Can't cancel UI claim to start SDI after hospitalization - stuck in bureaucratic limbo

I went thru the same thing last year. You gotta keep calling over and over, like literally 50+ times a day. Eventually you'll get thru. The system is designed to make u give up!!

The issue you're experiencing is unfortunately common. To properly cancel a UI claim in order to file for SDI, you need to speak with a UI representative who can place a stop on your claim. This is because the systems don't automatically communicate with each other, and you cannot legally collect both benefits simultaneously. I recommend trying to call right when they open at 8:00 AM. This tends to have shorter wait times. Also, be sure you're calling the main UI line (1-800-300-5616) rather than the general EDD number. When prompted by the automated system, select the option for "existing claim" and then "cancel claim." Once your UI claim is officially canceled, print or save a confirmation of the cancellation. You'll need to provide this to SDI as proof when you file your disability claim. The good news is that SDI benefits are typically higher than UI benefits in most cases.

Have you tried going to an actual EDD office in person? Sometimes that works better than calling. Just google EDD office near me and find the closest one. Bring all your paperwork and medical documentation.

I was in this EXACT situation in 2025! Well not exactly the same medical issue but similar bureaucratic nightmare between UI and SDI. The EDD system is completely broken and they don't care at all about people suffering. I ended up having to borrow money from family because it took ELEVEN WEEKS to sort out. By the time I got my first disability payment, I had nearly lost my apartment. The worst part is nobody at EDD seems to know their own rules. I had three different representatives tell me three completely different things about how to cancel UI for SDI. It's absolutely criminal how they treat people.

I had success using Claimyr when I was in a similar situation trying to cancel my UI claim to file for pregnancy disability. It's a service that connects you with an EDD representative, usually within 10-15 minutes instead of waiting for hours. I was skeptical at first but desperate after trying for weeks to get through. It worked perfectly - they got me connected to an agent who canceled my UI claim on the spot. Check out their video demo at https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd to see how it works. The website is claimyr.com. Honestly, it saved me so much stress when I was already dealing with health issues.

One thing nobody's mentioned - you should check if your UI claim has any weeks left to certify. If you have pending certifications, sometimes the EDD system won't let you cancel until those are processed. I got stuck in a similar situation and it turned out I needed to complete my final certification first, then cancel. Also, when you DO get your UI claim canceled, make sure you apply for SDI immediately! Don't wait even a day. The effective date of your SDI claim matters a lot for determining your benefit amount and duration. And don't forget you'll still need to serve a 7-day waiting period before SDI benefits kick in, so plan for that gap in income.

Did you have your doctor fill out the DE 2501 form completely? This is the Physician/Practitioner's Certificate that verifies your medical condition. Make sure it includes: 1. All your personal information 2. First date you were disabled 3. Diagnosis and ICD code 4. When your doctor expects you can return to work 5. Doctor's signature and info If any of this is missing, your SDI claim will be delayed even after you cancel the UI claim. Also, once your UI is canceled, you can file for SDI online through SDI Online - it's much faster than paper forms. The system will ask about your work history and whether you had a UI claim. Be 100% honest about the UI claim even though you're canceling it, as they will cross-reference this information.

I understand your frustration with the phone system. An additional option is to send a formal written request to cancel your UI claim. You can do this through your UI Online account by selecting "Contact EDD" and then "Ask EDD." Choose the category "Unemployment Insurance Benefits" and then "Cancel Claim." In your message, include: - Your full name - Last 4 of SSN - Phone number - Clear statement that you need to cancel your UI claim in order to file for SDI - The date you became disabled (from your doctor's certification) While this method isn't as immediate as speaking to someone by phone, it creates a documented trail of your cancellation request. Make sure to take screenshots or print the confirmation of your message submission. Also important: after your UI claim is canceled, when you file for SDI, you'll need to explain the gap between your last day of work and the first day of disability. Be prepared to provide documentation about your unemployment period.

Yes, definitely continue calling while waiting for a response to your written request. Use multiple approaches simultaneously to increase your chances of success. One other important detail: once your UI claim is canceled and you apply for SDI, be aware that you may face questions about your ability to work during the transition period. The key difference between UI and SDI is that UI requires you to be able and available for work, while SDI requires you to be unable to perform your regular or customary work due to a medical condition. Make sure your doctor clearly documents the exact date your disability began, and be prepared to explain how your condition changed from being able to work (while on UI) to being unable to work (requiring SDI). Having clear medical documentation with specific dates will help prevent any issues with your claim.