EDD SDI benefits exhausted but doctor won't release me - what are my options?

Unfortunately, SDI doesn't offer extensions beyond the 52-week maximum benefit period, even with doctor certification. Once you exhaust your SDI benefits, you have a few options to consider: 1. Apply for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) - This is federal, not state, and covers long-term disabilities 2. Check if you have private disability insurance through your employer 3. See if you qualify for State Supplemental Program (SSP) benefits 4. Apply for CalFresh or other assistance programs You need to start these applications ASAP as they take time to process. Don't wait until your SDI runs out.

my cousin went thru this last yr he had to apply for SSDI and it took like 4 months to get approved so def start that ASAP!!!!! also check if ur job has long term disability insurance alot of ppl dont even know they have it

The 52-week limit is FIRM. I learned this the hard way. My benefits ended while I was still recovering from a serious car accident. Despite my doctor sending additional certification forms, EDD told me the law doesn't allow extensions under ANY circumstances. It was devastating financially. What saved me was discovering I had long-term disability insurance through my job that kicked in after SDI ended. DEFINITELY check your employee benefits package immediately. Many employers provide this without employees even realizing it.

I've been through this exact situation. The 52-week max benefit period is absolute - no extensions possible. However, you should be applying for SSDI immediately. Here's what you need to know: 1. There's a 5-month waiting period for SSDI after approval 2. The application process can take 3-6 months (sometimes longer) 3. If approved, you might get backdated benefits Call the Social Security Administration ASAP to start your application. Have all your medical records organized and ready. Your doctor's documentation that you cannot work is critical for approval.

Have you tried calling EDD to confirm there are absolutely no exceptions? I'd recommend getting through to an actual agent rather than just checking online. Sometimes they have special provisions for certain medical situations that aren't well advertised. I've had luck getting through to EDD using Claimyr (claimyr.com). They got me connected to an agent in under 25 minutes when I was dealing with a disability extension issue. You can see how it works in their video demo: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd Worth trying before you panic about the transition to other programs.

I WENT THROUGH THIS EXACT THING in 2023!!! It's absolutely TERRIFYING when your benefits are about to run out and you still can't work. Here's what you absolutely NEED to know: 1. The 52-week limit is 100% firm - NO EXCEPTIONS AT ALL no matter what your doctor says 2. You should apply for SSDI RIGHT NOW - don't wait another day 3. There WILL be a gap in coverage between SDI ending and SSDI starting - you need to prepare financially 4. Ask friends/family for help during the gap period 5. Contact your utility companies, landlord/mortgage holder, etc. BEFORE your benefits end to explain the situation The transition is rough but planning ahead makes it survivable. Good luck!!

If your condition is expected to last 12+ months or result in death, you definitely qualify for SSDI. But starting the application early is critical. The 5-month waiting period officially begins from the date they determine your disability began, not from application approval date. Also look into: - County General Assistance/Relief (emergency cash aid) - CalFresh (food assistance) - Emergency Rental Assistance programs - Local nonprofit organizations that help with utilities - Medical-based charity programs (especially if your condition qualifies) Document EVERYTHING from your doctors about your inability to work. This documentation is crucial for all assistance programs.

my brother hd this problm but he found out his job had somethng called short term AND long term disabilty insurance. the long term kicked in after his state disabilty ran out. but not evryone has this so check with ur HR departmnt asap!!

One important thing to understand is the difference between SDI and SSDI: - SDI (State Disability Insurance): California program, covers short-term disabilities up to 52 weeks - SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance): Federal program for long-term disabilities that last 12+ months The qualifying criteria for SSDI are much stricter. You must prove you cannot perform ANY substantial gainful work, not just your previous job. Start gathering comprehensive medical evidence now, and consider consulting with a disability attorney if your initial SSDI application is denied (many are denied first time).

Thank you all for the incredibly helpful advice. I spoke with my HR department and found out I DO have long-term disability insurance through my employer that covers 60% of my salary after SDI ends! I had no idea this benefit existed. I'm also starting my SSDI application this week and looking into county assistance programs as a backup. I've asked my doctor to prepare detailed documentation about my condition and inability to work. I finally reached an EDD representative using Claimyr (it actually worked!), and they confirmed there are absolutely no extensions to the 52-week limit. But they were helpful in explaining exactly when my benefits will end so I can coordinate the transition to long-term disability. I'm still nervous about the whole situation, but feel much more prepared now. Thank you all again for sharing your experiences and knowledge!