Denied EDD SDI while on reduced workers' comp payments - confused by rejection letter

Unfortunately, EDD generally doesn't allow you to collect disability benefits while receiving workers' comp, even if your workers' comp was reduced. They consider it 'double-dipping' from two different disability systems. That 'concurrent benefits' language basically means you can't get both at the same time.

same thing hapend to me last year!! its soooo frustrating. the system is broken. i had to borrow $ from family until my wrkers comp case settled. nobody at EDD cares that ur not getting enough to live on, they just follow their stupid rules without looking at real situations.

There's a specific process for this situation. You need to request a formal hearing to appeal the denial. The key is to show that your workers' comp benefit has been substantially reduced AND that the reduction is being contested. Get a statement from your workers' comp attorney (if you have one) explaining the situation and complete a DE 1000A appeal form. The current rule is that you can receive SDI for the difference between your full SDI benefit amount and your partial workers' comp payment - but you need to appeal and have proper documentation.

I've been through this exact nightmare. The key is reaching an actual EDD representative who can review your specific case circumstances. After weeks of calling and getting disconnected, I tried Claimyr (claimyr.com) and finally got through to someone who could help. They have this service that gets you connected to an actual EDD agent instead of dealing with the endless busy signals. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Once I got through, the agent explained that I needed to submit additional documentation showing exactly how much I was receiving from workers' comp and why it was reduced. They can sometimes approve partial SDI benefits to make up the difference, but only if you can get someone to actually review your case.

Don't waste your time with all this complicated stuff. Just cancel your workers' comp claim and go full SDI. That's what my cousin did and he got more money that way anyway. The workers' comp system is designed to screw workers.

I'm SO SORRY you're dealing with this!! The EDD/workers' comp system is BROKEN!!! I spent 4 months fighting similar issues last year and nearly lost my apartment. The worst part is how IMPOSSIBLE it is to reach anyone at EDD!!! The phone system is designed to keep us out and frustrated!!! Whatever you do, KEEP DOCUMENTING EVERYTHING. Every letter, every call attempt, every conversation. The system is designed to wear you down until you give up!!!

have you talked to ur doctor? my frend had a similar problem and her doctor wrote a special note saying the work injury caused other disability problems that weren't covered by workers comp. that helped her get SDI for the other stuff while still getting some workers comp.

Quick update - I checked the current 2025 EDD SDI regulations, and there is actually a "Coordination of Benefits" provision. If your workers' comp is reduced below a certain threshold (currently 65% of your normal wages), you might qualify for supplemental SDI. But you MUST submit form DE 2501SUP along with documentation of your reduced workers' comp payments and the reason for reduction. This is a fairly new rule that many EDD reps aren't familiar with, which is why getting through to someone knowledgeable is crucial.

my sister works for an attorney who handles these cases and she says that lots of people get caught in this weird gap between workers comp and SDI. it's like each system points to the other one saying "they should pay" and nobody wants to take responsibility. super frustrating but keep pushing!

Update: I finally got through to EDD using that Claimyr service (thank you for that suggestion!) and spoke with a really helpful representative. They explained that I need to submit both the appeal form AND the supplemental documentation about my workers' comp reduction. The rep actually sent me all the forms I need by email while I was on the phone! I'm pulling everything together today and will submit it tomorrow. Will keep you all posted on what happens. Thanks everyone for your help during this stressful time!

I'm really glad to hear you got through to someone at EDD! This whole situation highlights how broken the communication system is - it shouldn't take a third-party service just to speak with a representative about basic benefits. Your case is a perfect example of why we need better coordination between workers' comp and SDI systems. Too many people fall through the cracks when their work injury benefits get reduced but they still can't access disability support. Fingers crossed that your appeal goes smoothly now that you have the right forms and documentation. Please do keep us updated - your experience could really help others who find themselves in similar situations!