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Nia Jackson

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!

NebulaNova

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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

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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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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

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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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wait are u filing for 2023 or 2025? i'm confused by your dates

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Nia Jackson

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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Congratulations on getting your application submitted! That's a huge step. Since you're within the filing window, you should be in good shape. Just a heads up - keep checking your EDD account regularly for any requests for additional information. Sometimes they'll ask for clarification about the UI to SDI transition, but it sounds like you've documented everything well. The processing time is usually 2-4 weeks for standard claims, though it might take a bit longer since you're transitioning from UI. Stay positive - you did everything right!

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Jamal Carter

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Thanks so much Marina! That's really reassuring to hear. I've been checking my account obsessively already haha. Quick question - when they ask for additional info about the UI to SDI transition, do they usually send that request through the online portal or by mail? I want to make sure I don't miss anything important.

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Hey there! I'm new to this community but wanted to share some encouragement. I went through a similar situation last year where I was transitioning from UI to SDI and was really stressed about the timing. It sounds like you've gotten some great advice here and you're actually in much better shape than you initially thought! Since you're within the 49-day filing window and have already submitted your application with proper documentation about your UI transition, you should be fine. The key things EDD looks for are: 1) valid medical documentation (which you have from your doctor), 2) filing within the allowed timeframe (which you did), and 3) clear explanation of any overlapping benefits (which you provided). One small tip - save copies of everything you submitted, including screenshots of your online submission confirmation. Sometimes EDD claims they didn't receive certain documents, so having your own records helps if you need to follow up. You've done everything right - try not to stress too much while you wait for processing! This community has been super helpful for navigating these situations.

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Welcome to the community, Malik! Thanks for sharing your experience - it's really helpful to hear from someone who's been through this exact situation. Your tip about saving copies of everything is spot on. I learned that lesson the hard way with other government paperwork where things mysteriously "disappeared" from their system. It's amazing how much better I feel now that I understand I was actually within the filing window this whole time. The stress was really getting to me, but this community has been incredible with all the detailed advice and real experiences people have shared. Definitely saving screenshots of everything just in case!

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Sophia Carson

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Hey Nia! I just wanted to add my experience since I went through almost the exact same thing a few months ago. I was also on UI and didn't realize I could switch to SDI until my benefits got cut off. Like others mentioned, you're actually still within the filing window which is great news! One thing that really helped my case was getting a detailed statement from my doctor explaining not just the disability start date, but also why I couldn't have filed earlier (basically that I was following proper protocol by staying on UI until it ended, since you can't collect both). My doctor wrote something like "Patient was appropriately receiving UI benefits and could not file for SDI until those benefits concluded." Also, when you check your EDD portal, look for any "inbox" messages - that's usually where they'll send requests for additional documentation. In my case, they asked for proof that my UI actually ended, which I got from the UI portal under "payment history." The whole process took about 3 weeks for me, and they approved everything retroactively to my original disability date. You're going to be fine - sounds like you did everything correctly!

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Maya Jackson

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Thank you so much Sophia! That's exactly the kind of real-world experience I was hoping to hear about. I love the idea of getting my doctor to write that additional statement explaining why I couldn't file earlier - that makes it crystal clear that I was following proper procedure by staying on UI. I'm definitely going to ask for that kind of detailed note when I go back for my follow-up appointment next week. And thanks for the tip about checking the "inbox" messages in the portal - I've been looking at the main dashboard but didn't think to check for a separate message section. It's so reassuring to hear that your case got approved retroactively and only took 3 weeks. I was preparing myself for months of back-and-forth! This community has been such a lifesaver - I went from panicking about being denied to feeling confident that everything will work out. Really appreciate everyone sharing their experiences!

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Sean Kelly

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I'm so glad to see this thread ended up with such a positive outcome! As someone who just joined this community, it's really encouraging to see how helpful everyone is with sharing their real experiences and practical advice. For anyone else who might find this thread in the future dealing with a similar UI to SDI transition situation - the key takeaways seem to be: 1. The 49-day filing window starts from your actual disability date, not when your doctor writes the paperwork 2. Being on UI is considered valid "good cause" for any timing questions since you can't receive both benefits 3. Document everything - save screenshots, get detailed doctor notes, keep proof of when UI ended 4. Check the EDD portal regularly for inbox messages requesting additional info 5. Don't panic if you think you're late - many situations that seem problematic actually fall within normal guidelines This community is such a valuable resource for navigating these complex government benefit transitions. Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences to help Nia (and future readers) feel more confident about the process!

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Ellie Lopez

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Thanks Sean for that great summary! As someone who just discovered this community while searching for help with my own EDD situation, I found this entire thread incredibly valuable. It's amazing how Nia's initial panic about filing "too late" turned into a success story once everyone helped clarify the actual filing timeline. I'm bookmarking this thread because I'm in a similar boat - currently on UI but my health condition is getting worse and I might need to transition to SDI soon. Reading through all these real experiences gives me so much more confidence about navigating that process when the time comes. The community knowledge here is honestly better than anything I found on the official EDD website. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share detailed advice and personal experiences - you're genuinely helping people through some really stressful situations!

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