Do I need to certify for EDD SDI benefits with an open claim? Where to do it?

Unlike unemployment, SDI doesn't require bi-weekly certification. The medical certification from your doctor determines your claim period. Your doctor initially certified you for what sounds like a 2-month period. If you need to extend beyond what your doctor initially certified, you'll need a new medical certification. Otherwise, your payments should automatically continue for the approved period unless EDD requests additional information.

I just went thru this last month for my shoulder surgery!!! You dont have to certify weekly like unemployment but they DO send you a form halfway thru your claim period (i think its called DE 2500) where you need to say if youve worked or not. Dont miss that form or your payments will stop!!

The form is called a "Continued Claim Certification" (DE 2500A) and yes, EDD typically mails it to you about halfway through your claim period. You'll need to complete it to verify you're still disabled and haven't returned to work. You can also check your SDI Online account periodically - sometimes the forms appear there as well. Your claim will show an established benefit period with a start and end date. If you need to extend beyond that period, you'll need your doctor to complete another medical certification before the current one expires.

make sure you open ALL mail from EDD!! i almost missed my continuation form cuz i thought it was just another copy of the award letter they already sent me. ended up with a 2-week delay in my payments. not fun when ur trying to pay rent!

If you're having trouble contacting EDD or need to speak with someone about your claim, I'd recommend using Claimyr. After trying for DAYS to get through on the regular EDD phone line (constant busy signals and disconnects), I used Claimyr and got connected to an agent within 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd - their website is claimyr.com. It was super helpful when I needed clarification about a form that arrived late.

The whole EDD system is DELIBERATELY CONFUSING!! They make it complicated so people miss deadlines and they can save money. I was on disability last year for a serious back injury (L4/L5 herniation with nerve compression) and they suddenly stopped my payments because some form I never received wasn't submitted on time. Took over a MONTH to fix and I almost lost my apartment!!! The communication from EDD is TERRIBLE and they don't even update the online system properly half the time. Keep copies of EVERYTHING and call them if you don't get payments when expected.

My sister was on disability for pregancy and she said she didnt have to certify at all the whole time. But my cousin was on it for something else and did get some form in the middle. So i think it depends on your situation maybe?

Thank you everyone for all this helpful information! I feel much better now understanding that I don't need to certify weekly like with unemployment, but I should watch for a possible continued claim form in the mail. I've marked my calendar for when my claim period ends and will talk to my doctor about an extension if my recovery takes longer than expected. I'll definitely keep all documentation and stay on top of any mail from EDD. This community is amazing - you've saved me so much stress and confusion!

Just wanted to add one more tip that helped me during my SDI claim - if you're worried about missing important mail from EDD, you can sign up for Informed Delivery through USPS. It sends you daily emails with images of the mail you're getting that day, so you'll know if something from EDD is coming. Really helped me stay on top of things when I was dealing with my own disability claim. Also, don't hesitate to call your doctor's office if you have questions about whether you'll need an extension - they can give you a better sense of your recovery timeline. Hope your healing goes smoothly!