I'll update once I've submitted my application!

I'm going through something similar right now and this thread has been incredibly helpful! I've been dealing with work-related anxiety that's causing panic attacks and insomnia. My doctor mentioned SDI but I wasn't sure if mental health conditions would qualify. Reading everyone's experiences gives me hope that I can get the support I need. One question - for those who got approved, did you need to provide any documentation beyond what your doctor filled out? Like therapy records or prescription history? I've been seeing a therapist for 2 months and taking medication, wondering if that additional documentation would strengthen my case.

Just wanted to add that if you're having trouble getting through to EDD by phone (which is super common), you can also check your claim status online through your SDI Online account. I found that much less stressful than trying to call repeatedly. Also, make sure to keep copies of everything you submit - the medical forms, your application, any correspondence. I learned this after my friend had issues with EDD claiming they never received certain documents. Having your own copies saved me a lot of headache when I had questions about my claim later. The whole process can feel overwhelming when you're already dealing with stress and anxiety, but hang in there - the time off to focus on your health is so worth it!

Hello this has helped me a lot. I am on leave due to work stress, I have Major Depressive disorder & anxiety disorder with panic attacks. I've also been reading on other posts & reddit that if the provider puts on the SDI form that, disability is work related I can get denied & would have to go through workers comp which I've also read is a tedious process & will prolong everything (do not want to go that route at all). My Dr did fill out the form with great details but because I mentioned to her that work has been stressing me out & has added onto my mental she put on the form that it is work related. So, this is really stressing me out even more that I will not get approved. Has anyone's process been denied due to Dr checking off the question on form saying yes, it is work related. I just submitted form. & will have to wait what looks like 2 weeks.

I'm dealing with a similar situation right now and this thread has been a lifesaver! I've been experiencing work-related burnout that's turned into severe anxiety and depression. My sleep is completely messed up, I'm having trouble concentrating, and I've developed some physical symptoms too (headaches, muscle tension). Reading all your experiences has really helped me understand that SDI is the right path versus unemployment. I have an appointment with my doctor next week and I'm going to specifically ask about filing for disability. It's so helpful to know that mental health conditions absolutely qualify and that having both mental and physical symptoms actually strengthens the case. The tip about making sure the doctor clearly states I "cannot work" rather than just listing symptoms is huge - I'll make sure to emphasize that to my doctor. Also planning to create my SDI Online account ahead of time so I can submit everything right after the appointment. Thank you all for sharing your experiences and advice. It's scary going through this process, especially when you're already dealing with mental health struggles, but knowing others have successfully navigated it gives me hope.

I'm so grateful to have found this community and this thread specifically! I've been struggling with severe work-related anxiety for the past few months that's been affecting my sleep, concentration, and overall ability to function. Reading everyone's experiences has given me the clarity and confidence I needed to move forward with an SDI application. The information about making sure my doctor clearly states that I "cannot work" due to my condition rather than just describing symptoms is incredibly valuable. I also really appreciate the tips about creating the SDI Online account beforehand and keeping copies of all documentation. It's reassuring to know that mental health conditions absolutely qualify for SDI and that so many of you have successfully navigated this process. The fact that work-related stress can still qualify for SDI (as opposed to requiring workers' comp) takes a huge weight off my shoulders. I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for next week and I'm going to discuss filing for SDI. Thank you all for sharing your experiences so openly - it's made such a difference in helping me understand my options during what's already a really difficult time.

I just wanted to chime in as someone who went through this exact situation about 8 months ago. The combination of work stress, anxiety, and physical symptoms (in my case, severe insomnia and stomach issues) was overwhelming, and I was completely lost about what to do. What helped me the most was understanding that SDI isn't just for "traditional" physical disabilities - mental health conditions are absolutely covered when they prevent you from working. The key is having your doctor document not just your diagnosis, but specifically how your symptoms make it impossible to perform your job duties. A few practical tips from my experience: - Don't wait to apply thinking you'll get better quickly. I waited 3 weeks and wish I'd applied sooner - Keep a symptom journal leading up to your doctor's appointment - it helps them understand the full scope of how you're affected - If you have any previous mental health treatment records, bring them to show this isn't just a temporary reaction The financial stress while waiting for approval is real, but taking that time off work was absolutely crucial for my recovery. I'm back to work now and in a much better place mentally. You're making the right choice by prioritizing your health - don't let anyone make you feel otherwise. Wishing you the best with your application process!

I've been following this thread and wanted to share my recent experience for anyone else going through this. I just got approved for SDI last month for work-related anxiety and depression, and the process was actually smoother than I expected based on all the horror stories I'd heard about EDD. A few things that I think helped my case: - My doctor was very thorough in documenting how my symptoms specifically impacted my ability to concentrate, make decisions, and interact with colleagues - I had been in therapy for about 6 weeks before applying, which showed I was actively seeking treatment - I applied online immediately after my doctor's appointment rather than waiting The waiting period was definitely stressful (took about 18 days to get my first payment), but having that time off work made such a huge difference in my recovery. I'm planning to return to work next month with some accommodations from HR. For anyone currently going through this - don't feel guilty about needing time off for mental health. Your brain is an organ just like any other, and when it's not functioning properly due to stress or other factors, you deserve medical care and support. This thread has been such a valuable resource and I'm grateful to everyone who shared their experiences!