Do doctors use same receipt number for extending SDI claims or need a new one?
I've been on disability for 3 months due to a back injury that required surgery. My doctor thinks I need 6 more weeks of recovery time before returning to work. When he submits the extension paperwork, should he use the same receipt number from my initial claim (starts with DE2501) or does he need to generate a new receipt number for the extension? The EDD website isn't clear about this and the last time I called, I waited for 2 hours and never got through. My benefits are scheduled to end next week so I'm getting anxious about this. Don't want to have any gap in benefits because my savings are practically gone at this point.
18 comments
Join the conversation
Misterclamation Skyblue
Your doctor needs to use the SAME receipt number from your original claim. The receipt number is tied to your entire disability period, including any extensions. Make sure your doctor completes and submits the 'Physician/Practitioner's Supplementary Certificate' (DE 2525XX) form before your current certification period ends. This form specifically requests the receipt number from your initial claim, so using the same one is correct and necessary.
0 coins
Gabriel Ruiz
•Thank you so much! This is exactly what I needed to know. I'll make sure my doctor has the right receipt number when filling out the extension form.
0 coins
Peyton Clarke
Had the same question last year and was so confused! Yes, its the same receipt # for the whole claim period, extensions included. Make sure ur doc submits the form at least 5-7 days b4 your current certification ends so theres no gap. My doc submitted late & I had 2 weeks with no pay while they processed the extension 😫
0 coins
Gabriel Ruiz
•Oh no, that's exactly what I'm afraid of! I'll definitely remind my doctor to submit it early. Did you have any trouble getting backpay for those two weeks once the extension was approved?
0 coins
Peyton Clarke
•They did backpay me eventually but it took like another 3 weeks to get it all sorted out. Such a pain. I had to call EDD like 50 times to get through.
0 coins
Vince Eh
i think its the same number... at least thats what my dr did for my pregnancy disability when i needed extra time after my c-section. used the original number and everything went fine.
0 coins
Sophia Gabriel
Actually guys let me clarify something - there are TWO different numbers we're talking about here: 1. The RECEIPT number - this is what your doctor initially gets when they first submit your medical certification 2. The CLAIM number - this is what EDD assigns to your entire disability claim For extensions, your doctor needs to use your CLAIM number on the DE 2525XX form, NOT the receipt number. Many doctors confuse these! Make sure they use the claim number from your EDD account (usually starts with D01 or similar). If they use the wrong number, it can delay your extension approval by weeks.
0 coins
Gabriel Ruiz
•Wait, now I'm confused. So it's NOT the receipt number that starts with DE2501? It's a different number entirely?
0 coins
Misterclamation Skyblue
•The previous commenter is partially correct but creating some confusion. For clarification: When your doctor initially files your medical certification, they get a RECEIPT number (from form DE 2501). However, once your actual claim is established, you get a CLAIM number from EDD. For the extension form (DE 2525XX), your doctor should use your CLAIM number, which you can find in your SDI Online account or on any correspondence from EDD regarding your claim. This number typically starts with D01 followed by numbers. Sorry for any confusion in my first response - I should have been more specific about which number to use.
0 coins
Tobias Lancaster
had the WORST time with my extension last year!! made sure my Dr had all the right #s but EDD still messed it up and my payments stopped for over a month! kept calling the disability number and could never get through - busy signals ALL DAY LONG
0 coins
Ezra Beard
•I had the same problem trying to reach EDD about my extension! I finally used Claimyr.com to get through to an agent in about 20 minutes instead of calling all day with no luck. They connected me directly to an EDD rep who fixed my extension issue on the spot. Check out their demo video: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd - it saved me weeks of stress when my claim was about to expire.
0 coins
Statiia Aarssizan
MY DOCTOR SCREWED THIS UP TWICE FOR ME!!!! He used a new receipt number both times and my extensions took FOREVER to process. Make sure they use your CLAIM NUMBER (the D01 number) on the extension form. And check check CHECK that they filled everything out correctly. My doctor's office staff had no idea what they were doing with EDD forms.
0 coins
Peyton Clarke
•This happened to me too! Doctors offices are so confused about EDD paperwork. I finally had to physically sit with the office manager and show her exactly what to put where on the form.
0 coins
Reginald Blackwell
To address your question properly: 1. For SDI claim extensions, your physician needs to use your CLAIM number (starts with D01) on the DE 2525XX form, not the receipt number. 2. The receipt number (DE2501) was only for the initial medical certification. 3. Timeline is critical: Your doctor should submit the extension 5-10 days before your current certification ends. 4. You can proactively help by providing your doctor with: - Your correct claim number from your SDI Online account - The exact date your current certification period ends - A completed DE 2525XX form with your information already filled in 5. After submission, verify through your SDI Online account that the extension was received. This approach has the highest chance of ensuring continuous benefits without interruption.
0 coins
Gabriel Ruiz
•This is incredibly helpful, thank you! I have an appointment with my doctor tomorrow and I'll bring all this information with me. I really appreciate the detailed explanation and checklist.
0 coins
Sophia Gabriel
One more important thing - make sure your doctor includes detailed medical justification for WHY you need the extension. EDD is getting stricter about approving extensions in 2025, and they're requiring more specific medical reasons. Have your doctor be very clear about your recovery timeline and functional limitations. Just saying "patient needs more time" isn't enough anymore.
0 coins
Gabriel Ruiz
•That's good to know. My doctor has been documenting my recovery progress with physical therapy measurements, so hopefully that will help justify the extension. I still can't lift more than 10 pounds without pain, and my job requires lifting up to 50 pounds.
0 coins
Sophia Gabriel
•That's perfect - having those specific functional measurements and comparing them to your job requirements is exactly what EDD looks for now. Make sure those specific details are included in the extension certification.
0 coins