EDD SDI benefits expiring soon - how to apply for long-term disability?

EDD SDI only covers up to 52 weeks, so you'll need to apply for Long Term Disability (LTD) which is typically through your employer's insurance plan, not through EDD. Check with your HR department ASAP to see if you have LTD coverage and start the application process NOW since there's often a waiting period. If you don't have employer LTD coverage, you might need to look into Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) which is federal, not state-based. The process for SSDI takes months, so start immediately if that's your only option. I've been through this exact situation and the transition can be rough, but planning ahead helps. Good luck!

its not thru EDD anymore once your 1 year is up!! u need 2 check with ur work for LTD coverage or go 2 social security office for SSDI... but SSDI takes FOREVER to get approved most people get denied first time. my cousin waited almost 9 months b4 getting approved!!!

I've been through exactly what you're experiencing! When my SDI ran out, I had to transition to my employer's LTD policy. Important things to know: 1. Start the LTD application process at least 30-45 days before your SDI ends 2. You'll need updated medical documentation - your doctor needs to clearly state why you cannot return to work 3. LTD typically pays 60-70% of your salary, not the full amount you were getting on SDI 4. There's usually a waiting/elimination period before LTD benefits start 5. If you don't have employer LTD, apply for SSDI immediately (but know that process takes 3-6 months minimum) The transition period can be financially tough. Some people use credit cards, borrow from family, or negotiate with landlords during this gap. Hang in there!

This system is RIDICULOUS!!! Why would they cut you off after exactly 52 weeks when you're still injured??? It's the SAME medical condition! This happened to my wife and we nearly lost our apartment because of the gap between benefits. EDD knows about this problem and does NOTHING. Then the LTD insurance companies make you jump through 500 hoops to "prove" you're still disabled even though your doctor already certified it. The whole system is designed to make you give up. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and don't take no for an answer!!!!

I went thru this last summer. My dr wrote a letter to my landlord explaining the situation which helped me delay rent payment. Also check with your utility companies - many have hardship programs where they reduce your bill temporarily.

Have you tried calling EDD to see if there are any extensions available for your specific condition? I was on disability for a complicated pregnancy and somehow got an extension for 2 more weeks. It wasn't easy though - took me days of calling to finally reach someone who could help. I eventually used a service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) to get through to an actual EDD agent instead of waiting on hold for hours. They have a video showing how it works: https://youtu.be/1X-mEsLtbmQ?si=1hcSq3KFtCr4oAmd. It was worth it just to get a definitive answer about my options. The agent explained exactly what paperwork I needed to submit for the extension request.

I'm a disability claims specialist, and I want to clarify a few things: 1. EDD SDI has a strict 52-week maximum benefit period per claim, with very rare exceptions for certain specific conditions 2. Long Term Disability (LTD) is private insurance, usually through employers, and completely separate from EDD 3. The elimination/waiting period for LTD (typically 90 or 180 days) should have been running concurrent with your SDI benefits - this is important to understand 4. If you've been receiving SDI for close to a year, you may have already satisfied the LTD waiting period, which means benefits could start immediately after SDI ends (check your policy) 5. For the gap period, consider applying for state assistance programs like CalFresh or county General Assistance 6. If you don't have LTD coverage, apply for SSDI immediately, though approval typically takes 3-6 months minimum The most important thing is to get your LTD application started immediately, as the documentation requirements are often more stringent than SDI.

My sister had this same problem last year and she ended up having to move in with me for 2 months because of the gap between benefits. Its crazy how they just cut you off even when your doctor says you still cant work! She applied for SSDI but got denied the first time and had to appeal. Its such a mess!

By the way, make sure you request a copy of all your medical records NOW. You'll need them for both LTD and potentially SSDI applications. Don't wait for the insurance company to request them - that will just delay your claim. Having all documentation ready to go can shave weeks off the processing time. Also, when you fill out the LTD forms, be VERY specific about your limitations and how they prevent you from doing your job duties. Don't just say "I'm in pain" - say "I cannot sit for more than 20 minutes without severe pain that requires me to lie down, making it impossible to perform my job which requires 6+ hours of sitting daily.

I'm going through something similar right now - my SDI is ending in about 6 weeks and I'm terrified about the transition! Reading through all these responses has been so helpful. One thing I wanted to add is that you should also check if your employer offers any Employee Assistance Program (EAP) benefits. Mine has a financial counseling service that helped me create a budget for managing the gap period, and they even connected me with local resources I didn't know about. Also, if you have a union at your workplace, definitely reach out to them - they often have hardship funds or can advocate with your employer for additional support during the transition. Hang in there - it sounds scary but you're being proactive which is the most important thing!

I just went through this exact transition 6 months ago and wanted to share what worked for me! First, definitely start your LTD paperwork immediately - the 30-day processing gap is pretty standard but you can minimize delays by having everything ready. One thing that really helped me during the gap period was contacting 211 (just dial 2-1-1) - they connected me with local emergency assistance programs I had no idea existed. My county had a one-time rental assistance program specifically for people transitioning between disability benefits. Also, talk to your bank about hardship programs - many will defer loan payments or waive fees if you explain your situation with documentation. I was able to get my car payment deferred for two months which gave me breathing room. The stress is real but you're asking the right questions early, which puts you way ahead of where I was. You've got this!