Denied unemployment due to low wages - Can I qualify for EDD SDI after accident?

Good news! Unemployment Insurance (UI) and State Disability Insurance (SDI) have completely different eligibility requirements. UI is based on your base period wages, but SDI eligibility depends on whether you've paid into the SDI program during the 5-18 months before your disability began. Even with lower wages, you might still qualify for disability! You should apply for SDI right away through the EDD website. Your doctor will need to complete the medical certification portion (DE 2501). Don't delay - the sooner you apply, the sooner you might receive benefits.

when i hurt my back last yr they denied my unenjployment too but i got disability no problem. different systems.

I'm in almost the exact same situation!! Applied for UI in December 2025, got denied for not enough wages, then broke my wrist in January. I was FREAKING OUT thinking I wouldn't qualify for anything but my friend told me to apply for SDI anyway. The SDI system looks at different quarters than UI does, and the minimum earnings requirement is way lower. I got approved last week and my first payment is already pending in my account. Don't give up!!! Apply TODAY!!!

I want to clear up some common misconceptions here: 1) UI and SDI have different eligibility requirements. UI requires substantial earnings in your base period (typically the 12-18 months before filing). SDI requires that you paid into the SDI program during a more recent period. 2) For SDI, you need approximately $300 in wages subject to SDI withholding during the base period (much lower than UI requirements). 3) The most important eligibility factor for SDI is having a certified medical condition that prevents you from performing your regular work for at least 8 consecutive days. Based on your accident and doctor's assessment, you likely meet the medical requirement. Check your pay stubs to see if SDI was deducted (usually labeled as CASDI). If so, apply immediately, as there's a 7-day waiting period before benefits begin, and you don't want to delay any longer.

Has anyone else noticed how impossible it is to get through to an actual human at EDD? I spent TWO WEEKS trying to reach someone about my disability claim last month. Kept getting disconnected or put on hold forever. So frustrating when you're already dealing with an injury and can't work!

Don't forget to account for the 7-day waiting period when planning your finances. SDI has this mandatory unpaid waiting period before benefits start accruing. So even if you're approved right away, your first payment won't include that first week. Also, make sure you understand the certification process - you'll need to certify periodically that you're still disabled to keep receiving payments.

make sure ur doctor fills out the right form. my first claim got delayed cuz my doc used wrong code or something

My sister got denied for unemployment last year but received disability benefits after her surgery. The two programs have different funding sources and requirements. For SDI, your doctor's certification of your medical condition is the most important part. Since you mentioned you'll be off work for 6-8 weeks and your doctor is willing to complete the necessary paperwork, you should definitely apply for SDI benefits right away. Don't wait! The application process is fairly straightforward on the EDD website. Good luck with your recovery!