Doctor backdated my SDI start date 2 months - will EDD reject my claim for filing too late?
I'm stressing out about my SDI application timing and really need some advice! My doctor wrote my disability start date as 4/27/23 on all my paperwork, but I was receiving UI benefits until just 2 weeks ago when they suddenly cut me off. I wasn't able to actually file my SDI claim until now (June 2025). My doctor says it's fine, but when I was reading through the EDD website, I saw something about needing to file within 9-49 days of your disability beginning. Has anyone dealt with a situation like this? Will EDD reject my claim because of the backdated start time? I'm really worried because I desperately need these benefits and don't understand why I would've been cut off UI if I wasn't eligible for SDI yet. Any advice would be SO appreciated!
20 comments
NebulaNova
You're right to be concerned. EDD is strict about the filing timeline for SDI. The policy states claims should be filed within 49 days from the date your disability begins. Since your doctor dated your disability beginning in April 2023 (assuming you meant 2025?) and you're filing in June 2025, that's outside the window. However, there's good news - EDD does allow late filing with "good cause." Being on UI could potentially qualify as good cause since you can't receive both benefits simultaneously. When you submit your claim, include a detailed explanation about why you couldn't file earlier (the UI situation). Make sure to mention any communications you had with EDD about transitioning from UI to SDI. Your doctor should also provide clear medical documentation supporting that your disability truly began on the date they certified.
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Nia Jackson
•Thank you so much for responding! Yes sorry I meant 2025, not 2023 (typing too fast). Do you think I should get some kind of additional note from my doctor explaining why I couldn't file earlier? Or is the explanation about UI being cut off enough? I'm just so nervous they'll deny me and then I'll have no income at all.
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Mateo Hernandez
this happened to me too!! they didnt even tell me i could switch from ui to sdi when my health got bad. i just filed anyway and wrote a letter explaining and they approved it after like 3 weeks. dont panic yet
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Nia Jackson
•That's really encouraging to hear! Did you include any special documentation with your application or just the explanation letter? I'm trying to figure out exactly what I need to prepare.
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Aisha Khan
The 9-49 day filing period is just a guideline. I had a similar situation where I couldn't file on time because I was hospitalized and completely unaware of the filing deadlines. When I finally submitted my claim (almost 3 months late), I included a detailed explanation of my circumstances. Here's what worked for me: 1. Write a clear explanation of why you couldn't file earlier (being on UI is a valid reason) 2. Have your doctor provide specific medical documentation supporting your disability start date 3. Include any proof showing you were on UI until recently 4. Submit everything together with your claim form EDD reviewed my case and eventually approved my benefits with the original start date. They even paid retroactively for the missed period. It took longer than a normal claim (about 5-6 weeks), but it worked out.
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Nia Jackson
•Thank you for the detailed steps! This is really helpful. Did you just attach your explanation as a separate letter with your application? Or did you write it somewhere specific on the form? I want to make sure I'm putting this information in the right place.
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Ethan Taylor
You should be worried! EDD is extremely strict about deadlines. They denied my claim last year for being just 2 weeks late. The whole system is designed to deny as many people as possible. I'd prepare yourself for a battle.
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NebulaNova
•While some claims do get denied initially, that's why the "good cause" provision exists. Being on UI is actually considered a valid reason for delayed filing. The key is properly documenting the situation rather than assuming automatic denial. Many people successfully appeal initial denials with proper documentation.
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Yuki Ito
I had to call EDD about 20 times before I finally got through to someone who could help me with a similar situation. They kept hanging up on me or saying the wait time was too long. I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to a real EDD agent in about 20 minutes. Saved me days of frustration! They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd The agent I spoke with explained exactly what documentation I needed for my late-filed claim and even made notes in my file about my situation. Much better than trying to figure it out alone.
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Nia Jackson
•Thanks for the suggestion! I've been trying to call EDD for days and haven't gotten through. I might try this if I can't get answers. Did the agent tell you anything specific about the late filing process that might help my situation?
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Carmen Lopez
edd is the WORST!!! i had ui then sdi then ui again and they messed up every single transition. took 3 months to get my money each time 😡😡😡
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NebulaNova
•The systems for UI and SDI are unfortunately separate, which creates these transition problems. This is why documenting everything and being persistent with your follow-ups is so critical. While frustrating, many claims do eventually get resolved with proper documentation.
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AstroAdventurer
I work in HR and deal with this situation frequently. Here's what you need to know: - The "9-49 day" period is the standard filing window, but EDD allows exceptions with good cause - Receiving UI benefits is considered a valid reason for delayed SDI filing (since you can't receive both simultaneously) - You'll need to complete Section F on the DE 2501 form explaining your late filing reason - Make sure your doctor completes a clear certification with specific medical restrictions - Include documentation showing when your UI benefits ended The most critical factor will be demonstrating that your medical condition truly began on the date your doctor certified. If that's solid, and you explain the UI situation clearly, your chances are good. Just be prepared for possibly a longer processing time for late-filed claims.
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Nia Jackson
•Thank you SO much for this detailed information! I didn't even know about Section F on the form. This is incredibly helpful. My doctor has been treating me since before the disability start date, so he should be able to document everything clearly. I'll make sure to get official documentation about my UI end date too.
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Mateo Hernandez
wait are u filing for 2023 or 2025? i'm confused by your dates
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Nia Jackson
•Sorry for the confusion! I meant 2025 for both dates. My doctor wrote April 27, 2025 as my disability start date, and I'm filing now in June 2025 (about 6 weeks later).
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Aisha Khan
Since your filing is only about 6 weeks after your disability started, you're actually still within the standard 49-day filing period! The 9-49 day period means you should file no earlier than 9 days before your disability begins and no later than 49 days after it begins. If your disability began April 27, 2025, and you're filing in early-to-mid June 2025, you should be fine. Just make sure to file ASAP if you haven't already submitted the application. The fact that you were on UI might cause some additional review, but as long as your UI benefits properly ended before your SDI claim begins, you should be okay. Remember that you'll serve a 7-day waiting period before SDI benefits start paying out.
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Nia Jackson
•Oh my goodness, I think I completely misunderstood the policy! That's a huge relief if I'm actually still within the standard filing window. I'm going to submit my application today just to be safe. Thank you for clearing that up!
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NebulaNova
Just to confirm what the previous commenter said - if your disability started April 27, 2025 and you're filing in June 2025, you're still within the 49-day window, so this isn't even considered a "late filing" case. The confusion might have come from thinking the 9-49 day period was about the gap between doctor certification and actual disability, but it's really about the gap between disability onset and when you file your claim. Make sure your application clearly shows your UI benefits ended before your SDI claim begins, and you should be fine. Good luck with your claim!
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Nia Jackson
•Thank you for confirming! I feel so much better now. I just submitted my application online and included notes about my UI ending. Fingers crossed everything goes smoothly from here!
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